The best way to train your new hosts is to start them in the right direction, then see what happens. That sounds like a risky move to some, but the truth is that most people who volunteer to host have been around the church for a very long time. All they need are a couple of steps in the right direction, and they will be well on their way to group success.

Here is what to include in your Host Briefing:

1. Your Campaign Plan: What are you studying? When will the study start and end? How does the small group study fit with the weekend message series? When do the group members start reading the devotional guide?
2. How to Gather a Group: Have each new host fill in the Circles of Life. The best way to start a group is to leverage existing relationships. Have each host pray over the names on their lists, then invite their friends, neighbors, co-workers and others to join them for the study. You might also make an opportunity for the new hosts to meet prospective group members after a Sunday service. Hosting Lifetogether is a great resource to introduce at this point to help them gather their group and to encourage them along the way. This resource can be used with a group of new hosts or as a self-study tool.
3. How to Run the Meeting: Show them how simple the DVD is to operate. Encourage them to pass around the leadership and have everyone in the group facilitate for at least one lesson. If you don’t make this an option, the group members will do it. Give them some guidelines for how long the meeting should be. Give them some tips on how to clear everyone out before midnight or how to get them to show up on time.
4. What about the Kids? Childcare is always an issue for groups. Don’t let this issue dominate your briefing. Give them some options: (1) Hire a babysitter and split the cost among the group. (2) Rotate the childcare among the group members. (3) Trade childcare with another small group meeting on a different night. (4) Grandparents! (5) Everyone does their own childcare (hardest for new groups). (6) Lock them in the basement (Lifetogether does not officially endorse Option 6. This is only for comic relief. If Option 6 is the most appealing to you, we could recommend a special group for you).
5. You’ve got backup: Introduce them to their coach or small group “buddy” during the briefing. This is simply a more experienced leader who will walk alongside them, answer their questions, pray for them and encourage them. If you are the only one available, then do your best AND get some help!!
6. Send them out. That’s it. It’s a brief briefing. Your new hosts will have questions and issues come up. That is the time to train: just in time. Most training gets ignored, but training in the trenches sticks. Trust us.

For a sample Host Orientation/Briefing Outline and Host Application, please email: allen@lifetogether.com.