We are excited that you feel called to lead a HOME Connect Group!
Connect Group Leaders are highly valued at Ringgold. Not only do these leaders help build the Ringgold Community, but they help bring people closer to Christ! As a Connect Group Leader, you will work alongside of our Pastors to lead our incredible church family!
A few things you should know before signing up:
As a leadership team, we believe Home Connect Groups are the future of Connect Groups at Ringgold Church. Leaving our church building and into homes creates a warm, safe, inviting environment where people feel more comfortable to open up, share their struggles, build relationships, and grow deeper into their faith. As a result, our church members will build community and trust one another like never before.
Home Connect Groups are launching January 2020.
FAQ’s:
Will I have to create my own study?
No, the core study for all Home Connect Groups will be The Message Connect. The Message Connect is a devotion that goes deeper into Sunday morning's message, intentionally connecting it to our lives throughout the week. Through a 15-20 minute video and discussion guide, we challenge everyone to go deeper in their faith because we believe growing people change for God’s glory.
Can my Connect Group be themed?
Absolutely! You can have “Girls Night Out,” “Wings with the Dudes,” “Couple’s Connect,” “Family Night” etc. etc. etc.
Can we do our own study?
The only studies we will be using for Home Connect Groups will be The Message Connect. Why? This takes a lot of stress off of YOU planning for your group, and US maintaining all the different groups. The Message Connect is all about taking our church deeper into the current study. However, you can go deeper with The Message Connect and add your own questions.
Why not stay at Ringgold for Connect Groups?
By opening up Home Connect groups, we are intentionally expanding our footprint into the various different communities Ringgold Church represents (Hagerstown, Smithsburg, Waynesboro, Boonsboro, Greencastle, Williamsport, Fredrick, Chambersburg, etc.). Driving ALL the way out to Ringgold multiple times a week can be taxing for many families. By creating Home Connect Groups, we are making it easier for people to be a part of the Ringgold Church Family.
But I don’t have all the answers, what if I don’t know how to help or respond to someone?
We cannot say this enough… You are NOT expected to be a preacher during your Connect Group — you are a group facilitator building community and helping draw people closer to God. If someone ask questions you don’t know the answer to, you can simply say… “honestly, I don’t know the answer to that question… but I can reach out to our church leadership for answers!”
How long is a Home Connect Group and how is it structured?
An average Home Connect group last 1.5-2 hours.
First 10-15 minutes - Icebreaker (we will provide icebreakers for groups to choose from)
Next 10-15 minutes - Mingle, have coffee/snacks/dessert (you can great a snack rotation with group members).
Next 20 minutes - Watch The Message Connect video for the week.
Next 30-45 minutes - Dive into the Message Connect Discussion Guide
Last 10 minutes - Prayer
How many week is a Home Connect Group?
6-8 weeks. The last week of the class should be a celebration - do a group meal (pot luck style is always great).
What day of the week does it have to be on?
Whatever day of the week best fits your schedule, but it needs to be consistent week to week.
How many people will be in my group?
No more than 10 people
What ages are allow to attend Home Groups?
Home groups are for those 18+. However, if you have kids, you can make your Home group kid-friendly — kids can play in another room while parents have their home group going on.