Summer in Minnesota presents a unique opportunity and challenge for small groups at Hope. Many people have vacations, weddings, or are just busier in the evenings in general (blame the sun for staying up later than 5 pm!). Groups may utilize many different approaches in dealing with this change. Here are some ways leaders have handled it in the past.
- Keep the same schedule and do what you have done throughout the rest of the year.
- Keep the same schedule and change up what you are doing (i.e. meet outside, have more social events, let other group members try out leading the group or planning an event. This can take a lot of work off of your shoulders). The group can carry on in a different place, doing different things, even in the weeks that you, as the leader, can’t make it.
- Meet less frequently. This model has some risks. If you meet every other week, and someone happens to miss that week, they are unable to see the group for an entire month.
- A model you create. Let us know your ideas.
- If rest is a desire of all, we see the value in that. Please let us know if this is the decision of the group.
Whatever you choose, please try to keep momentum for the fall. It will help your group get on track again in September. If you are planning on making any leadership changes or additions please let us know, even as you are in the midst of decision making. Our staff and your coaches desire to come alongside you in the process.
However you choose to manage summer for your group, please keep us in the loop. It helps the Small Group Staff and your coaches to know where to direct potential new group members.
