Fall

2014

H
T
W
O
GR
P
U
O
R
G
R
E
D
LEA
G
N
I
N
I
A
TR

www.JourneyNYC.com/GGLeaders

Fall 2014 Growth Group Important Dates

Sunday, August 31, 2014 - Growth Group Sign Ups Begin
Sunday, September 28, 2014 - Kick-o of I Quit! Teaching Series
Week of Monday, September 29, 2014 - Fall 2014 Growth Groups Begin
Week of October 20, 2014 (Mon., Oct. 20 - Sat., Oct. 25) - GG SE Week
Tuesday, November 11, 2014 - Baptism & Worship Night
Week of Monday, December 16, 2014 - Last week of GGs (Party Week)

Journey Mission Statement

The Journey exists to give the people of the Metro New York the best
opportunity to become fully developing followers of Jesus.
!

People cannot grow in __________________.

As The Journey grows __________________

we must also grow _________ at the same time.

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the
Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all
the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And
each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.
Acts 2:46-47

What Makes The Journey Church Distinct:

1. We Teach for ______________________________________.

2. We Believe Every Member is a _______________________.

3. We Have a Relentless Focus on ______________________.

4. We are a Church of _________________________________.

We are a church __________ Growth Groups, not a church
___________ Growth Groups.

Why Do Growth Groups Matter?

A. It allows for greater ________________________________________.
Dear brothers and sisters, we always thank God for you, as is right, for we
are thankful that your faith is flourishing and you are all growing in love for
each other. - 1 Thessalonians 1:3

B. It gets _________________________________________ into groups.

They...met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with
great joy and generosity - all the while praising God and enjoying the
goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group
those who were being saved. - Acts 2:46-47

C. It creates new opportunities to make _________________________.

As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. - Proverbs 27:17

D. It leads to long-term _______________________________________.

Under Gods direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each
part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the
whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. - Ephesians 4:16

The Journey Fall 2014 Growth Groups

Growth Group Responsibilities
WHAT DOES MY GROWTH GROUP DO?
"

Meets together once a week

"

Serves together once a month

"

Reaches out together once a semester

"

Plays together once a semester

WHAT DOES A GROWTH GROUP LEADER DO?

"

Prays for group members once a day

"

Leads the group once a week

"

Meets with Team Leader in a Growth Group Huddle at least once a semester

"

Forms new groups from their current group once a semester

WHAT DOES A GROWTH GROUP COORDINATOR DO?

"

Prepares to become a Growth Group Leader by serving as an apprentice who

supports and assists the Group Leader

"

Facilitates group discussion multiple times during the semester

"

Prays for the group

Each week the Coordinator sends 2 emails to the group:
1. Record prayer requests and email them to everyone in the group
2. Send an attendance reminder email to everyone in the group each week
two days before the group is to meet (and before group events)

Four Fs of Leading a Growth Group

1. F __________________
Who can I invite to be a part of my Growth Group?
People in previous Growth Groups
People I meet on Sunday
People I meet when I'm serving
People I meet at a Play Group

How do I tell people about my Growth Group?

Serve at the GG Table on Sundays and hold a poster at the end of a service.
Email/call/text anyone I know to invite them to my group.
Post about my Growth Group on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

What are other ways my group can fill up and be successful?

People select a group because of location, day, time and topic (in that order)
Secure a GG Coordinator for your Group
List 4 people you can invite to join your Growth Group:
1.

3.

2.

4.

*Challenge: ____________________________________

2. F __________________
How do people sign up for my Growth group?
Sunday Sign Ups from the services and the GG Info Table are sent
to you on Mondays
Online Sign Ups: you receive an automatic email

Three types of communication.

1. __________________
As soon as someone signs up, email them all the details for your
Growth Group.
Within a few days of someone signing up, call them to introduce
myself and try to meet them on Sunday.
2. __________________
Email your Group each week leading up to the First Meeting
Email the day before the First Meeting.
Call your Group Members the week of your First Meeting
3. __________________
2 Weekly Emails
# Prayer Request
# Meeting Reminder

*Challenge: ____________________________________

3. F __________________
How can I prepare for my FIRST Growth Group Meeting?
Pray for your group and the individuals who sign up.
o When someone signs up, immediately add them to your
growth group list (keep an excel file with everyones contact
information).
o Keep a 3 x 5 index card with the names of everyone who
signs up for your Growth Group.
o Place this index card in a place that you will see every day
so you can pray for your Growth Group Members.

Prepare for your first meeting & have a place for your group
to meet.
o Secure a meeting location NOW and let everyone know
about it immediately.
o Think through your itinerary (1st Group Meeting Itinerary).
o Share the Syllabus with your Group (before the first meeting
by email and at the first meeting).
Commit to lead your group through the GG Covenant &
Syllabus
o GG Covenant

*Challenge: ____________________________________

10

4. F__________________
How can I lead a successful Growth Group EVERY TIME we meet?
Begin and end on time, every time.
Encourage everyone to participate in discussion:
Ping Pong Ball.

Pinball Machine...

Dont let one person ruin it for everyone else.

Ask open-ended questions.
Provide the 2 Cs: Care to GG Members & Communication to
Staff.
Serve at a Sunday service once a month this semester.
Participate in one Growth Group SE Project this semester.
My Growth Group WINS when together we apply eternal biblical principles to
our lives and pray for one another.

*Challenge: ____________________________________
11

Four Fs Checklist:
FILL-UP CHECK LIST:
__ Secure a Coordinator for your Growth Group.
__ Serve at the GG Info Table and ask people on Sunday to join my group.
__ Invite friends, neighbors and co-workers to join my group.
FOLLOW-UP CHECK LIST:
__ Email every person who signs up for my group immediately with all of the
information: day/time/location, start date, syllabus, contact info, etc.
__ Call everyone who signs up for my group within a few days of them signing up to
introduce myself.
__ Send an email reminder each week leading up to my first meeting.
__ Send an email reminder the day before the first meeting.
__ Call my group members the week of my first meeting to remind them of the first
meeting.
__ Follow up with those who dont show up for Growth Group at least 2 weeks into
the group (dont remove their name from the list unless they request it).
FOCUS CHECK LIST:
__ Pray daily for those who have signed up for my group.
__ Secure a place for my group to meet.
__ Have the Syllabus and GG Covenant ready at the 1st group meeting.
FACILITATE CHECK LIST:
__ Send two weekly emails to my Growth Group: Prayer Requests (day after group
meets) and Group Reminder Email (day before next group meeting).
__ Write down my groups Service and SE dates and communicate those dates to
my group. Be faithful in leading my group to serve.
__ Continually identify potential leaders from my group and give them the
opportunity to serve/lead within my group.
12

Fall 2014 Serving Schedule

Manhattan Groups:
Group Leaders
Shaun A.
Johanna/Ertugert
Joanna/Tresha
Yasmeen
Cheryline
Monique B.
Nate/Candace
Nicole/Kevin
Tyler/Corrina/Patrick
Wayne
Tiani B.
Lynn/Christina
Kristen
Megan/Anish
April/Annabell

Manhattan Groups:
Group Leaders
Ravi
Carie/Jessika
Arlene/Amber
Alyssa/Ariane
Amber
Josh/Cal
Michele/Cindy
Elizabeth/Stephanie/
Chris
Brionna/Samantha
Laura/Michelle
Rachel H.
Leanna K.
Rocky/Abigail
Janelle/Elizabeth
Courtney/Caroline

Manhattan Groups:
Group Leaders
Connie
Bonnie/Doris
Arlene/Adeline
Tre/Jackie
Cristina/David
Monique/Hillary/
Cynthia
Amora
Jeremy C.
Dawn H.
Dan/Jeannie
Tara B.

Service
10:00am
10:00am
10:00am
11:30am
11:30am
11:30am
1:00pm
1:00pm
1:00pm
2:30pm
2:30pm
2:30pm
6:30pm
6:30pm
6:30pm

Date #1
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014

Date #2
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014

Date #3
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014
Nov 30, 2014

Service
10:00am
10:00am
10:00am
11:30am
11:30am
11:30am
1:00pm

Date #1
Oct 12, 2014
Oct 12, 2014
Oct 12, 2014
Oct 12, 2014
Oct 12, 2014
Oct 12, 2014
Oct 12, 2014

Date #2
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014

Date #3
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014

1:00pm
1:00pm
2:30pm
2:30pm
2:30pm
6:30pm
6:30pm
6:30pm

Oct 12, 2014

Oct 12, 2014
Oct 12, 2014
Oct 12, 2014
Oct 12, 2014
Oct 12, 2014
Oct 12, 2014
Oct 12, 2014

Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014

Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014

Service
10:00am
10:00am
10:00am
11:30am
11:30am

Date #1
Oct 19, 2014
Oct 19, 2014
Oct 19, 2014
Oct 19, 2014
Oct 19, 2014

Date #2
Nov 16, 2014
Nov 16, 2014
Nov 16, 2014
Nov 16, 2014
Nov 16, 2014

Date #3
Dec 14, 2014
Dec 14, 2014
Dec 14, 2014
Dec 14, 2014
Dec 14, 2014

11:30am
1:00pm
1:00pm
1:00pm
2:30pm
2:30pm

Oct 19, 2014

Oct 19, 2014
Oct 19, 2014
Oct 19, 2014
Oct 19, 2014
Oct 19, 2014

Nov 16, 2014

Nov 16, 2014
Nov 16, 2014
Nov 16, 2014
Nov 16, 2014
Nov 16, 2014

Dec 14, 2014

Dec 14, 2014
Dec 14, 2014
Dec 14, 2014
Dec 14, 2014
Dec 14, 2014

13

Monica/Ashley
Liz/Matt
Anthony M.
Aniella/Aileena
Renita/TJ

2:30pm
6:30pm
6:30pm
6:30pm
6:30pm

Oct 19, 2014

Oct 19, 2014
Oct 19, 2014
Oct 19, 2014
Oct 19, 2014

Nov 16, 2014

Nov 16, 2014
Nov 16, 2014
Nov 16, 2014
Nov 16, 2014

Dec 14, 2014

Dec 14, 2014
Dec 14, 2014
Dec 14, 2014
Dec 14, 2014

Manhattan Groups:
Group Leaders
Kerrick
Alyssa/Caitlyn/Brooke
Reid L.
Anita
Alex/Tasha
Liz T.
Anna
Rose
Susan H.
Al L.
George/Cindy
Elizabeth/Bethany
Laura C.
Isaiah
Eric/Will
Jillian/Danna

Service
10:00am
10:00am
10:00am
11:30am
11:30am
11:30am
1:00pm
1:00pm
1:00pm
1:00pm
2:30pm
2:30pm
2:30pm
6:30pm
6:30pm
6:30pm

Date #1
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014

Date #2
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014

Date #3
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014

Service

Date #1

Date #2

Date #3

10:00am
11:30am
10:00am
11:30am
10:00am
10:00am

Oct 5, 2014
Oct 5, 2014
Oct 12, 2014
Oct 12, 2014
Oct 19, 2014
Oct 19, 2014

Nov 2, 2014
Nov 2, 2014
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 9, 2014
Nov 16, 2014
Nov 16, 2014

Nov 30, 2014

Nov 30, 2014
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 7, 2014
Dec 14, 2014
Dec 14, 2014

11:30am
10:00am
11:30am
11:30am

Oct 19, 2014

Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014
Oct 26, 2014

Nov 16, 2014

Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014
Nov 23, 2014

Dec 14, 2014

Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014
Dec 21, 2014

Queens Groups:
Group Leaders
Chelsie/Yomaly/
Suleidy
Martha/Ed
Charles/Mike
Grace/Rob
Vinny/Lacy
Danielle/Laura
Melanie/Marc/
Christina
Nazia/Janella
Johanna/Pedro
Fumi

14

Fall 2014 Servant Evangelism Schedule

Monday, October 20 - 7:00pm
Union Square - 15th St (American Eagle)
Liz R.
Amora M.
Rocky/Abigail
Eric/Will
Tiffani B.
Reid L.

Tuesday, October 21 - 7:00pm

Verdi Square - 72nd St.
Wayne A.
Alyssa/Ariane
Kerrick T.
Arlene/Amber
Cristina/David
Annabell/April
Alex/Tasha
Susan H.
Al L.
Anthony M.
Liz T.

Tuesday, October 21 - 7:00pm

Union Square - 15th St (American Eagle)
Tre/Jackie
Laura/Michelle
Connie C.
Alyssa/Brooke/Caitlyn
Joanna/Tresha
Cynthia/Hillary/Monique
Jeremy C.
Courtney/Caroline

Tuesday, October 21 - 7:00pm

Queens- 71st and Queens BLVD
Marc/Christina/Melanie
Pedro/Johanna
Nazia/Janella
Vinny/Lacy
Grace/Rob
Mike/Charles

Wednesday, October 22 - 7:00pm

Verdi Square - 72nd St.
George/Cindy
Anna P.
Shaun A.
Rose W.
15

Arlene/Adeline
Elizabeth/Janelle
Leanna K.

Tyler/Corrina/Patrick
Bethany/Elizabeth
Ashley/Monica

Wednesday, October 22 - 7:00pm

Union Square - 15th St (American Eagle)
Anita
Nate/Candace
Kristen G.
Carie/Jessika
Isaiah P.
Johanna/Ertugert
Megan/Anish
Aniella/Aileena
Brionna/Sam
Calvin/Josh
Christina/Lynn
Jose R.

Wednesday, October 22 - 7:00pm

Queens- 71st and Queens BLVD
Danielle/Laura
Chelsie/Yomaly/Suleidy
Martha/Ed

Thursday, October 23 - 7:00pm

Verdi Square - 72nd St.
Dan/Jeannie
Cheryline P.
Danna/Jillian
Tara B.
Rachel H.
Dawn H.
Renita/TJ
Saturday, October 25 - 12:00pm
Verdi Square - 72nd St.
Yasmeen P.
Kevin/Nicole
Michele/Cindy
Bonnie/Doris
Amber S.
Monique B.
Saturday, October 25 - 12:00pm
Queens - 71st and Queens BLVD
Fumi

16

The Journey
Fall 2014 Growth Groups
Itinerary for your 1st Growth Group Meeting
1. First 15 Minutes: Allow people to arrive, talk, and snack 15 min.
2. Introductions: Have everyone introduce themselves and share what they do,
where they are from, and why they decided to join the group 10 min.
3. Ice Breakers (See some favorite ideas below):
a. Two Truths and a Lie: Have everyone tell 3 things about themselves (2
being true and 1 being false). Have everyone else try to guess which one
is false.
b. A Penny for Your Thoughts: Bring a small bag of pennies from a variety of
years to growth group. Everyone takes a penny as they pass the bag
around, and they share a fond memory from the year that they chose.
Have members put their penny back if they choose a year that they didnt
live through. If you dont have many pennies, any other coins will do.
c. Little Known Facts: Ask each person in the group to think of two
interesting, unusual, or humorous facts about themselves that no one else
would know. Everyone takes a turn sharing their little known facts with
the group. Be prepared for some wacky revelations!
d. The Name Game: Tell the story behind your name are you named after
someone, does your name mean something special, etc.
4. Introduce Your Book: Hand out GG syllabus, bookmarks and any other
important information. Answer any questions 5-10 minutes.
5. Growth Group Covenant: Read through the Growth Group Covenant carefully
with the group. Explain the points as you read each one. Answer any questions.
If anyone tries to be difficult and disagreeable, offer to talk with them
individually at the end of the meeting 5-15 min.
6. Explain and ask for volunteers for the different roles within the group:
Play Coordinator, Food Coordinator, etc. 5 minutes.
7. Share prayer requests and pray together 10 minutes.
8. Talk and eat 15 minutes.

17

The Journey Fall 2014 Growth Group Covenant

Welcome to your Fall 2014 Growth Group at The Journey. Congratulations on
your desire to grow deeper in your relationship with God through this weekly
study and the relationships that will begin in this Growth Group.
As a member of this group, you will be asked to enter into a covenant with the
other members to make this Growth Group a priority. To be a part of the group,
you are asked to make the following commitments:
1) I will make this group a priority by attending each week, keeping up with
my assignments and participating in group discussion.
2) I will regularly attend The Journey services and contribute to the ministry
of the church through my attendance, giving, service and inviting of
others.
3) I will strive to build authentic relationships with those in this group by
showing care, providing encouragement and praying for their needs.
4) I will intentionally share my faith with those around me by reaching out to
lost and unchurched friends by praying, giving a verbal witness, and
inviting them to The Journey.
5) I will serve together with my group once a month during the semester and
will participate in a Servant Evangelism Project and play together with my
group at least once.
6) I will explore honestly my next steps for spiritual growth.

________________________________
Name

_______________
Date

18

The Journey Fall 2014

Growth Group Leader/Coordinator Covenant
Thank you for serving as a Growth Group Leader/Coordinator at The Journey. As
a Growth Group Leader/Coordinator you will be viewed by those in your group as
a leader in the church. As a result, we ask that you enter into covenant with the
other Growth Group Leaders/Coordinators by making the following
commitments:
1) I will embody and reflect the values and principles of The Journey and will
follow the leadership of the Staff Team.
2) I will faithfully attend The Journey on Sundays and:
Participate in the church by becoming a member and giving in a
measurable way.
Lead my group in serving together once a month.
3) I will

make my Growth Group a priority by:

Faithfully attending my Growth Group.
Preparing beforehand for my group each week.
Inviting/welcoming others to join my group.
Identifying New Leaders in my Growth Group.

4) I understand that I am responsible for the care of my Growth Group.

As a result, I will:
Pray for the individuals in my group.
Follow up with each person in my group.
Lead my group in providing care for one another.
5) I will

strive to create an environment of growth in my group by:

Involving as many people as possible in group discussion.
Creating a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment.
Beginning and ending on time.

6) I will intentionally share my faith with those around me by:

Reaching out to lost and unchurched friends and inviting them to
The Journey.
Encouraging my Growth Group Members to reach out to lost and
unchurched friends and inviting them to The Journey.
__________________________________
Name

_______________
Date

19

Fall 2014 GG Syllabus - God In The Marketplace

Welcome to our Fall 2014 Growth Group! Our group will meet every week beginning the
week of September 29 and concluding the week of December 15. Our Group will read
Henry and Richard Blackabys book God in the Marketplace.
This book is written in short, easy-to-read, devotional chapters. So each day, MondayFriday, you will read just one chapter (e.g. on Monday, September 29 you will read
Chapter 1, then on Tuesday, September 30 you will read Chapter 2). Be sure to pick up
your FREE copy of the book at any Journey service on Sunday, September 28.
Leader #1, Email, Phone

Leader #2, Email, Phone

GG Week #1: Week of September 29 - Introductions & GG Covenant, Chapters 1-5

GG Week #2: Week of October 6 - Chapters 6-10
GG Week #3: Week of October 13 - Chapters 11-15
GG Week #4: Week of October 20 - **GG SE Night** Chapters 16-20
GG Week #5: Week of October 27 - Chapters 21-25
GG Week #6: Week of November 3 - Chapters 26-30
GG Week #7: Week of November 10 - Chapters 31-35
GG Week #8: Week of November 17 - Chapters 36-40
GG Week #9: Week of November 24 - Thanksgiving Holiday NO GG Chapters 41-45
GG Week #10: Week of December 1 - Upside-Down Christmas Week 1
GG Week #11: Week of December 8 - Upside-Down Christmas Week 2
GG Week #12: Week of December 15 - Growth Group Hangout!

Serving-on-Sunday Dates: __________

____________

___________

SERVANT EVANGELISM DATE:

GG HANGOUT DATE:

___________________________

_________________________

20

21