Connect Group
Leader Guide
Leading a Connect Group at Foundations Church is an incredible opportunity to help people grow in faith and build authentic community. With that privilege comes a responsibility to lead with integrity, stay rooted in God’s Word, and model the heart of Christ in every conversation and gathering. These guidelines outline the expectations we hold for all our leaders—not as rules to limit you, but as guardrails to help you lead well, create safe and life-giving environments, and stay unified as we point people to Jesus together.
1. Representing Foundations Church
As a Connect Group leader, you represent Foundations Church (FC).
- Biblical Alignment: Please read and support our FC Beliefs – foundationschurch.tv/about.
- Teaching Foundation: All teaching, study, and discussion should adhere to these Biblical beliefs. We lead from God’s Word, not personal opinions.
- Avoiding Personal Opinions: Refrain from sharing personal views on religion, politics, or other divisive topics.
- Redirecting Discussions: If someone in your group over-shares inappropriate opinions, kindly redirect them back to Scripture.
- Handling Ongoing Issues: If problems continue, speak privately with the person or reach out to Casey Graves for support.
When choosing study content, ensure it is Biblically sound and aligns with FC’s beliefs.
2. Committing to the Process
Starting a group can take time to grow.
- Timeframe: Commit to leading for at least 6 months to establish your group.
- Attendance: It’s normal to have just 1–2 attendees or inconsistent attendance early on. Stay faithful—it grows over time.
- Promotion: We can help promote your group, but the best growth strategy is personal invitation.
- Responsiveness: Always respond promptly to people requesting information about your group.
3. Respecting People’s Time
Consistency builds trust and commitment.
- Start and End on Time: Honor people’s schedules by beginning and finishing when planned.
- Avoid Cancellations: Only reschedule or cancel for sickness or emergencies.
- Stay Consistent: Regular meeting times and consistent studies help your group remain strong and committed.
4. Creating a Healthy Group Environment
Our goal is to build community and help people grow closer to Christ.
- Atmosphere: Groups should be encouraging, uplifting, and Christ-centered.
- Prohibited Behaviors: No alcohol/drug use, gossip, or anything that may harm someone’s spiritual walk.
- Conflict Handling: Address issues privately with the individual or ask us for help.
- Caring for One Another:
- Pray for each other regularly.
- Reach out when someone is in need.
- Celebrate life events (e.g., baby showers, hospital visits).
- Provide meals during times of sickness or new babies.
Let’s grow together and demonstrate Christ’s love by caring deeply for each other.
Where in your life are you currently carrying something you didn’t plan for or expect?
How have you been handling that weight — on your own strength or by bringing it to Jesus?
When life feels heavy, do you tend to isolate or lean into God and community?
What is one step you can take this week to stay “plugged in” instead of pulling away?
What bitterness, discouragement, or disappointment has been shaping your perspective?
How might your outlook change if you truly believed, “God remains the strength of my heart” (Psalm 73:26)?
Where do you need God to turn weakness into strength and despair into hope?
What would trusting Him practically look like in that area — today, not someday?