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.
- When you examine your life honestly, where do your actions align with your words about following Jesus—and where do they not? What might God be inviting you to surrender more fully?
- The message emphasized that obedience is the true measure of our love for Jesus. What is one area where you know what Jesus is asking of you, but obedience has felt costly or uncomfortable?
- Have you ever found yourself waiting for “better conditions” before fully serving Jesus or stepping into His mission? What fears, distractions, or assumptions might be holding you back?
- How aware are you of the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance in your daily life? What would it look like for you to rely less on your own strength and more on the Spirit’s power this season?
- Practice for this week:
Choose one specific act of obedience that you’ve been delaying—something you already sense Jesus has asked of you. Commit to practicing it intentionally this week. Each day, begin with a simple prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide you, empower you, and keep your heart anchored in Christ’s nearness as you live it out.
- When you think about the phrase “We owed, but God paid,” what stands out most to you personally? How does remembering the depth of what God forgave shape the way you see grace?
- Is there an area of your life where you have received grace from God but struggle to extend it to others? What emotions or experiences make forgiveness difficult for you right now?
- In Matthew 18, the forgiven servant refuses to forgive a smaller debt. What might “small debts” look like in your own relationships, and how do they affect your heart over time?
- Jesus connects forgiveness with prayer, freedom, and closeness with God. How might unforgiveness be quietly impacting your peace, joy, or growth?
- Practice for this week: Identify one person or situation where you have been holding onto offense. Each day this week, intentionally pray for that person by name, asking God to help you release the debt you are holding. Write down what you notice God changing in your heart as you practice forgiveness, not just once, but consistently.