What's the agenda for a typical small group meeting and what's the goal for each component?

<aside> 📣 For guidance on how to lead the first meeting of each season, see:Make Your First Meeting Great.

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Arrival Time (15 minutes)

This is the time noted on your small group covenant as the time at which people will be arriving. These 15 minutes should begin at the start time listed for your small group. For example, if your listed start time is 7 pm, your covenant might read, "We will arrive between 7:00 and 7:10, and begin the meeting at 7:15."

Opening Time (10 minutes)

Goal: Connect with one another and with the Lord.

• Gather the group and welcome
• Announcements
• Get-to-know-you questions
• Praise reports
• Worship (optional)
• Opening prayer

Discussion Time (30 minutes)

Goal: Discuss how the passage from Sunday's sermon applies to life.

• Discussion-based learning
• Preparation is important for maximum impact
• Remember, the small group leader is not a teacher. His main task is to facilitate a discussion focused on application of biblical truth to life.

Breakout Time (40 minutes)

Goal: Mutual ministry through accountability, encouragement, and prayer.

• This is a key element to an effective small group