CONNECT 

GROUPS 

About Connect Groups

Connect Groups are one of the ways we Love People!  Connect Groups are interest based groups for every member of the family that take place at various places throughout the week.  Groups include activities from bowling to budgeting, from prayer time to playtime with the kids, from motorcycling around DFW to meeting at a neighbor's home for Bible Study.  No matter your interest, there is probably a group for you.

Join a Connect Group

Find a Group

Join a Messaging Group

After you find a Connect Group, select the corresponding messaging group in the app to keep in touch with your group!

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Group Leader Resources

Ingredients for a Successful Group

  1. Pray
  2. Invite New People
  3. Start and End On Time
  4. Welcome People Warmly
  5. Create An Atmosphere for God to Move
  6. Minister to Your Group
  7. Have a Clear Purpose

Group Do's and Don'ts

  • Do plan and communicate with your group in advance
  • Do look for ways to make it easy for people to engage
  • Do encourage group members to pray for each other
  • Don't use group time for lecture style teaching
  • Don't cancel a meeting without letting everyone know
  • Don't worry if you don't have all the answers.  Learn together!

Group Meeting Ideas

  • Set a time to pray over your first meeting.  You could plan to do this with another Group Leader!
  • Put out sticker name tags to help learn each other's names.
  • Provide snacks or order food such as pizza.
  • Play a game that allows everyone to share a little about themselves.
  • Give each person a postcard and ask them to write down one thing they're hoping for with the group.
  • No matter how many people show up, have fun!  It's not about numbers; it's about connecting.

Group Leader Checklist

  • PICK A MEETING PLACE - Determine an appropriate location for your group.  Keep in mind privacy, noise level, and cleanliness.  Don't assume this has to be in your home!  Local restaurants and coffee shops are often excellent neutral locations.
  • SET THE MEETING SCHEDULE - Determine when your group will meet and establish the length of your meetings.  Be sure to update your list of upcoming group meetings in the Calvary Church App so your group members will be aware of upcoming or canceled meetings.
  • DETERMINE YOUR GROUP FOCUS - Some groups focus on activities or common interests while others choose to read through a book of the Bible together or review the Sunday's sermon.  Many groups use published materials to learn and grow.  
  • BE RESPONSIVE - Please respond to people interested in your group within 72 hours.  This communicates value and excellence as you are a representative of Calvary Church.
  • MAKE IT EASY FOR PEOPLE - Think about who you are hoping to reach through your group and identify ways you can show hospitality.  Also think about possible barriers for that particular group of people.
  • PLAN FOR FUN! - Don't forget to plan for fun in your group to help enhance relationships.  Plan an activity at a new location, host a holiday party, celebrate each other's birthdays, or host a game night!
  • TRACK ATTENDANCE - Use the Calvary Church App to report group attendance each time you meet.
  • SHARE YOUR GROUP STORY - We love to hear how God has changed lives through Connect Groups.  Share your story with our Connect Group Leaders!

FAQ'S

How do I start a Connect Group?
Ask God for direction about what group to lead and what type it should be. Then be sure to register your group for that semester online, when it is available. Be sure you complete the steps it takes to become a leader.
How do I invite people to my group?
A personal invitation is the best way to bring people into your group. Social media is another great way to spread the word.
Who should I invite to my group?
Don’t be afraid to invite the people already around you. Group members don’t have to attend Calvary Church.
  • Invite your friends and people you meet at weekend service.
  • Invite people you work with or your workout buddies.
  • Invite parents of children on your child’s sports team.
  • Invite people you volunteer with at church or in the community.
Where can I hold my Connect Group?
We encourage small groups to meet outside the church building in the places where you like to spend your time. Some of the most common meet places are coffee shops.
Does my group have to meet weekly?
We encourage meeting weekly each semester in order to build the relationships but many groups do meet biweekly or bimonthly.
Why do I need to report attendance?
Reporting isn’t numbers; it’s stewardship. It helps us track the engagement level of each person in your group. If someone misses a few group meetings, a need may have arisen in their life. Community is the first step toward healing and growth, and we want everyone to feel connected and supported.
How do I choose a curriculum?
Any Christian-base small group study or you can explore material from the Pentecostal Publishing House. Remember, the goal for your group is to create a safe, welcoming place for people to grow together, no matter the curriculum or activity.
What should I do if someone asks a question I can't answer?
It's okay to not have all the answers. Thankfully we can find guidance through prayer, God's Word and the Holy Spirit. Encourage them to spend time reading the Bible and praying. Also, let them know that you will do your best to get some information and get back with them.
What should I do if someone in my group shares something with me or the group that requires more attention beyond what I can provide?
If you encounter a difficult situation within your small group, please know that you are not alone. If a member is going through a crisis, you can rally the group around them. If you are unsure of what to do, don't hesitate to ask. You can contact one of our Connect Group Leaders or Directors for assistance.