ReGroup FAQ Blog

Recently, I did a number of breakouts at the Group Life Conference where I was asked some questions about the ReGroup™ resource. There were a few questions that were asked repeatedly and I thought it might be helpful to post them so that you could see the questions and the answers that we gave; I hope this is helpful, and if you have other suggestions as to how to handle these issues, we’d love to hear from you!

Wendy Seidman
Executive Director, Content Development & Training
Willow Creek Association

I see the need for this, but when we’re rolling this resource out to our small groups, how do I explain it to them?

The idea behind ReGroup™ started around five to seven years ago in which Bill Donahue and others were asked to provide training tools that would help Point Leaders equip their small group leaders. The need seemed to be that Point Leaders did not have the time — and in some cases the experience — to create/design training skills sessions. What they wanted and needed was good quality training that they could use themselves when training with leaders or that their leaders could use on their own with their groups.

So when we created ReGroup™, we were thinking that this resource is a part of that “training library” that people were looking for. This is not about groups feeling like they’re “bad” groups or failing; it’s about creating a closer connectedness with members of the group and helping each other grow spiritually in, hopefully, a more effective way.

What if my group members don’t feel like they need this?

Now, this question came from leaders, but it was driven home when a friend of mine said, “Wendy, two of us were so excited about ReGroup™ —and our group really needs this badly — but our group said they didn’t think they needed it!” Well, I was shocked! I couldn’t believe that groups wouldn’t use this. (I’m so naive!) But this one issue could keep groups from using ReGroup™, so I came up with a brilliant answer to this problem by lateraling it to our Small Groups expert, Bill Donahue:

“It is the practice of every good team or group to review the core values and practices it is using on a regular basis. Sports teams do this each season, churches do this each year, and individuals look at their lives every January to rethink goals, objectives, and dreams for life. We even do this with our cars. Think of why your car needs an alignment or a tire rotation. These are ways to make sure the car stays in balance. It does not mean the car is not working or that it is bad. Good cars need alignment and maintenance checks so that they keep “healthy” just like our bodies need blood tests and essential evaluations to maintain health.

It is only natural for every healthy organism to get a checkup (and thus, “re”group not just “group”) and re-evaluate where to go, how to go, how to get there, and identify what new skills can be learned moving forward. So, if you are a healthy group and want to stay that way, use ReGroup™ as your annual EKG to ensure that healthy practices and habits are working. For new groups it is a great orientation and launching tool. For existing groups it is an alignment and focusing tool, a way to refine purposes, and reposition your team for optimal success.”

Can I use ReGroup™ to train my leaders?

Absolutely. Even though it’s designed for groups to train themselves, this resource can be used in a number of different ways. One leader told me that he was going to roll out ReGroup™ by first training his leaders — answering any questions they might have — before the leaders rolled it out to their groups.

What are recommended curricula for week 5 and beyond?

For newer groups we recommend the Pursuing Spiritual Transformation Series by John Ortberg, Laurie Pederson, and Judson Poling or the Jesus 101: Study Series by Bill Donahue. Find out more about these and other resources at willowcreek.com/resources or call the Group Life Concierge at 800-570-9812.