How to Grow Groups in a Parish
Imagine a parish as a beautiful stained glass window with each Nazareth group making up a piece of the window. Each person shining through feeling seen, known and loved. My dream is that everyone within a parish would be in a Nazareth group and “Find a Home in the Church” and extend their mission to welcoming others.
Since their group meets once a month it becomes a home and springboard of support as they grow as disciples and as the Holy Spirit works within each person.
Nazareth works great as a pre- or post- Alpha or other in conjunction with other formed parish groups or organizations. Once an Alpha table has formed and bonded over the course of Alpha the “work” put into forming this community can now continue through Nazareth.
Two Ways to Grow More Nazareth Groups
There are two ways to grow groups via a Mission Group or a Sponsored Group. A Mission Group entails a current Nazareth member leading a new group while continuing to attend their home group. This is an ongoing commitment to the new mission group. Sponsoring a group entails a current Nazareth member supporting the start of a new group by following the 4 Start Up Steps, this is a temporary commitment for the Sponsor. Groups can be formed by finding 5-9 interested people or as a follow-up to other parish programs. Consider using the promotional videos available on this website to promote sign-ups during Alpha or other Parish group meetings.
Essential Terms
-
An existing Nazareth group member forms a new Nazareth group as its ongoing leader and continues to meet with their home group.
-
Nazareth group offered to an existing program that has an end date: - Alpha, Rescue, OCIA, Seeking Truth, Women of Grace, Live Lent Together, Lenten mission
Nazareth is offered to an on going program to interject monthly: Knights of Columbus, Choir, Sewing group, Mom’s group, Senior Leadership Team, Bible Study
-
An experienced Nazareth person. One who has been in a group for approximately 6 months. (6X) Sponsor leads only the first meeting in order to model how a meeting is conducted.
Steps to Grow a Mission Group
-Leader is familiar with Nazareth (6 months in a group) and will stay as the Leader of this group.
-Leader reads Nazareth Handbook
-Leader orders the book: The Complete Book of Questions by Garry Poole
-Leader finds 5-9 people to be in a group or takes on a newly formed group that needs a Leader
Lead the first time at a temporary meeting place; at the end, choose a Helper and Home Host, place, day and time to meet (Nazareth meets once a month)
-Bring the Cheat Sheet and one of the upcoming Sunday Scripture readings printed out
Leader meets with the Helper and Home Host and reads and discusses the Nazareth Handbook. Include time for questions.
-Anyone can submit questions and get help from the Nazareth team by filling out a sign-up sheet on the website or e-mailing mary@nazarethgroups.com.
Leader checks with Helper and Home Host to see how it’s going for them. Leader can get help and support from their Home Nazareth group’s Leader.
-Leader of a mission group stays with their original Nazareth Home group as a Guest-
Steps to Grow a Sponsored Group
Sponsor leads the first gathering: group chooses a Leader, Helper, and Home Host; day, time and address of next gathering
Sponsor, Leader, Helper and Home Host meet in person or on Zoom to conduct a leaders’ training for the Leader, Helper, and Home Host
Sponsor attends meeting which is lead by the new Leader as a “Mouse in the Corner”; gives feedback to new leader privately
Sponsor follows up with new Leader, Helper and Home Host to see how they are doing: lends encouragement, support: responds to questions; in person or phone call
Ideas for Further Growth
Nazareth Core Team: 2-7 people who volunteer to meet monthly to organize Nazareth
Volunteer List: A group of guests who are willing to help out as needed
Create a Nazareth Flocknote
Invite through the parish e-mail ex. Events and News
Invite through the bulletin
Promote Nazareth on the Kiosk in the narthex
Invite to the Nazareth Come and See through the diocesan Events Calendar
Promotional Events
Nazareth Weekend: An annual weekend at the parish. At the end of each Mass, a Nazareth member gives a very short testimony of their Nazareth experience (or the 4 minute video is shown) and invites others to sign up. Sign up tables are in the narthex and at doors.
Come and See Evening: An invitation to a complimentary meal and to have an experience of a Nazareth group; parish Fellowship Hall. A great time to offer a Come and See evening is shortly after Alpha, parish mission or a bible study ends. Also, it can be offered shortly after the parish Nazareth Weekend ends.
Leadership Thank You Party: An annual event; time for meeting others in Nazareth leadership positions; sharing of positive and difficult aspects of leading, fun, food
Christmas Celebration: All Nazareth in the parish are invited; they can meet others in Nazareth: Christmas carols are sung, appetizers and desserts (pot luck) and door prizes