Planting a New Group Timeline

Follow this structured timeline to prepare your group for successful planting a new group. The 5-week preparation schedule ensures members are ready and new groups launch strong.

Pre-Timeline Preparation:

  • Before anything else: Talk it through with your section leader (pastoral covering) to get approval and support

  • Cast vision in your Lifegroup: If people don't have vision for multiplication, the process will be very difficult. Help them own the process and get excited about reaching more people

5-Week Planting Timeline:

Week 1 - Launch the Vision (5 weeks before planting a new group):

  • Set a specific plant date

  • Announce the date to your entire group

  • Begin consistently casting vision for planting a new group

  • Explain the why behind planting:

    • We are called to multiply the life of God

    • Multiplication makes room for new people

    • Creates opportunity for deeper relationships

    • Enables more effective pastoral care

    • Allows people to serve in their different giftings

Weeks 2-3 - Build Momentum:

  • Continue vision casting at every meeting

  • Discuss planting regularly in positive terms

  • Allow emerging leaders to practice leading meetings

  • Address any concerns with grace

  • Keep focus on the opportunity to reach more people

Week 4 - Leadership Announcement (2 weeks before planting):

  • Announce the new leadership teams to the group

  • Present leaders with excitement and confidence

  • Ask everyone to pray about which group they will join

  • Give people time to process and seek God's direction

  • Continue positive vision casting

Week 5 - Final Preparation (1 week before planting):

  • Spend significant time casting vision and describing the process

  • Have members write down which group they plan to attend

  • Review what they turn in to ensure new Lifegroups will be balanced

  • Address any final concerns or questions

  • Build excitement for multiplication celebration

Planting Week - The Big Event:

  • Have a party for planting night! This should be celebrated as a sign of healthy life

  • Reflect on and celebrate what God has done in your group

  • Give BIG vision for Lifegroups and planting

  • Multiply! New groups can gather separately to pray and prophesy over each other

  • Take pictures and celebrate the milestone

Post-Launch:

  • Communicate with your zone pastor: new leaders, contact info, and meeting times

  • Check in with new leaders regularly for first month

  • Celebrate reports of how new groups are doing