Pre-Meeting & Planning for the Night of Lifegroup

Introduction

Purpose: To give the leader and interns an opportunity to pray for the group, discuss any issues that need to be addressed, and finalize details.

Timing: 60 minutes total - Start one hour before the regular meeting time, or on another night of the week if necessary.

Suggested Format:

1. Personal Check-In (8 minutes)

  • Leader asks how other leaders are doing

  • This can lead to praying for one another

  • Focus on spiritual and personal well-being

2. Worship and Focus (12 minutes)

  • Worship together to help everyone focus on Jesus

  • Prepare hearts for ministry during the Lifegroup time

  • Create unity among the leadership team

3. Group Member Updates & Discipleship Check (12 minutes)

  • Leader asks how people in the group itself are doing

  • Communicate special needs, trials, and successes of the flock

  • Ask about the status of weekly one-on-one meetings

  • Review discipleship relationships

  • Ask who leaders have connected with during the week

  • Note: This is not a gossip session - focus on care and accountability

4. Focused Prayer Time (15 minutes)

  • Pray for individuals by name

  • Pray for the meeting itself

  • Wait on God for anything the Holy Spirit might be highlighting for the night

  • This is the heart of your preparation time

5. Tonight's Meeting Planning (8 minutes)

  • Review the evening's discussion topic and flow

  • Assign roles for tonight (worship leader, discussion facilitator, etc.)

  • Plan transitions between segments

  • Discuss any special needs or situations to address tonight

  • Confirm logistics (refreshments, childcare, etc.)

6. Administrative Planning (2 minutes)

  • Quick discussion of future plans for the life group

  • Plan upcoming fun nights or outreach events

  • Handle other logistics efficiently

Key Reminders:

  • If the pre-meeting is on a different night than the actual Lifegroup, still meet a few minutes early on meeting night to pray together

  • The team leader needs to be prepared for this time

  • This time sets the spiritual tone for the entire meeting

  • Prayer should be the central focus, not just planning