Meeting for MAIN EVENT Small Group
Leaders
(to be held on each campus before arriving at
MAIN EVENT)
Note: Please be sure that all MAIN
EVENT small group leaders receive assistance and direction prior to
arriving at the retreat. It is suggested that you bring all small
group leaders together for a formal meeting. With that in mind, here
are some key thoughts and suggestions on the structure and content
of that meeting. For those unable to attend, make other arrangements
to see that they are prepared to lead their Friday evening small group.
The only small group leaders meeting at MAIN
EVENT will be on Saturday morning.
• Intros- Have each person share their name
and a little about themselves. Make this appropriate for your campus.
If students know each other well, you may have them share how they
have seen God work in previous years at the MAIN EVENT or a goal they
have for MAIN EVENT this year.
• Devotional/Sharing, Isaiah 55:11, “So shall my
word be that goes forth from my mouth, it will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish that which I purpose and prosper in the thing
for which I sent it.”
- Share that this is a promise, from God, we are believing
for this retreat.
- We will trust that as His Word goes forth at the MAIN EVENT,
it will accomplish the purposes He desires.
• The purpose of the MAIN EVENT is
“To bring students face-to face with Jesus Christ”.
• Hand out the leader's packets, which include
the small group experiences.
• Model the Friday night small group experience.
Be sure to emphasize the need to:
a) Be flexible to the needs of your group. The small
group questions are merely a guide to facilitate discussion.
b) Have the leader model each answer. It is important that the
leader share first during the initial small group time. This will
give students a more clear idea of what their leader is expecting.
Then, simply go around the group to the right or left asking each
person to answer when it is their turn.
• Emphasize the role of the small group leader
is to be on the FRONT LINES of Ministry . Be enthusiastic,
have fun and be sensitive to the needs of your group. The small group
leader is the one responsible for praying for and caring for the needs
of individuals in their group and for taking care of any problems
that arise. If there is a challenge they need help with, they should
first go to their campus leaders and if necessary to the leaders of
the MAIN EVENT.
• Saturday evening meal in the homes of families
in the Cedar Falls area-
This has been one of the most exciting parts of the
retreat and this year over 150 families will be involved. Attendance
is not optional! Please find out in your small group if
anyone won't be able to attend the supper. Make sure you have enough
cars and drivers for your campus. You are responsible
to get your small group to and from your host homes for supper. Maps
to each home will be handed out on Saturday, just prior to departure.
• There will be a mandatory small group leaders
meeting during the retreat on Saturday morning from 8:15-9:15 a.m.
in Missionary Hall at the Riverview Conference Center. This is the
building where registration will take place on Friday evening.
• Please make students aware of the location of
this year's retreat. We will have all four large group sessions in
the Tabernacle at the Riverview Conference Center. This is the same
place we used last year. This is a large facility near campus, which
will allow everyone in attendance to have a good seat.
• Sleeping accommodations this year will
be different from last year. Men and Women will once again be sleeping
in the UNI Wellness Recreation Center where we will have our late
night fun on Friday night.
• We have had some challenges in the past with
students rushing to save large blocks of seats for their friends.
We are discouraging students from doing this.
• Ask if there are any questions that need to be
addressed.
