Calling in the A-Team!

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

Wouldn't it be cool if we had a place every weekend where people could talk to people about getting connected in a journey group? What would make it even cooler is if group seekers were able to actually talk face to face with other people who are already experiencing life together in their journey groups. I mean, who better to share about what journey groups are like than those who are actually in one and experiencing it? Take that a step further, and imagine, if you would, a world where someone who was interested in finding a group could leave a weekend service, walk up to a kiosk, and access GroupFinder right there to begin the process of getting connected.

Well, you don't need to imagine too hard, because the Connection Kiosk is here.

You may have noticed over the past several weeks that journey groups now have a kiosk display in the atrium. Over the next several weeks, you'll begin to see several changes that will transform that kiosk into a place where group seekers can gather more information on groups, access GroupFinder to begin the process of finding a group, and where leaders can pick up their resources.

We're designing the graphics, and getting the necessary components together to make that happen. Now what we need is a team of people to staff it!

We're in the process of developing a team of groups who will serve together to staff the Connection Kiosk. We're calling this team the Assimilation Team, or... the A-Team. It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it. Reminds me of one of my favorite TV shows growing up.

We want groups to join the A-Team because we believe that your experience in a journey group will make you the perfect person to help others start the process of finding a group. And besides, serving together as a group is already one of the ten habits of a journey group. What better way for your group to serve together than by pointing other people to community in a journey group.

Serving as part of the A-Team is a very simple way to get involved. Read below for an official team description that provides more details.

Team Description:
Pathway Community Church exists to intentionally influence people to seek a genuine and growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Our strategy for developing genuine and growing followers of Jesus Christ is to see each person at PCC end up in a journey group. We've determined that because we believe it is the best environment for sustaining spiritual transformation through authentic relationships. In order for people to realize the power of community, however, we have to work at providing points of connection that are simple and effective.

The Assimilation Team, or A-Team, is a compilation of groups working together to staff our Connection Kiosk each weekend. The goal is to have enough groups serving that one group would only have one service per month*. This is an ongoing commitment by the group, and they will be scheduled accordingly. The primary role of this team is to provide a friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic introduction to the connection process to those who are interested in joining a journey group, and are looking for more information.

As a part of this team, you’ll have the opportunity to share your journey group experiences with group seekers, and help them understand what they can hope to expect in their own journey group. You will also be able to point them to the next step in the connection process. The Connection Kiosk should be a place that is buzzing with excitement about getting people connected, and the A-Team will play a huge part in that. 

Responsibilities:
1.    Have at least 3-4 individuals from your group present when scheduled to serve.
2.    Arrive at the kiosk 15 minutes before the service scheduled, and stay until 15 minutes after the service scheduled.
3.    Wear the custom designed A-Team T-Shirt, along with your I.D. lanyard, when serving at the Connection Kiosk.
4.    Call team leader ahead of time if you will be unable to serve your shift. Find a replacement, if possible.
5.    Attend the one-time A-Team Orientation prior to serving. This orientation will cover the connection process, how to get someone started, what you should share with group seekers, and what you shouldn’t share with group seekers. It will also cover a crash-course in using GroupFinder, as there will be a computer at the kiosk where group seekers can actually log in to complete their profile or register for GroupLaunch.

Requirements:
1.    That you’re part of an active group at PCC.
2.    You and your group have a passion for seeing others experience the benefits of community you enjoy together.

Time Commitment:
Less that 2 hours per month*

*Based on the number of groups who actually commit to serving on this team. If fewer groups commit, then the number of services per month will increase, and so will the time commitment.

Did you catch the part where it mentions a cool custom designed t-shirt? Not only is this a fun way to serve and help others get connected, but it's also a fashion statement. Seriously... what more could you want? (T-shirts may not come in until second quarter - disclaimer)

If you think your group would be interested in joining the A-Team, let me know. You can email me here at eric@pathwaycommunity.org. We'll be planning an orientation for the team kick-off for sometime in February. Join my group and others who are already a part of the A-Team, and we'll get to work pointing the way to authentic community in journey groups. It's going to be fun!