Personal theme for year, "no group member left behind"

"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands." Psalm 90:17

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God. Romans 15:7

My friend Bill has a personal theme for the year. That every leader feels cared for. My theme is no group member left behind.

My plan is to focus training on creating a group culture of hospitality. To be accommodating to receive people where they are at. 

Consider new informal roles for OGL to recognize in themselves and then in Online Group Members such as 

• Greeters: This would be an encouraging person (regular attender Hebrews 10:24-25, responds positively in adversity Psalm 31:24,  has deep faith in God Psalm 121:1-2, matured to the end of the Roman road Romans 15:2). This person may not share all the time but when they do, it's edifying, inspired, and a divine appointment. 
• Non-verbal Listeners: The person who over shares, could help by looking at others noticing who is ready to share and draws them out. Refocus their zeal to Build up others (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and see others like Jesus (Romans 15:5). 
• First Responders: Prayer team, OGL can reach out to and ask for prayer for the group culture. 

Words and phrases to describe a welcoming atmosphere where every new person feels especially at home include:

• Hospitable: Disposed to treat guests and strangers with cordiality and generosity. A hospitable environment is welcoming and open.
• Inviting: Suggests an environment that encourages people to feel comfortable and at ease.
• Friendly/Friendly atmosphere/friendly environment: Characterized by or befitting a friend; diffusing warmth and friendliness.

Applications:

• Is the soil of your group nurturing, is the bread fresh or days old? 
• Have you ever been in the "out group." Is anyone in your group sitting alone in the cafeteria? Is anyone holding the ball but has "no one to play with."
• When someone new shows up is a cause of celebration for group or cause of interruption or do they go completely unnoticed.
• Do you pray for the missing people when you start the group?
• When you add someone to What's App does everyone jump in engage the new member beyond a default "hello/welcome!"

Coaching:

Each group member has been placed in your group on purpose. May the Lord magnify each person in our group and build a culture so that no one is left behind.