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The Vertical Way for Group Leaders

 

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Expectations of Vertical Group Leaders

1.

Personal Development

Some say that you have to lead yourself before you can lead others. We think there’s some weight to that. As part of our elite team of leaders, it’s imperative that you posture yourself as a learner who is willing to try new things and work on the areas of your life that have been ignored.

We will always choose people over programs. Our measurement of success is you growing in your relationship with Christ and helping other people take next steps. The overall success of your group is important to us, but what’s most important is that you feel cared for and empowered, and at the end of this experience you know God better.

Personal development the Vertical way looks like knowing yourself and growing as a leader. 

KNOW YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE

Your first assignment is to take the 16 Personalities personality test and give your results to your Vertical Rep. Take it upon yourself to learn the ins and outs of your personality. How you work with others, how you respond to stress, what motivates you, etc.

Click here to access the 16 Personalities test.

If you want to dive a little deeper into your personality type, we recommend using the Enneagram as a next level resource. Talk to your Groups Rep if you want to know more about the Enneagram, how to take the tests, and what resources to get to learn more about yourself.

KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

You’re probably aware of your strengths and weaknesses already, but really take time to think through and process the results of your personality test. Were the results spot on? Were they only half true? Whatever the case may be, take time to think through your strengths and weaknesses, and make a plan for developing your weak areas and refining your strengths.

4 QUADRANTS OF LEADERSHIP

In order to lead others, we must first know who we are. Self-awareness is the difficult but essential foundation for healthy living and effective leadership. These quadrants will serve as the roadmap for leader development within the Groups Team.

2.

Engage in the Mission and Vision of Vertical by Modeling “The Plan”

Modeling The Plan goes beyond coming to church on Sunday mornings and learning about your personality type. This is you committing to the mission and vision of Vertical Church and letting it spill over in your everyday life.

“The Plan” was developed by Vertical Leadership and has been used by the Vertical Staff Team for the past 3 years. They’re easy to memorize and communicates the standards that we hold Group Leaders to.

1. PARTICIPATION COMMUNICATES VALUE TO THE WHOLE CHURCH

  •  How you act in your group is only believable if that’s how you act at church. Don’t just be excellent in Groups, be excellent elsewhere.

  • As elite leaders, you are capable of modeling participation by not just leading your Group, but volunteering on Sunday morning and participating in local and/or global service opportunities.

2. WE CAN ONLY TAKE PEOPLE IN THE DIRECTION WE, OURSELVES, ARE GOING.

  • If you haven't been there, it's difficult to give good directions. You must be growing spiritually to help others grow in their relationships with God.

  • Continue your own personal and spiritual development/

3. WE DON'T SAY DIFFERENT THINGS, WE SAY THINGS DIFFERENTLY.

  • We take the verse in Acts 15 seriously when it says, “that we should not make it difficult for the people who are turning to God.” Communicate Biblical truth clearly and do your best to refrain from using “churchy” language.

  • Additionally, no one grows in a judgemental environment. If you poke fun at people for showing up after x number of absences, that doesn’t communicate a safe and comfortable environment. Instead, honor them by expressing how elated you are that they show up.

4. ANYTHING WORTH DOING IS WORTH DOING RIGHT.

  • Consistently lead your Group. Make it a priority not to frequently cancel your Group time.

  • Commitment is a huge piece of the Groups puzzle. We need leaders who are not only committed to the mission and vision of Vertical, but to the people in their Groups.

5. PREPARATION DOESN'T HINDER GOD'S WILL, IT RELEASES IT. 

  • Take notes on Sunday; apply the things we talk about to your everyday life.

  • Preparation throughout the week will always trump a day of cram session.

6. WE CAN'T GIVE OUR BEST TO GOD WHEN WE'RE RUNNING ON EMPTY. 

  • We believe that busy leaders are ineffective leaders. Carve out time for rest, uninterrupted family time, and hobbies you enjoy.

  • Groups need breaks. Breaks aren’t just for Group members, but for leaders to take a rest and charge up for the start of the next semester. Breaks are also important for people who want to try out other Groups, but might feel uncomfortable if they suddenly stop showing up. Re-launches are also important for new people to join Groups.

  • Obviously, you can still hang out with your people during break times, with dinners and get-togethers, but make it a priority to respect the break and launch times.

7. WHAT WE DO SHOULD EXCITE US!

  • Do we have to explain this? This is exciting stuff!

  • Even on those days where you just aren’t feeling it, remember why you’re doing what you do and how important your role is in someone’s life.

3.

Communicate with your Vertical Groups Rep

You are not alone. You’ve got a team of people who are dedicated to cultivating community ready to cheer you on, listen, and support you as you step into the Group Leader role. Up front, we’re going to make a few promises to you:

  • We’ve got your back. We’ll stand with you in any and every situation because we trust you.

  • We’ll pray like crazy over you because we believe we can’t do anything without God’s help.

  • We’ll listen to your feedback and take action accordingly.

  • We will promote an environment of accountability.

Communication is two way street and we expect you to work with us! As a Group Leader you’ll do that in a few different ways:

  • Monthly Check-ins - once a month your Groups Rep will contact you to set up a FaceTime meeting or a Face-to-Face meeting depending on schedules. We just want to hear how you’re doing and how we can help you as you lead.

  • Use Slack - Slack is KING! It’s the primary way that we’ll be communicating with you. We hope that you come to love it as much as we do. Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through everything.

  • Use Vertical Resources - Your Groups Rep will continually send you information to encourage you to continue your personal and spiritual development.