UNITED Group Host
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW BIG SHOULD MY GROUP BE?
The average Group size is 8-12 people, but every Group is different. If you lead a married couple’s Group and have the space to hold 15 couples, great. But if you lead a single women’s Group in your studio apartment, you may only be able to hold six people. Your Group should be the maximum number of people that you can effectively lead.
HOW LONG SHOULD MY GROUP MEET?
Again, there is no set formula for what every Group meeting should look like. Your own capacity to Host will dictate how long your Group meets. We consider one hour to an hour and a half to be the sweet spot! You're encouraged to host for the full Fall or Spring Semester. Some Groups end earlier, some continue after the semester is completed.
WHAT IF I CAN’T ANSWER A QUESTION IN MY GROUP?
As a Host, we expect you to represent UNITED at a very high level, but we don’t expect you to know everything. In those instances, work with your Group members towards finding an answer. But if an answer doesn’t come to mind, we expect you to at least respond with, “That’s a great question. I’m actually not sure why that is, but I can ask a staff member and find out for you.”
WHAT SHOULD MY GROUP STUDY/DO?
Groups can do sermon series studies, bible studies, book studies, video studies, or they can meet for common interest activities such as: sports, crafting, puzzling, cooking, game night, movie night. UNITED will also provide resources to Group Hosts for hosting their group.
CAN I INVITE MY FRIENDS THAT DON’T ATTEND UNITED TO JOIN MY GROUP?
Absolutely! UNITED Church exists to Love Delaware. Use your Group as a vehicle to reach the people closest to you and get them involved with what God is doing at UNITED.
SHOULD I OFFER CHILDCARE?
This is entirely dependent on the people you are looking to fill your Group. But if you offer childcare, your Group will fill. Lack of childcare is one of the most commonly recurring reasons people fail to connect with a Group.
HOW SHOULD WE DO CHILDCARE?
There are several ways to offer childcare, so work with your Group to do what works the best for you. Some Group Hosts provide and pay for a sitter each week. Other Groups have their Group members each contribute a few dollars towards hiring a sitter.
CAN I BE REIMBURSED FOR THE BOOKS THAT MY GROUP BUYS FOR OUR BOOK STUDIES?
We are only able to reimburse you for a leader guide. If you find a study you want to do with your Group, purchase the leader guide, send us the receipt, and we will reimburse you. Your Group members are responsible for buying their own materials. However, if a $15 book is truly a burden for one of your Group members, contact us and we’ll make special arrangements for them.
WHERE SHOULD MY GROUP MEET?
Again, this is entirely dependent on what you want to accomplish with your Group. What environment will set your Group up for success? If that is at Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, or in your living room, you will need to take the necessary steps to secure the appropriate seating and create the atmosphere your Group will need. Other options include: Zoom, local coffee shops or restaurants, or parks.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY GROUP MEET?
Once a week, once a month, twice a month. Sessions should be consistent and communicated ahead of time. Scheduling events in your UNITED Group in the Church Center App will help provide clarity and set reminders to Group members. Frequency of sessions should be decided by your capacity to host.
WHAT TYPE OF GROUP CAN I HOST?
Currently, Groups are categorized by: Mens, Womens, Young Adults, Students, Personal Development, Marriage, and Freedom.
WHAT ARE MY GROUP EXPECTATIONS/REQUIREMENTS?
In addition to your study/activity we expect Group Hosts to Pray with and for Group members as well as abide by the expectations set forth in the “Group Host Expectations” section. Clarity is kind so if there any questions or concerns about what is expected from a UNITED Group Host, don’t hesitate to reach out to our leadership team. CAN I HAVE A CO-HOST? Yes! We encourage Groups to have a Co-Host to share responsibilities. We highly encourage developing Co-Hosts for continuing Groups. HOW DO I FILL MY GROUP? You are the primary recruiter for your Group. Invite the people on your team. Invite the people that you sit next to during the worship experience. There will still be people that find your Group online, but your personal connections will fill most of your Group.Also, believe it or not, people will leave your Group. Account for this by always aiming to overfill your Group.
DOES UNITED PROVIDE RESOURCES?
Yes. We have RightNowMedia and recommended books for specific studies. Your biggest resource will be your leader who can help you develop a plan for your group. To access RightNowMedia, go to https://www.unitedchurchde.com/resources to select RightNowMedia and set up your free account.
HOW SHOULD WE DO CHILDCARE?
There are several ways to offer childcare, so work with your Group to do what works the best for you. Some Group Hosts provide and pay for a sitter each week. Other Groups have their Group members each contribute a few dollars towards hiring a sitter.
