Connect Group

Leader’s Manual
As a church, we place great value on the importance of both
connect groups and connect group leaders. Here you will find
the manual we use to equip connect group leaders to
facilitate a healthy and successful connect group.
 INTRODUCTION: THE TRAINING PROCESS
!Welcome to the exciting journey of training to be a Connect Group Leader! We are committed to
helping you to become an effective leader. This training process is designed to inspire you with
the heartbeat and purpose of Hillsong Connect Groups as well as equip you with the skills you
need to lead a life-changing group.
!While it is important to complete all components of this manual, the timing is flexible according to
your needs. You can start at any time and go at your own pace!
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 SESSION 1: THE HEART OF CONNECT GROUPS
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Welcome to your first training session! This session is foundational to your preparation as a
Connect Group leader. At the beginning of your training journey we want you to catch the heart and
vision of our Connect Groups. This session is all about the why behind what we do!
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1. IN THE EARLY CHURCH…
!Read Jesus’ last command in Matthew 28:18-20, then Acts 2:46, Acts 5:42 and Acts 20:20.
How did disciple-making occur in the early church?
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 SESSION 2: YOU THE LEADER
!Jesus is sitting on a beach eating fish over a BBQ and talking with his close friends. He discusses
their futures: what they hope for and the things they fear (See John 21). It is a familiar scene for the
band of disciples. Together they had grown to understand the truths of the kingdom, learnt to love
one another, been equipped to serve and grown closer to Jesus.
!This lies at the core of Connect Group leadership. As leaders, this is what we are called to do! Have
you learnt some things about God you can share with others? Can you befriend and love people and
connect them together in a circle of friendship? Can you encourage someone when they are down?
Are you able to believe in someone’s potential? Then you can lead a Connect Group!
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A ROLE DESCRIPTION…
!As a Connect Group leader, you are:
!1. Connecting people in biblical community, by: Creating a warm, “open door environment”
where all people on any stage of the journey are welcomed. Taking responsibility to ensure new
people find connection in your group or within another part of the church family. Referring serious
needs to our pastors and team leaders.
!2. Equipping people so that they develop Christ-likeness, by: Facilitating spiritual growth through
encouragement and loving accountability. Praying for and with the people in your Connect Group.
Helping people apply Bible teachings to daily living (2 Timothy 3:16).
!3. Empowering people to serve, by:
Helping them serve in the life of the church.
Helping them to discover their gifting and call.
Helping them to impact and influence in every sphere of life.
!For example, have you been able to:
!Invite someone to church or have coffee with a new friend?
Pray with someone and share what God means to you?
Encourage someone to serve for the first time?
!Identify ways that you are already leading others to connect, equip and serve:
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WHAT A CONNECT GROUP LEADER LOOKS LIKE…
!With the privilege of leadership comes responsibility. In his pastoral letter to Timothy, the Apostle
Paul lists some standards for leadership. Read them in 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
Leading a Connect Group is a key role within Hillsong Church.
!Our Senior Pastor Brian says, “Leadership is example, it’s giving people something to follow.”
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A Connect Group leader is:
!1. Passionate about God and people
2. A person of character and integrity
3. Committed to personal spiritual growth and leadership development
4. Supportive of the leadership and vision of the church by prioritizing involvement in relevant
church activities wherever possible.
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This includes:
!o Attending a weekend service and serving in a weekend service
o Attending combined connect groups/leadership team nights
o Be supportive of the pattern of teaching at Hillsong Church; for example have a
spirit of generosity, the Holy Spirit (see our www.hillsong.com – about us – what we believe)
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Read through the list above. What are your strengths? Are there any areas you can mark for
improvement?
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!WHAT A CONNECT GROUP LEADER DOES…
!Leading a Connect Group requires our time and effort. As Paul says, to this end we labour - not alone
- but with the “life and energy of the Holy Spirit who powerfully works in us” (Colossians 1:29,30)!
The rewards of leading a Connect Group are fulfilling and eternal. There is nothing to compare with
seeing others grow closer to God. Paul asks us, “What is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we
glory in when Jesus comes? Is it not you?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). Above all else, people are our
glory and joy!
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A Connect Group leader:
!1. Cares and prays for the people of their group
2. Is accountable for the progress of their group (e.g.: via regular reports to zone leaders)
3. Runs an inspiring and encouraging connect group meeting
4. Attends combined midweeks and is committed to being discipled themselves
5. Takes responsibility for growing their connect group and raising new connect group leaders.
This includes recommending people for potential connect group leader training
6. Facilitates social activities that encourages their group to connect with each other.
7. Gathers their whole Connect Group around all whole Church Events eg Sunday services,
combined midweeks and leadership training nights. The group can sit together, share the
experience and reflect afterwards on how this helped them grow as a Christian and a leader.
8. Inspires people to contribute to our church outreach giving.
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!ACTIVITY:
!Discuss your answers to the questions in this session with your Input Leader. Share potential
strengths and any fears or concerns you may have in seeking to lead a connect group.
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 SESSION 3: A MEETING TO LOOK FORWARD TO
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Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one
another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).
!Think of a Connect Group-type meeting that you really enjoyed. What made it encouraging or
helpful - so that you were looking forward to the next time you’d gather?
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!In starting Hillsong Church, Pastor Brian aimed to build a church he wanted to go to. Let’s aim to
lead a Connect Group meeting we want to go to!
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1. THE UNSEEN ELEMENT…
!For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them (Matthew 18:20).
It is unseen, yet you know when it’s there and when it’s not. It’s invisible yet it is perhaps the most
powerful element of a meeting. It is atmosphere.
!A positive atmosphere full of faith, hope and love inspires people to grow, facilitates healthy
relationship-building and importantly allows the Holy Spirit to work. The goal is to reproduce the
atmosphere and spirit of our weekend services in your own home. There should be a culture of
encouragement, blessing and unity. Your meeting reflects the heart and vision of Hillsong Church!
As a leader it is your role to set the tone and culture of your group. Atmosphere does not just happen!
!How can you create an effective atmosphere that builds others up? Consider the location of your
group, your preparation for the meeting and the example you can set as a leader:
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2. THE MEETING PLAN…
!A typical Connect Group meeting includes:
!Start and Finish
Connect group meetings last 90 minutes. Please respect people’s time by starting and finishing the
meeting promptly. If some want to linger longer, make sure you officially close the meeting so that
remaining members are free to leave.
!Time to Connect
Allow approximately 20-30 minutes for welcoming and introductions. This time is essential. Also
food always helps socially so empower people to contribute! Be a good host and try to ensure
someone connects with every member of your group. You know you have a healthy Connect Group
when you have to curb conversations to begin the study!
!Study Together
Our Connect Groups all follow the same Bible study based upon what is being spoken from platform
in our Sunday services. This means that the whole church is moving forward in one direction even if
we do not all attend the same service.
!Prayer and Spiritual Gifts
In each Connect Group meeting, pray for each other’s needs, our church vision and leadership as well
as anything coming up in the life of our church. Prayer points are included on the study as a guide.
This is also an opportunity to encourage others prophetically, always ensuring that our words
encourage and build up. Try different combinations in prayer to add variety and help new prayers.
For example, pray in pairs or small groups as well as praying corporately.
!Nation Builders: Missions Giving
We are passionate about reaching beyond the four walls of our church into the wider community and
the world. In time we may incorporate mission giving to fund various outreaches and ministries. This
segment is an essential time for us to focus on and catch the vision of these exciting endeavours! Our
giving and prayers make a difference!
!Church Events
Occasionally Connect Groups gather together around our special church events such as Combined
Midweek Gatherings, and in time Sisterhood and Prayer Nights. Our Connect groups are not
individual islands; they are clearly aligned around the ongoing vision of our whole Church. Your
leader will let you know throughout the year when these special nights occur. When they are
scheduled, aim to sit together and create opportunity for fellowship in your group in the whole
church setting. Remember to report attendance as if this was your normal Connect Group meeting.
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3. LEADING THE STUDY:
!The study time provides opportunity to discuss what we have learnt in weekend services, ask
questions and reflect on how we can apply biblical truth to our lives. The early church leader James
wrote: Do not just read what the Word says; do it! (from James 1:23-25).
!( You can download each week’s study from www.myhillsong.com/la)
!Carefully prepare! Look up the scriptures. Answer the questions yourself first. Pray and ask the Holy
Spirit to guide you. Be selective in your use of the discussion questions. If people are sharing from
their hearts and the discussion is fruitful, do not feel locked into completing every question.
Encourage people to read from their Bibles. Model good use of your Bible (even through
YouVersion). Conclude the study with a challenge or an emphasis is on how we can apply what we
have learnt to our lives.
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4. GROUP DYNAMICS:
!Your Connect Group may be made up of people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and spiritual
maturity. You will be sure to meet ‘Shy Sally’ and ‘Talkative Tom’! You may have new Christians
and seasoned theologians!
!Ask open-ended questions to encourage full participation. Avoid doing all the talking! A good
guideline is the ‘30-70’ rule. i.e. Approximately 70% of the speaking should be from members and
30% from the leader. Keep the discussion positive and discourage a critical spirit amongst your
group. Carefully lead the conversation back to the topic when tangents occur.
Where sensitive issues or complex questions arise in your group, follow up one-on-one after the
meeting. Remember to ask for advice from your leader if you encounter difficulty leading your
group.
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5. NATION BUILDERS: MISSIONS GIVING, CHURCH PLANTING & EVANGELISM…
!“I will bless you... and you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2)
We are heirs to this amazing promise given to Abraham hundreds of years ago. Abundant generosity
not only leads to blessing in our own lives but to the lives of people around the globe. Get excited
about the opportunity to share in this promise!
!In time we will incorporate Nation Builder’s giving as part of our Connect Groups.
The aim of this short segment is to present the vision of Nation Builders to your group and inspire
them to give. People give to vision! When we get to this stage in Connect Groups please prepare for a
few minutes familiarizing yourself with the Nation Builders focus of the month and make sure to
have a few giving envelopes on hand (you can grab some at a service on the Sunday prior). Please be
diligent with these practical details – many people choose to give using their credit cards even in
Connect Group so it is important that you have the envelopes available.
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Setting a Faith Goal:
!One of the best ways to inspire Connect Group giving is to set a faith goal at the start of the year - by:
!1. Sharing our vision and strategy.
2. Read a scripture to show the biblical mandate of missions and to build faith.
3. Be passionate about the vision of our Nation Builders giving – people give to vision.
!Carefully prepare! Look up the scriptures. Answer the questions yourself first. Pray and ask the Holy
Spirit to guide you. Be selective in your use of the discussion questions. If people are sharing from
their hearts and the discussion is fruitful, do not feel locked into completing every question.
Encourage people to read from their Bibles. Model good use of your Bible. Conclude the study with
a challenge or an emphasis is on how we can apply what we
have learnt to our lives.
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6. ‘PEOPLE COUNTING’…
!The shepherd knew when one sheep was missing from his fold of 100 (Luke 15:4). As one pastor
said, “We count people because people count!” It is important that we are faithful with those who
have been entrusted to us. Every person matters to God. Every number represents a person!
!Our efficient web-based reporting system www.MyHillsong.com will help you manage & lead the
people in your connect group. Using this tool we can monitor the health of our groups by tracking
attendance, following up our members pastorally and maintaining accurate contact details and
offerings.
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!TO USE CONNECT GROUP REPORTING:
!Log onto www.myhillsong.com
Go to My Menu
Click on ‘My Connect Group’, then under the Attendance tab, enter attendance, mission
giving and update any contact details.
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!ACTIVITY:
Plan the prayer and mission segment of the meeting.
Sometime after Connect Group discuss with your leader:
How did you go?
What worked and what didn’t work?
Any areas of improvement?
Ask any questions of your leader regarding the meeting report.
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 SESSION 4: CONNECT GROUPS WHO CARE
!Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must but
because you are willing, as God wants you to be (1 Peter 5:2, NIV).
!In the rural communities of the first century, shepherds were a common sight. Traditionally good
shepherds were those who knew their sheep by name, who protected them from danger, led them to
green pastures where they could feed and grow and who were willing to even lay their life down for
them. This describes the heart of Jesus for us (John 10:11-13).
!Like a shepherd who cares for the sheep, a Connect Group leader takes responsibility for the health
and welfare of each person in the group. It goes beyond just a quick “how are you?” to creating a
sense of family where people are genuinely loved and cared for.
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1. A FAMILY WITHIN THE FAMILY
!God sets the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6). He knows we need a loving group of people who know
our name and understand how we really are. Even though our whole church is a family, it is through
Connect Groups that we can see the church family functioning in relationships of genuine love and
practical care. As our church gets bigger we also need to get ‘smaller’.
!In our Connect Groups we celebrate personal milestones and achievements; we support each other
through tough times, we believe in each other’s potential and show loyalty by keeping confidence
when people trust us enough to share.
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How can we care for people in our Connect Groups in practical ways?
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!#You can see the birthdays of the members of your connect group on MyHillsong.com
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!2. A BRIDGE TO SPECIALIZED CARE:
!There will be situations in people’s lives that require more support than you are personally able to
give them. At such times the Connect Group leader acts as a bridge between members and other
resources in the church.
!Pastoral Care Team
Our Pastoral Care team are available to assist you with professional counseling, crisis care and
emergency relief. Contact them in times of major or long term sickness, marriage difficulties,
hospital stays, safety issues, loss of employment or a death in the family.
!If you are unsure of what to do, do not hesitate to ask! Your Pastors and team leaders can all advise if
you are unsure. Also, remember that Pastoral Care are available to you personally if you need
someone to talk to in confidence.
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ACTIVITY:
!Organise a social gathering for your connect group or take the lead in arranging practical support,
such as meals, for someone who is sick.
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OUR MISSION AND STRATEGY:
!Just as in the early church, regular small group gatherings in homes are central to the life of
Hillsong Church. Connect Groups are one the key strategies we use to fulfill our mission statement:
! To reach and influence the world by building a large Christ-centered, Bible-based Church,
changing mindsets and empowering people to lead and influence in every sphere of life.
This mission is outworked through our campuses, a citywide network of Connect Groups,
contributing ministries and extension services.
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It is primarily through Connect Groups that we connect and empower people to ‘lead and
influence in every sphere of life’. They are central to the journey of discovery at Hillsong Church!
We want to see everyone in our church connect to biblical community, be equipped to be a follower
of Christ and serve others in love.
!Therefore Connect Groups are a key mid-week priority just as our weekend services remain the
priority within the life of our church.
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THE ESSENCE OF CONNECT GROUPS:
!Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12.
!Paul is writing to the church at Thessalonica. Describe the relationships within the Thessalonian
church.
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Take a few moments to describe an environment where healthy spiritual and personal growth can
occur. What should Connect Groups be like?
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!In our church, healthy Connect Groups aim to fulfill the following purposes:
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Connect
Equip
Serve
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!CONNECT:
!Think back to your first few weeks in our church.
How did you connect with people on a personal level?
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!It is easy to feel alone in a crowd. Connect groups are an open door into the life of our church
family. This is how we become as Pastor Brian says, “a small church with lots of people”. When
you are in a connect group, you experience the love and strength of biblical community.
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EQUIP:
!Imagine someone you can call when you’re discouraged, someone to pray with when you are
doubting and someone who can teach you more about what God is like! …A loving community of
people who notice when you are away, gently sharpen you when you need it and who help you share
your faith with others. Connect Groups are the place you can equipped to become more like Jesus
and to live a faith-filled life. We want to see you grow, flourish and become all that God has called
you to be!
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SERVE:
!We believe that every person is created with God-given potential to make a difference in the
world. Connect Groups help you realise your spiritual gifts and challenge you to use them in
serving others. Here is a place where there are like-minded people who believe in you. This is
how leaders are developed!
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!A Balanced Connect Group:
!These three functions: connect, equip and serve are all essential in the life of a Connect Group.
“Connect” is our primary goal. Our first priority is to make sure everyone in our church is
connected and cared for. People don’t care what you know; they want to know that you care!
!It is through a foundation of genuine connection that equipping and serving can occur. Like a seesaw
these three priorities need to be kept in balance so there is opportunity to both give and receive. As a
leader, you will need to be responsive to different seasons and the unique needs of the members who
make up your group. For example, at times there needs to be an emphasis on inspiring people to
serve (eg. at conferences), and at other times people need time to recharge and regroup. Or in another
situation, a group of mature Christians who are highly involved in church life will have very different
needs to a group of teenagers who recently came to Christ. All groups need to connect, but an
effective leader knows when to equip people and when to inspire them to serve.

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!What may be the outcome of a group that becomes too focused on connection, but not on
equipping? Or too focused on service, but not on connection?
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CAN YOU SEE IT?
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Meet Sam:
!Sam has been coming regularly to church for six months. His spiritual journey has been a
rollercoaster ride having been raised in a church home but wandering away from God in his early
twenties. Now approaching mid-life, he is searching for some answers. He attends the 11am service,
and has seen a few familiar faces here and there but has yet to really get to know anyone. Facing
pressure at work about his recently renewed faith and unsure of his future, he has lots of questions
about issues like prayer and guidance – especially in regard to his family. He would love to
contribute more to church-life but is unsure about where he fits in. But mostly he wonders if God
notices…
!Sam and many others in our church are the reason for Connect Groups! We are passionate about the
vision to see a strong citywide network of connect groups that reflect the heart and nature of God. It
is great to have you join us in seeing this vision fulfilled. Can you see it?
! A church so compassionate
that people are drawn from impossible situations
into a loving and friendly circle of hope…
A church so committed
to raising, training and empowering a leadership generation
to reap the end-time harvest
that all its ministries are consumed with this goal…

ACTIVITY
Discuss the heart of Connect Groups with your Zone Leader. How well have you caught the heartbeat
and vision of Connect Groups?
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 SESSION 5: READY, SET, GO!

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Starting a Connect Group is one of the most practical & effective ways to actively build the church.
Now that you have come this far, are you ready to start a new group?
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! ! In !
Readiness Checklist Yes Progress No
Are you growing in your walk with God?
Do you carry the heart and spirit of Hillsong Church?
Have you prioritized involvement in key church activities?
Have you lead a study?
Are you willing to arrange for your connect group to meet at a
church service, combined Midweek, or other church
gathering?
Are you serving on a volunteer team?
Have you signed a privacy permission form?
Have you read and understood the Connect Group Training
Manual?
Are you ready to start leading a Connect Group?
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!BEGINNINGS…
!How do new groups start?
!Listed below are 8 different ways that you can connect new people into your group.
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Someone comes and asks if they can join your connect group
Someone comes and asks a member of your group if they can join your group
You meet someone and invite them to your connect group
One of your connect group meets someone and invites them to join your group
You are introduced to someone in the Welcome Lounge who is interested in joining a connect group
A person fills in a card saying they want to join a connect group. The card goes to a call-team
member. Once they have contacted the new person after three attempts, the call team member
identifies your connect group as the best fit. The call team member calls or e-mails you so that you
can then call the new person and invite them to your group. Once you have made contact with the
new person they meet you and the rest of your connect group.
Someone finds your connect group details from our online search tool and asks to join your group
Pray and wait for people to supernaturally turn up at your connect group
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By far the most effective way to find people for your group is face-to-face connection. Invite the
people you meet in Church, serve in the church courtyard, on the information team, or join a
connections team. These are by far the best ways to build your Connect Group!
!Our Courtyard and Main Foyer are the best places at our weekend services to meet people who are
interested in finding a Connect Group. Our Connect Group teams would love to have you serve in the
Courtyard or Connections Tea with them – simply visit the Information Desk and offer to be part of
the Connect Group Team, or contact your Zone Leader.
!Our online search tool and our MyHillsong allocation systems are fantastic, but they are a back –up
to the culture we are intentionally creating of meeting people face-to-face and inviting them to your
group.
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THE HILLSONG ALLOCATION SYSTEM:
!We want to help newcomers find a Connect Group as quickly and easily as possible! Our new
online search system enables interested people to search for potential connect groups at
www.myhillsong.com. Any person with a MyHillsong account can search through a list of all of our
connect groups and contact you directly.
!There is also a Connections team that helps new people get connected into groups. A new allocation
occurs when a person submits a Decision Card during weekend services. The team then allocates
them to your group and informs you via email or phone. Their name will also appear on your list at
www.myhillsong.com.
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YOUR PERMISSION:
!In order to provide easy accessibility, we need to provide people with the contact details of available
connect groups. With your permission, we will make this information available through
www.MyHillsong.com, a private and secure website for the people of our church.
!Any new person with a MyHillsong account or our Connect Group Connections team will be able to
access your details and locate your group. The search function will be linked to Google maps, so
people will be able to find directions to the suburb and street where your group meets. (We have
chosen not to provide the actual house number or address for privacy reasons. Any new person
coming along will still need to call or e-mail you in advance before coming along to your connect
group).
!Privacy legislation means that we need your written permission to do this. Please fill out the form on
the following pages and turn in to your zone leader once it is completed. If you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact your zone leader one of the team leaders. A full copy of our privacy
policy can be viewed at www.hillsong.com/privacy.
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THE FIRST CONNECTION:
!Let’s make potential members feel welcome by responding promptly to a new allocation or an
expression of interest! If you have not yet met them face to face, it is a good idea to arrange to meet
them after a weekend service and get to know them briefly. Why not take them out for coffee? They
are more likely to come to your group if they have met you first. Be warm and encouraging, but also
allow them the freedom to check out other Connect Groups if they do not feel comfortable in yours.
Be kingdom minded and help them find their place.
!A NETWORK OF SUPPORT:
!We are committed to seeing you succeed as a leader and helping you to build a healthy connect
group. These people are available to help you:
▪ Your Zone Leader
▪ Your Weekend Team Leader
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ACTIVITY
Meet with Input Connect Group Leader to discuss your progress and readiness for leadership using
the Readiness checklist.
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 CONNECT GROUP DETAILS PERMISSION FORM
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Please complete and hand to your Zone Leader prior to starting your Connect Group.
!I _________________________________________ , give my permission for Hillsong Church to use
the following details for the benefit of connecting potential new people into my connect
group.
!I am aware that these details will be disclosed on www.MyHillsong.com and will be used by team
members to connect people into my group.
!Please complete the following details:
! Phone Number: ________________________________________
! ▪ Email: _______________________________________________
! ▪ Street Name: __________________________________________
! ▪ City: _________________________________________________
! ▪ Day of week we meet: ___________________________________
! ▪ Time we meet as a connect: _______________________________
! ▪ Four words that describe my Connect Group (E.g. male-only, young adults, creative arts,
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relaxed):
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!Signature: __________________________________________________________
!Print Name: __________________________________________________________
!Date: ________________________________________________________________
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 SESSION 6: CONNECT GROUPS FOR EVERYONE
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The vision of our church is for every person to find a sense of home. In time we have a variety of
connect groups that cater to different age groups and geographic areas; but these categories are
not bound by hard and fast rules. Relationships develop organically and do not always fit in neat
categories. The priority is that every person finds a place where they belong at Hillsong Church!
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Generally we pastor people by service, geographic area and age-groups. We encourage people to
attend connect groups that relate directly to their age-group, primary service (the service that you
serve in), or the area in which they live or work. This helps to facilitate relationships, as people
are more likely to cross paths naturally and regularly. However if you have strong relationships
with people from another service, area or age- group, there is always freedom to move beyond
this structure.
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Each of our categories are uniquely designed to serve the needs of the people in them.
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For Adult Connect Groups with children:
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• Start and finish at a time that is attractive to families: E.g. 6.30pm – 8.00pm or 7.00pm –
8.30pm.
• Ensure the host’s home is left clean and tidy and children honor the home.
• Share a ‘pot-luck’ dinner together where everybody brings a plate of food. This gives
families the option of coming straight from work and allows for a reasonable bedtime.
• Prepare a program for the children, so they look forward to connect group. Allocate a
leader to organize a roster and design activities: game, craft, children’s study questions,
DVD etc.
• Include the children in your connect group by getting to know their names and who they
belong to.
• Plan social events with the children in mind to build relationships with the families e.g.
brunch at the beach, meet at a local park
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ACTIVITY
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1. Meet with your Zone Leader for final approval and to plan for beginning your group.
2. Complete Contact Details Permission form and hand to Zone Leader.
3. Brainstorm ways of attracting new members to your group with your Zone Leader. Ask them
to show you how to add a new person on www.myhillsong.com. Follow up someone who has
been allocated to you.
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