Start Up Guides and Forms

Guidelines for Kickoff

The kick-off has a couple of purposes:

1. To introduce people to the Soul Purpose program and to walk them through the material, the purposes, the vision and format.

2. To jump start the relational component of the group. We have found that people will generally get into the lessons, but it usually takes longer to get into the relational aspect. By sharing their testimonies we can begin to break down the walls and begin to develop trust, openness, and vulnerability.

Format for the Kick-Off 

Sample Schedule:

6:30-7:00 PM    Registration 
7:00-8:00 PM    Large group Vision, goals, format DVD
8:00-10:00 PM  Small Groups Sharing of stories by everyone in the group

Everyone participating in a Soul Purpose group will receive a confirmation letter detailing the kick-off, as well as a testimony sheet to help them prepare for it.

We have found those who do not attend the kick-off have a much higher drop-out rate than those who attend, therefore we make it mandatory. The only reasons acceptable for not attending are business trips, in the hospital, or death.

For the small group sharing time, each group will be assigned a room. The shepherds will share their testimony first to set the tone for the evening. It will be important for you to model vulnerability to the group. Do not be afraid to share your shortcomings, weaknesses, etc. This gives those in your group the freedom to share as well.

The sharing time is more than just a testimony; it is sharing your life story including your testimony. After sharing their story, others in the group can ask questions. You will want to have a time keeper for this. Otherwise you may be there all night!

If you have extra time you can work through the group covenant found in the introduction section of your manual. If you do not get to it, there is time set aside during the first meeting to do this.