Excited & Overwhelmed

[paulak]

Our church began a First Place class in Jan. 07. So far we've completed two sessions and will be starting a third at the end of July. We've averaged around 15 in the two sessions with a total weight loss of 423 lbs. Praise the Lord! The weight loss has been great but our excitement about our spiritual growth has far exceeded that of the weight loss.

In our upcoming session, we've had to add a second class to accomodate everyone that wants to be a part of the program. My feelings of being overwhelmed are at the way the program has caught on and is spreading like wild fire. I am receiving phone calls from people in other cities wanting to come to our class and also asking if I can help them start a class in their churches. God has been so good to me and I have grown so much through the First Place Program.

With our numbers growing, we haven't had anyone step up and volunteer to lead (teach) another class. Several are willing to help and I'm delegating as much as I can. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to convince members that they can take on leadership positions? Any ideas would be appreciated!

Thanks,
paulak

[LHartness]

Paula:

Congratulations on your vibrant program! That is so exciting. I pray that the Lord continues to keep that going.

I'm not currently a group leader, but I've led many First Place groups in the past. I've also been in leadership in Bible Study Fellowship International, another study program that seems to specialize in recruiting leaders!

I'm sure you've already been praying that the Lord would raise up leaders and helpers for you. That's the most important thing you can do. Have you also considered just out-and-out asking individuals directly if they would take up a particular position of leadership? Maybe getting them aside before or after a meeting and talking to them in private? You could ask them to pray about it for a week. If the Lord wants them to participate, surely he would give them that "nudge" to do it...

The only other option I see is a waiting list, and that would be such a shame, especially if people are anxious to join you. I know I would be!

Let me know what happens with your program-- best wishes to you. The Lord is in control, and He's going to take good care of you!

"The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." --I Thess. 5:24


Sincerely,

Laura Hartness
(NC native, but living in FL temporarily)

http://FirstPlaceVictory.blogspot.com
FirstPlaceGroup@gmail.com

[marleah]

Could you suggest to a pair of people who get along well to co-lead the new course with each other. It is much less intimidating with a friend.