The last post was about the changes we recently made in our leadership teams for Starting Point. We had the first launch of 2008 last night, and I am so proud of our team!
I moved offices yesterday, so I was in chaos the entire day. (I feel better blaming it on the office move!) Besides many new elements at this launch and uncertainty about the flow of the evening, my contacts were dry, I needed to brush my teeth, and I felt flustered with 15 minutes before all the fun started!
Making sure a new facilitator had met the team, I found some of them in the kitchen helping with the food and drinks, laughing and having fun. There were others from the team in the atrium making sure guests were welcomed and guided. They did a wonderful job creating an atmosphere at their tables for people to get to know one another. In our post-evening meeting, there was great feedback, a few challenges discussed and more laughter. When I left for the evening, several from the team were still together talking.
I don't have the right words, and I don't want to sound sappy. As I saw the leaders still together, I said, "That's the best part of the whole evening." I love seeing them connect as a group, seeing them discover their significance in serving, and enjoying it! It's just too darn cool for words!
What if our volunteer teams are a missed opportunity to form our strongest groups? What if great relationships and steps in spiritual formation happen without a study? What if people simply need a common purpose, significance, and a way to connect with one another around that purpose? Just a few things I'm exploring in my head this morning.
We had 77 people, 7 groups formed, and 8 facilitators ready to go last night. The new things we're experimenting with: different meeting space with a warmer atmosphere, all meetings on our campus when it's a launch for those who are single, a mixer process at the beginning of the evening, snacks available, and a debrief meeting for the facilitators at the end of the evening. So far, all signs indicate positive results!
Just had a conversation about volunteer teams as groups last week! It's a great idea--not only do they have something in common, but they will also see each other during serving for encouragement, community, and accountability. It's definitely worth working through the specifics!
Posted by: Rindy | January 23, 2008 at 04:56 PM