When the group settles (probably with drinks and snacks!), launch the Welcome. The Welcome is usually a question that each member has to answer – mostly going round in a circle giving everyone a chance to answer the question, but sometimes as a discussion together. Welcome can also be a game, something to get everyone laughing and break the tension from the stress of the week, to allow the group to focus on the goals of the group.
It's usually a good idea for the person responsible for the Welcome to go first and set the level of openness and honesty. It also gives the others a chance to think about their response.
Watch out for an unexpected crisis or emotional response triggered by the question. Minister to them there and then, get people next to them to pray for them, asking for God's comfort etc.
As the group develops in trust, the welcome can become more in depth with harder or more probing questions.
Some examples to get you thinking:
Some examples to get you thinking:
- What was the first movie you ever saw in a theater?
- Pick one word (or phrase?) that describes the day you had today. Try to get us to guess it by acting it out.
- If you were to asked to mimic a famous celebrity, who would you be and why?
- How do you think that others perceive you?
- What would you like to achieve in this year that you didn't achieve last year?
- Tell us about your first love. (Then comment on how many (or how few) said Jesus.)
- What's the aspect of your job that you like least?
- What was the happiest moment of your life?
- What is the greatest regret of your life?
- What's the hardest thing you've ever done?
