Any time a new participant arrives at G4 we ask them to sign-up through our New Participant Form. We use a digital form that allows us to share that information more easily with their leaders. We are also better able to organize and review information when it is held in a digital format. You should choose the method of collection that works best for your church, but here are a few guidelines of what you would want to include and a few examples to help you prepare your own form.
Important Information to Collect
- Name
- Email Address
- Address
- Date of Birth
- Church Member
- Group Attending
- Permission for Contact
- Informed Consent
Informed Consent and How to Explain It
Informed consent is a vital part of any counseling ministry even for lay based ministries that are operating without professional counselors. The primary goal of any informed consent is explain to participants what you are committing to as a ministry and set fair expectations for the participants.
An example of an informed consent could look much like:
Welcome to G4 Support & Recovery Groups. G4 is a lay-led, group-based counseling ministry that provides a context for individuals invest a season of their life in overcoming a particular life-dominating struggle of sin or suffering. They provide a safe environment where members learn insights and skills that will allow them to more fully engage in biblical community. They are not meant to be long-term substitutes for missional small group community life. They are not facilitated by individuals acting as licensed counselors or therapists and DO NOT take the place of individual counseling.
Core Values of a G4 Group
1 Bible-Based & Gospel-Centered
2 Recognize the Difference Between Sin & Suffering
3 Built On Honesty & Transparency
4 Uphold Confidentiality
5 Avoid Struggle-Based Identity
6 Blend Discipleship, Accountability, & A Guided Process
7 Transitions into Churches Discipleship Ministries
By signing the line below you are acknowledging that you are a voluntary participant in group and are free to cease attending at any point. You are also acknowledging that you understand the nature and risks of groups.
When walking someone through our informed consent, you want to ensure that you explain to them fairly and adequately what they are agreeing to do. Be sure to explain that groups do not operate under any form of professional license or care and that it is not meant to replace good individual care. It is also important to explain what is meant by confidentiality and the degree to which you commit to uphold it. The ability to explain these concepts well ensures that individuals have fair expectations for the G4 ministry and that these are set from their very first interaction.
John H. Chapman 