When someone comes forward with the goal of starting a group we start with evaluating curriculum. Oftentimes we will start with multiple curricula and move forward with the goal of running each through a vetting process to pick the curriculum that will best fit and lead to the most healing for individuals present. Our goal is to ensure that our curriculum follows our core values and matches with the DNA of G4 even if it’s a non-nine step curriculum so that it fits well within our church. 

When vetting curriculum, it is best to have more than one individual read through the resource so that you have more than one perspective on the material. As you read through the curriculum, it is helpful to take notes so that you can return to parts of the curriculum that might need further collective discussion or evaluation. If you have already identified a potential leader it is best to invite them into the process and have them read through the curriculum with you so that you are both on the same page. Also, it’s helpful to hear their perspective on how leading through this curriculum would be possible and helpful for group participants. 

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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.

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Every church has unique needs that work for their setup; however, there are a few items that any church might benefit from using. As you begin to think through setup for your churches space make sure you’re thinking through your check-in process and the things you may or may not need from the following list:

• G4 Table Covering
• A-Frame Signage
• Sign Inserts
• First-time Sign-up Technology (Computer/iPads)
• iPad Keyboards
• NameTags
• Permanent Markers
• Pens

This is not an exhaustive list but simply a starting point to help you get your setup moving in the right direction. We’ve included links to some of the vendors that we have used in the past. Feel free to reach out to them or your local vendors.