Thrive Format

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Thrive Life Groups

Thrive Life groups typically meet in living rooms or in an informal setting. Ideally these groups are limited in size to no more that 12 - 15 members. If offered, refreshments are limited to healthy snacks, coffee, tea, juice and water. The host is responsible for collecting names and contact information and kicking off the night with welcome and prayer. Typically, a preselected Thrive Teaching is offered and discussion is encouraged with our "conversation not presentation" format. The host is not the expert and is only tasked with keeping the conversation going by using the notes provided. Discussions should stay on topic but there is flexibility in this setting to allow for divergent topics as the group may determine. These meetings should be limited to no more than 45 min to an hour.

 

Following the teaching discussion, life groups break into men and women groups for process group (share group) time. This is a time when everyone should have an opportunity to share what is on their heart and be heard. The process groups have boundaries dealing with respect that include: respecting privacy, respecting time, respecting decency and respecting others. Full process group boundaries are Here. No one is required to share but all are encouraged to participate in listening.

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Thrive Church / Community Programs

Every Thrive meeting has its own flavor but in general all Thrive nights begin with a Large Group gathering . Often, praise and worship may lead if time permits. Occasionally we will feature the first 20 minutes called “The Social” devoted to fellowship. Participants are encouraged to show up early to meet with mentors and peers and spend this time getting better acquainted with each other. This time should be promoted as a critical part of the Thrive philosophy. Building community within Thrive will be difficult if it is not done intentionally. Therefore, instead of regularly meeting and having us all face the stage, Thrive believes we need to regularly meet and face each other.

 

After Large Group, participants are invited to attend a Process Group. These small groups should be limited to no more than 10 if possible. Process Group Leaders will keep the share time (depending on the number in the group) and the focus on the group shares to ensure participants don’t get off track or abuse other’s time. Remember, this may be the only time some attendees feel they are actually “heard” all week. 

 

Typical Thrive Night Schedule:

6:30pm

• “The Social.”  Coffee, healthy snacks and refreshments offered during this time.

• Praise and worship/background music should be kept to a low volume to promote and not impede conversation.

• Signage is important.

• A product table should be set up featuring sign in / sign up, Thrive brochures, cards, name tags, handouts, pens, clipboards, etc.

• A lending library made available and/or book store of recommended books*

• Every 4th week or as the calendar permits, have praise and worship music with acknowledgment of worship as a weapon in spiritual warfare.

 

*Thrive and our church leaders believe good information can be gleaned from many sources. However, we do not endorse any books other than The Holy Bible.

 

6:50pm

• Opening prayer and welcoming

• Brief Thrive introduction for first time guests.

• Announcements / Acknowledgments

• ID Tag Ceremony

• Reading of Thrive Principles / 12 Pillars / Psalms 32 Pathway /

 

7:10pm

• Teaching

• Closing prayer / Serenity Prayer

 

7:30 Process Group

• Men and Women separate

• Share Group Leaders keep time and focus

• Participants are encouraged to share but sharing is not required

• Boundaries (from Recovery Alive!) Boundaries keep people safe. If you choose to participate in our Small Group, you are choosing to keep these boundaries.

  • Anonymity required

  • No cell phones / texting / pictures

  • No interruptions

  • No foul language

  • No giving advice / trying to fix*

• A participant who does not honor the Boundaries and Rules of Engagement is choosing to suspend or end their participation.

 

8:30 Closing with prayer / laying on of hands

*Following the closing prayer, if lead by the Spirit to further encourage, edify or impart wisdom to another participant.

• First ask their permission (Never speak over someone without permission)

• Don’t give advice

• Keep it brief / Godly and biblical.

• Any “word” received supernaturally needs to be tested with a spiritual leader before given. The practice is sharing a “spiritual word” is very serious and should not be done without prayer, proper discernment and testing.