Preparation

The first step in preparing to begin a NET Group is recruitment. Appropriate recruiting of group members is one of the most critical steps in the NET Groups process. First, the DON'Ts! Then the DOs!

1. Do not recruit your group through the newsletter or the bulletin.
   
   This may seem like a democratic and open process, but you may also attract people for whom this program is not right.



2. Do not use NET Groups as a way to involve your fringe members.
   
   If someone has not been able to involve her- or himself in such safe places as worship, a committee meeting, a fellowship event, or a work project, then the intimacy of a small group is not the place for this person to begin church/meeting involvement.



3. Do use an intentional process in recruiting NET Group members.
   
   Think through your membership. Are there key leaders who could use a sabbatical from lengthy service on committees, boards, and work groups? Are there trusted new members who would find a place in such a group? What members are always at worship and moderately active elsewhere?
   
   Here are some descriptive words that come to mind when we think about candidates for NET Groups:
   
   

   Open	Pliable	Nonjudgmental
   Vital	Seeking	Questioning
   Initiating	In transition	Self-aware




4. Do ask yourself: What kind of Group do I want to lead?
   
   Members of heterogeneous groups have different backgrounds, are of different ages, and share a wide diversity of perspectives. Such a group can promote greater group interaction and enrich the theological mix.
   
   Members of homogeneous groups are similar in age, background, education, and the like. This group may reach a trust level more quickly, bond as a group, and do the work.
   
   Whether a group is heterogeneous or homogeneous, the group should be homogeneous in regard to the goals and expectations of group members. This is why the intentional recruiting process is so important.
   
   Extraverts often help "get the ball rolling" when it comes to discussion. In order to find out what they think or feel, they talk about it.
   
   Introverts often sit in silence as others speak and then offer a well-thought-out conclusion. In order to find out what they think or feel, they need to ponder it. Introverts sometimes welcome a gentle invitation to contribute to the group.



5. Do recruit an appropriate number of people.
   
   The optimal size is five to ten members. Fewer members limit the opportunity for learning and more than then members limit individual participation.



6. And then...
   
   Send each person a mailing explaining the NET Groups process. I would include:
   •  Cover letter (see Appendix B)
   •  Vision, purpose, and goals of NET Groups
   •  Key elements of the process
   •  Tentative schedule
   
   Follow up this letter with a phone call.
   
   If there is interest, invite the people to a meeting where you can talk face-to-face about NET Groups.
   
   You will likely pay long-term for shortcuts in the recruiting process.