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LG Handbook.PDF
DID I LAUGH?
DID I CRY?
DID I KISS FIVE BUCKS GOOD BYE?
The "Loose Guy's" Handbook
for LGM's
Tim Peterson
Cam Anderson
Phil Evans
(The Original Loose Guys from Wisconsin)
"GREAT MUSIC"
>>Music and a welcome atmosphere may be the two most critical elements of successful
meetings.
>> Good singing doesn't just happen. Leadership is critical.
>> Good music leaders are not necessarily music majors, rather, they are people who know music
and will confidently lead others to sing.
>> Teaching music is important. An effective music leader teaches a song including it's rhythm,
melody, dynamics, and content.
>> Music should never be an afterthought. Plan what you sing. Select songs that reflect the theme
of your meeting.
>> Be professional. Are your transparencies readable? Do you have enough songbooks? Are you
prepared and ready to start on time? Do music leaders look comfortable? Have they
practiced beforehand?
>> Be creative. Use chapters members who have musical abilities.
LEADERSHIP
>> The large group coordinator does not have to be an emcee. They must work closely together.
>> The large group coordinator is responsible to make certain that meetings represent the stated
purposes and doctrines of Intervarsity. All speakers should be made aware of these.
>> The emcee should lead with confidence. This is signaled by starting and ending on time as well
as leading the group through the meeting.
>> The emcee sets the tone and pace of the meeting.
>> Several chapters have had good success using co-coordinators or co-emcees who have
complimentary gifts and talents.
ENGAGE YOUR CAMPUS
>>When doing a topical or theme meeting encourage Christian thinking.
>> Biblical exposition--you can't go wrong. Claim the promise that God's word does not return
void but does accomplish it's purposes (Isaiah 55:10-11). However, not all effective speakers are
effective Bible teachers.
>> It's been said that, "Intervarsity is one of the best kept secrets on campus." We should find this
unacceptable.
>> Posters and mailings can be effective if well done.
>> Consider the value of chalking sidewalks, hosting booktables, as well as radio and newspaper
spots.
>> Publicity will never replace chapter members bringing a friend but it does help in engaging the
broader campus.
>> Would you invite your friends to Intervarsity? Why or why not?
>> Addressing contemporary issues draw students. What are the "hot" topics in the student
paper? Consider AIDS, abortion, loneliness, racism, divorce and the dysfunctional family, and
the occult. Contemporary topics need careful planning but may be fruitful.
GET THINGS DONE
>> Plan the details of your meeting at least four days before it happens. This allows time to
delegate and prepare.
>> Find ways to evaluate your last meeting. Solicit feedback from members, staff, speakers, even
non-Christian friends.
>> Beware of the "Lone Ranger" mentality--even he had "Tonto" and "Silver". Consider a
"Freshman Task Force" or a Bible study group to assist you in the logistics of a large group
meeting.
>> Good meetings cost....time
, money, energy. Anticipate these expenditures.
>> Set your meeting to a schedule and budget your time.
>> Every up-front participant should have a written meeting agenda.
IN SEARCH OF EXCELLENCE...AND CREATIVITY
>> Invite some regular attenders to brainstorm with you.
>> Don't be afraid to have some fun with your meeting. You are college fellowship not a business
club.
>> Is your meeting predictable? If so, build in some surprises. Consider a backwards meeting,
random meeting, 70's, 60's or 20's meeting, TV format, no-speaker meeting, international
meeting, student speakers. Turn some crazy people loose.
>> Be serious. Have some fun. Find a balance between that's right for your campus and group.
>> When is an announcement--AN ANNOUNCEMENT! Avoid the "Too many announcements
and sign-ups syndrome" and highlight what matters. Many meetings experience sudden death
during the announcements. In most cases, if these items are worth mentioning they deserve
creative effort.
>>Is your meeting worth attending? If you weren't a chapter leader, would you attend?
>> This is a media age--use it.
>> Does your meeting move and flow without "technical difficulties?"
"THE SPEARER WAS GREAT"
>> Not every Christian leader and teacher communicates well with university students.
>> Aim high and go with the best. But remember, sometimes the best speakers are men and
women who know your chapter well--right in your neighborhood.
>> Professional communication from the chapter creates an expectancy within the speaker. When
the chapter speaking engagement becomes important so does good preparation.
>> Good communication includes an initial letter or phone call, a letter confirming the details with
group information and a map to campus as well as a final contact one week before the
meeting to tie up any loose ends.
>> A commitment to high quality speakers means a commitment to contacting them 2-12 months
in advance.
>> Express your appreciation for the speaker. This may involve dinner before the meeting,
housing and travel expenses for out-of-towners, and thank you gifts such as books, gift
certificates or, for many speakers, campus mugs and sweatshirts are an excellent idea.
"I'M COMING BACK WITH MY FRIEND"
>> The physical set-up of the room should be warm and inviting. How does your meeting place
differ from a History lecture hall or church sanctuary?
>> Don't set up chairs when you should be greeting people. Your room should be completely
arranged 30 minutes before starting time.
>> Assign greeters who are able to focus on newcomers rather than the chapter regulars.
>> Plan every meeting with the newcomer in mind. Delete Intervarsity-ism's, acronyms, inside
humor, and jargon.
>> Consciously and creatively welcome
newcomers during the meeting without leaving them
uncomfortable.
>> Group life doesn't end after the closing prayer. For some,
what happens after the meeting may
be more important than the meeting itself.
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