Regionals Archive
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September 20209/15/2020 
The September regionals were hosted via Zoom due to Covid-19. We had 33 Coordinators in attendance over the three different options for training. This represented ALL of our FMO small groups. Thanks to those of you for taking the time to invest in your groups.
Regionals is a valuable piece for an FMO coordinator. First, it reminds us that we are not alone in the battle. We have other brothers who are struggling with similar group issues while simultaneously continuing their purity journey. Secondly, it helps us stay connected to leadership making sure we are aware of changes that have been made. Finally, it helps us to be accountable. As coordinators, we are asked to maintain a level of group care. Whether it is in the books we read, or in the way we structure our groups; regionals help maintain a cohesive ministry.
Announcements
A message from Blake
In case you missed the announcement
A personal message from Blake to all For Men Only coordinators
At this regionals we had three different options for training.
Below are the videos for each training. Staying Pure in a Sexless Marriage.
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 | The July regionals was hosted via Zoom due to Covid-19. We had 31 Coordinators in attendance over the three different trainings. This represented all but one of our FMO small groups. Thanks to those of you for taking the time to invest in your groups. |
Regionals is a valuable piece for an FMO coordinator. First, it reminds us that we are not alone in the battle. We have other brothers who are struggling with similar group issues while simultaneously continuing their purity journey. Secondly, it helps us stay connected to leadership making sure we are aware of changes that have been made. Finally, it helps us to be accountable. As coordinators we are asked to maintain a level of group care. Whether it is in the books we read, or in the way we structure our groups; regionals helps maintain a cohesive ministry.
Announcements
- Next Regionals Sept 9, 10, and 12
- Next CLT is Sept 26
- Next Intern Training Oct 10
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Updates and Changes
With Covid -19 we have been in a constant state of flux. There are only a handful of groups that are meeting in person. Many are feeling the heaviness of this season, and some even attribute relapses and slips to the lack of in-person connection. |
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Others have experienced more interaction and attendance at group using the video format. At regionals we had a great discussion about what this could mean moving forward. There were ideas of using a hybrid model so when someone is out of town they could still meet with the group using technology. There is currently a group who has chosen to add an optional midweek meeting using Zoom. These are great Ideas. We trust you as leaders and we want to hear what is working for your group. Please remember as things move back to normal, or the "new normal", and we begin meeting in person, it's important that each group makes the transition back to the traditional way of meeting. However, if there are ideas and changes that you feel would benefit our ministry, we would love to hear and consider your suggestions. Let us know!
Effective ways to keeping on topic.
Right now each one of our members is faced with distractions on all sides. There is the stress of Covid-19, the racial tensions that are currently in the news, not to mention this is an election year. There is no lack of things to discuss, and with being isolated at home, there tends to be a lack of people to dialogue with. Because of this, leaders have seen more off topic discussions during group.
How do we tell if a conversation is off topic? Well, there is a really simple test. Does what they are sharing affect their current week in a way that may impact their purity? Lets use some examples...
Right now each one of our members is faced with distractions on all sides. There is the stress of Covid-19, the racial tensions that are currently in the news, not to mention this is an election year. There is no lack of things to discuss, and with being isolated at home, there tends to be a lack of people to dialogue with. Because of this, leaders have seen more off topic discussions during group.
How do we tell if a conversation is off topic? Well, there is a really simple test. Does what they are sharing affect their current week in a way that may impact their purity? Lets use some examples...
 | During Tim's sharing he mentions that he and his wife have had a disagreement on the current racial tensions and he did not feel heard. He has been stressed over the conversation ever since. This is on topic! Mike feels that the racial tensions are blown out of proportion and are not helpful. Jon, a member in his group disagrees. He thinks things will lead to real change. This is off topic! Glenn has really been struggling at work because he has to wear a mask and it is bothering his asthma. He is concerned to bring it up for fear of loosing his job. This is on topic! Kevin shares that he saw a news article that proves that wearing masks is...... This is off topic! |
Many time things that are in the public eye can directly affect our purity walks, but when those things become a stance that someone is trying to push, it's not only off topic, but it can create unnecessary division in the groups.
So how do we bring these things back on topic?
Start by asking the gentleman how his statement is related to his purity, or how the issue affects his accountability line? Often times this is all that is needed. The key is to be consistent, be gracious but firm, and refer back to the group guidelines.
So how do we bring these things back on topic?
Start by asking the gentleman how his statement is related to his purity, or how the issue affects his accountability line? Often times this is all that is needed. The key is to be consistent, be gracious but firm, and refer back to the group guidelines.
Group specific challenges and prayers
One of my favorite parts of regionals is the ability to hear how each of you leaders are doing and get specific prayer requests from you. This regionals was no exception. I am honored to fight this battle alongside each of you. Please keep Mark and I up to date on how we can best serve you. email us
One of my favorite parts of regionals is the ability to hear how each of you leaders are doing and get specific prayer requests from you. This regionals was no exception. I am honored to fight this battle alongside each of you. Please keep Mark and I up to date on how we can best serve you. email us
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September 2019
9/14/2019
At this regionals we discussed...
Database & sharing the cost change. Using technology to to benefit your groups. Staying encouraged with tough group dynamics.
Database & sharing the cost change. Using technology to to benefit your groups. Staying encouraged with tough group dynamics.
Announcements
Next CLT Nov. 16
Next intern training Oct 12
New leaders Kevin Clements
Next intern training Oct 12
New leaders Kevin Clements
Database & sharing the cost change
In September PLA moved the database Fellowship one to Planing Center
We have found that this database is much more robust and allows a lot more features. You will see small changes as we continue to integrate the benefits of Planning Center through out the ministry.
The sharing the cost fees have gone up to $40 for the FMO Program. There was not a lot of pushback going into this and this change will help the administrative side continue to improve the quality of materials and training to us leaders as we move forward. with the change of the database we have also seen a change in the payment proccessing which has proven to be a little more cumbersome then expected. If your men have any questions about there payments please have them call the office. We have also introduced a Scholarship Page. This will allow men to easily request a scholarship. This request will be reviewed by the office.
We have found that this database is much more robust and allows a lot more features. You will see small changes as we continue to integrate the benefits of Planning Center through out the ministry.
The sharing the cost fees have gone up to $40 for the FMO Program. There was not a lot of pushback going into this and this change will help the administrative side continue to improve the quality of materials and training to us leaders as we move forward. with the change of the database we have also seen a change in the payment proccessing which has proven to be a little more cumbersome then expected. If your men have any questions about there payments please have them call the office. We have also introduced a Scholarship Page. This will allow men to easily request a scholarship. This request will be reviewed by the office.
Using technology to to benefit your groups
GroupMe |
| Many leaders agree that GroupMe is a great way to communicate with your group through out the week. Some of the great benefits it of GroupMe is the ability to use it to communicate with a none smart phone. It is really important however that the host of the group be a coordinator as there is accuse to past group member if you are the host. Also you should make sure and delete old chats when a new man joins. Finally its really important to make sure that this digital source of communication does not replace the human interaction. |  |
Planning Center Attendance |
| One of the concerns we often get as directors is, "What do I do if a guy is not attending regularly?" I ask if the coordinator is taking attendance. If not how can you be sure how often the man is attending and how can you truly hod him accountable? Thee truth is there has never been a good method to take attendance until now. Planning Center has made taking attendance simple. Twenty minutes before a group, the leaders will receive an email asking them to take attendance, with one click you are in your roster. Just click the men who are present and submit. The whole process takes less then 2 minuets. This is not something we are requiring leaders to do but I would highly recommend it. To start taking attendance please email the office and let them know . |  |
Church Center App
Pure Life Alliance is taking advantage of Planning Centers new Church Center app. This gives leaders easy access to office information, charitable giving, our group roster with contact information, and finally the ability to register for events like Regionals and CLTs right from your phone.
 | 1: Download the app 2: Look For Pure Life Alliance as your church 3:follow the on screen on screen instructions. |
One on One Intake
We are excited to announce the intake booklets, signups, and payment is now online! You and/or the new man can pull up the intake pamphlet and go through the whole process. Why is this good you may ask? first, no more need to go to the office to get new books, or keep track of which rendition we are on. Second, no more mailing in the signature form and payment, it will already be done. We recognize this is not a available for everyone so for those who need the pamphlet please contact the office when you are low.
Staying encouraged with tough group dynamics.
At this regionals we looked at how to stay encouraged when you have tough group dynamics. Every group has its own set of struggles. These struggles can range from lack of engagement, lack of homework, attendance issues, stagnation, purity pitfalls, group members leaving and many more. We recognize that these things can leave you feeling unimportant, under appreciated, and drained.
Its important to now that you are the backbone of For Men Only. This is a tough job. I encourage you to focus on the things about this ministry that energizes you. Focus on the marriages that have been saved in your group, the light in a mans eyes when he gets it, and the Life change that is happening. You are part of something bigger.
Another thing that can leave you feeling drained is when you try to do more then is intended for your role. As a coordinator we ask you to...
1.Be an example
Don't try to be perfect you will fail every time.
2. Help create a space where change can happen.
You have no control over the men in your group. Only God can change hearts. So focus on creating a welcoming, loving and accountable space.
3. Point people in the right direction.
Many men come with a desire to change but they just don't know how.
4. Show Gods love in the midst of the ugliness that is sexual sin.
Finally, you are not alone. Mark and Jeremy want to help you in any way that we can. don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Its important to now that you are the backbone of For Men Only. This is a tough job. I encourage you to focus on the things about this ministry that energizes you. Focus on the marriages that have been saved in your group, the light in a mans eyes when he gets it, and the Life change that is happening. You are part of something bigger.
Another thing that can leave you feeling drained is when you try to do more then is intended for your role. As a coordinator we ask you to...
1.Be an example
Don't try to be perfect you will fail every time.
2. Help create a space where change can happen.
You have no control over the men in your group. Only God can change hearts. So focus on creating a welcoming, loving and accountable space.
3. Point people in the right direction.
Many men come with a desire to change but they just don't know how.
4. Show Gods love in the midst of the ugliness that is sexual sin.
Finally, you are not alone. Mark and Jeremy want to help you in any way that we can. don't hesitate to reach out to us.