Group Leader Expectations & Requirements

What are the requirements for being a group leader at Foothills?

1. All groups must have a majority of their leadership that are members of the church. 

2. All group leaders must have completed the requirements of membership, even if they have not officially joined: 

• Requirements Active Participation in the life of Foothills

• Attended Full Day BaseCamp or  Inquiries Sessions: Stewardship & Governance, Partnership, Small Groups and Belonging, + BaseCamp Capstone 

• Have made at least an annual financial contribution to the church or have asked for a waiver. 

3. All group leaders must have attended an annual group leader training

4. All group leaders commit to abiding by the Foothills Group Leader Code of Ethics

1. Abide by the Foothills Covenant of Right Relationship

2. Commit to taking attendance at group events, using event promotion forms, and being proactive in communicating with Foothills staff

3. Not misuse your power and always stay true to the mission of the church

4. Reach out for support when needed

5. Remember to have fun and that church is about learning to be human

5. Have a personal spiritual deepening intention for their leadership 

All group leaders have until October 2024 to meet the requirements.

Why do we have these requirements? 

More than any other place, the heart of Foothills is revealed and made real within our groups and thus the role that group leaders play is indispensable. Group Leaders are how people experience who Foothills is and that partnership is based in a commitment to our community and mission. 

This year we have updated the requirements for group leaders to read as follows:

Foothills Group Leader Requirements 

1. Be active members of Foothills
2. Attend an annual Group Leader Training
3. Commit to abiding by the Foothills Group Leader Code of Ethics
4. Have an articulated annual personal spiritual deepening intention for their leadership 

Foothills Group Leader Code of Ethics

1. Abide by the Foothills Covenant of Right Relationship
2. Commit to taking attendance at group events, using event promotion forms, and being proactive in communicating with Foothills staff
3. Not misuse your power and always stay true to the mission of the church
4. Reach out for support when needed
5. Remember to have fun and that church is about learning to be human together

 

The Why

Our requirements aim to make sure that group leaders are equipped for the task, have a foundation in Unitarian Universalism (we are a church after all), and embody the values and practices of our community. 

Don't these requirements restrict who can be group leaders? 

Yes. Group leaders are so important that not everyone should be a group leader. But this restriction is not arbitrary as it serves a missional purpose and to meet the requirements are accessible to those who seek to become part of our community. 

Is this for all groups?

All groups that are required to create a Shared Ministry Covenant are required however this does not mean that non-members can’t participate in groups or service in many other volunteer capacities.

When do these requirements come into effect?

We know this is a shift, and so we are letting you know that this is the requirement and that all non-members will have till Oct 2024 to meet the requirements. If you are impacted, and want to learn about becoming a member, Lauren Farley is eager to connect with you!