- Keep in mind this is a Go event, not a Gather or Grow meeting.
Tool Box is application oriented. The expectation is to do, not just know. In this sense, Tool Box is different from a small group Bible study. The purpose of small groups is maturity; the purpose of Tool Box is multiplication. The goal of small groups is to come and be loved by others. The goal of Tool Box is to go and love others. Application of the tools is expected. Tool Box attendees are expected to practice what they learn between meetings. Also, once Tool Box starts, it's closed due to the sequential nature of the instruction. - Be focused during prayer time.
Owing to the pace and nature of the meetings, they do not lend themselves to prolonged personal prayer. Therefore, the leader is encouraged to open in prayer and then start the meeting. The prayer time at the end of each meeting should focus on the content of that particular meeting. - Prepare for the meetings.
Read through a few Tool Box meetings to become familiar with the rhythm. Each meeting contains links to tools found elsewhere on this site. Become familiar with them so you'll be able to answer questions.
Plan the audio-visual connection before the first meeting. Don't wait to establish a reliable connection until just before the start of the first meeting. Hard wiring with an adaptor cable (HDMI) is a reliable method.
Give thought to the best setting to host Tool Box. Once it starts, it's a closed event. That is because each week is sequential and, hence, not suited to new arrivals. Homes are preferable locations. Hosting Tool Box at the church during weekly celebration services can be problematic because it can be hard to host a closed event in a location that promotes openness. That said, larger churches may be able to host a private meeting in a discreet location during service times.
Give thought to the size of Tool Box. The ideal size is at least three but no more than twelve people. Often, the group needs to divide into smaller teams for part of each weekly meeting. The maximum number can change if the logistics allow for easy migration to smaller breakaways groups. Meeting online using Zoom, etc. allows for this to occur. - There are two essentials for long term application.
The two essentials for long term application of the tools learned in Tool Box are practice and coaching. The key to mastering the tools learned in any specific week is to practice using them between meetings. The confidence to use them with others is the result of practice.
The second essential is coaching. Taking part in coaching meetings is essential to making disciple making a life habit. Coaching meetings occur monthly after the weekly Tool Box meetings. It's a good idea to host them in the same location, day and time as Tool Box.
- Promote Tool Box.
You may choose to host Open House meetings to provide a preview of the content, and inform people about the expectations for Tool Box. - Encourage Tool Box attenders.
It's a great idea to send out a follow-up email after each meeting. Encourage application, tell them you're praying for the, review the lesson, provide links and include the recommended resources and closing video links if they were not covered in class due to time constraints.