These steps will help guide you as you begin to organize an NCF group.
-
Notify NCF about your interest in starting a new group so we can provide mentoring and encouragement throughout the process. We can also publicize your first meeting with other NCF nurses in your area as well as design a logo/banner for you to use on social media.
-
Pray and ask others to pray for the development of a group.
-
Contact several other nurses who might be interested in helping to start the group. Use the giftings of others. For example, someone may have the gift of hospitality and want to provide food/refreshments for your meeting. Someone else may be knowledgeable and creative in the ways social media can be used.
-
Identify several goals for the group based on guidance the Lord gives you.
-
Invite these individuals to a gathering at your home or workplace.
-
Share your vision and NCF resources with them.
-
Ask for their ideas and suggestions and discuss starting a group. Decide if you want your group to be open to individuals from other disciplines who may also be looking for support. Are you open to having nursing students participate in the group?
-
Choose a leader or co-leaders.
-
Decide on a name for your group. Complete and return the application for your chapter affiliation and group constitution to NCF.
-
Choose a date, time and place for your first get-together. The time of day and frequency of meetings depend on the schedules of those who are interested. Monthly meetings provide continuity however prayer partners/groups may meet more often. NCF groups meet in homes, churches, hospitals/agencies, local restaurants, classrooms, cafeterias or chapels - any place nurses can come together.
-
Plan the format for your time together.
-
Choose materials for group meetings – see Resources for NCF Groups.
-
Publicize your meetings using fliers, email announcements, social media, church bulletin announcements, and personal invitations.
-
Evaluate how things went at the meeting. Identify successes and opportunities for improvement.
