Groups

Description #

The Groups module allows for the management of small groups, Bible studies, or other similar gatherings, with hosts, locations (physical, virtual, or both), schedules, demographics, group types, childcare provided, inquiries, and photo galleries.

Module Integrations #

• Events: Links group-related events, connecting community activities.
• Locations: Specifies group venues for campus-specific gatherings.
• Ministries: Aligns groups with ministry goals to support outreach.
• People: Connects group hosts and members to member profiles.
• Prayer: Includes group-specific prayers to encourage participation.
• Sermons: Uses sermons as study content for group discussions.
• Staff: Identifies group leaders, linking to staff profiles.
• Testimonies: Shares group-related stories to inspire community.
• What to Expect: Provides group information for visitors to aid engagement.
• Recommendations: Links group-related resources to promote activities.

Module Options #

Customize the Groups module to control group settings and inquiry routing.

1. Navigate to Church Infinite > Website Settings > Modules > Groups or Groups > Options in the dashboard.
2. Configure settings, such as:
   • Inquiry Routing: Set notification preferences for group inquiries (e.g., admin or custom email).
   • Display Options: Choose layout options for group listings (e.g., grid or list).
3. Save changes to apply settings across your website.

Content Management #

Groups #

Description: Groups are small groups or Bible studies with shared activities, such as community discussions or prayer meetings, organized by hosts and schedules.

Adding:

1. Go to Groups > Add New in the dashboard.
2. Enter a title (e.g., “Young Adults Bible Study”) and description for the group.
3. In the group details section:
   • Assign hosts from the Hosts section (linked to People profiles).
   • Specify location:
     • Physical: Provide an address.
     • Virtual: Include access details (e.g., Zoom link).
     • Both: Combine physical and virtual details.
   • Select demographics (e.g., Young Adults, Families).
   • Select a group type (e.g., Bible Study, Support Group).
   • Set the schedule (e.g., frequency, day, time).
   • Enable or disable childcare availability.
   • Add a photo gallery for group activities.
   • Upload a featured image for the group listing.
4. Click “Publish” to display the group on the “Groups” page under Get Involved.

Editing:

1. Go to Groups > All Groups.
2. Hover over the group and click “Edit”.
3. Update the title, description, hosts, location, demographics, group type, schedule, childcare, gallery, or image.
4. Click “Update” to save changes.

Deleting:

1. Go to Groups > All Groups.
2. Hover over the group and click “Trash”.
3. To permanently delete, go to Groups > Trash, hover, and click “Delete Permanently”.
4. Note: Deleted groups cannot be recovered unless restored from a backup.

Group Options: Enhance groups with:

• Schedule: Set recurring meetings (e.g., weekly on Wednesdays).
• Photo Gallery: Upload images (e.g., 800x600px) to showcase activities.
• Childcare: Indicate childcare availability to attract families.

Inquiries #

Description: Inquiries are requests from individuals interested in joining or learning about groups, managed to facilitate engagement.

Managing Inquiries:

1. Go to Groups > Inquiries.
2. Review incoming inquiries, which include submitter details (e.g., name, email) and the requested group.
3. Respond to inquiries:
   • Click on an inquiry to view details.
   • Reply directly (e.g., via email) or assign to a group host.
   • Mark as resolved or pending, if applicable.
4. Save changes to update inquiry status.

Inquiry Options: Customize inquiry handling:

• Notifications: Route inquiries to admin or custom emails, configured in module options.
• Status Tracking: Track inquiry progress (e.g., pending, responded).

Hosts #

Description: Hosts are individuals leading groups, linked to member profiles for coordination.

Adding:

1. Go to Groups > Hosts.
2. Click “Add New Host”.
3. Enter the host’s name and link to a People profile.
4. Save to add the host.

Editing:

1. Go to Groups > Hosts.
2. Hover over the host and click “Edit”.
3. Update the name or People profile link.
4. Save changes.

Deleting:

1. Go to Groups > Hosts.
2. Hover over the host and click “Delete”.
3. Confirm deletion.
4. Note: Deleting a host removes it from associated groups, but groups remain published.

Host Details: Customize host profiles:

• People Link: Connect to a member profile for visibility on group pages.
• Multiple Hosts: Assign multiple hosts to a group for shared leadership.

Demographics #

Description: Demographics categorize groups by target audience (e.g., Young Adults, Families).

Adding:

1. Go to Groups > Demographics.
2. Click “Add New Demographic”.
3. Enter the demographic name (e.g., “Young Adults”).
4. Save to add.

Editing:

1. Go to Groups > Demographics.
2. Hover over the demographic and click “Edit”.
3. Update the name.
4. Save changes.

Deleting:

1. Go to Groups > Demographics.
2. Hover over the demographic and click “Delete”.
3. Confirm deletion.
4. Note: Deleting a demographic removes it from associated groups, but groups remain published.

Demographic Organization: Organize groups effectively:

• Use demographics to attract specific audiences (e.g., “Seniors”).
• Assign multiple demographics to a group for broader appeal.

Group Types #

Description: Group Types categorize groups by format or purpose (e.g., Bible Study, Support Group).

Adding:

1. Go to Groups > Group Types.
2. Click “Add New Group Type”.
3. Enter the type name (e.g., “Bible Study”).
4. Save to add.

Editing:

1. Go to Groups > Group Types.
2. Hover over the type and click “Edit”.
3. Update the name.
4. Save changes.

Deleting:

1. Go to Groups > Group Types.
2. Hover over the type and click “Delete”.
3. Confirm deletion.
4. Note: Deleting a type removes it from associated groups, but groups remain published.

Type Organization: Categorize groups effectively:

• Use types to clarify group focus (e.g., “Prayer Group”).
• Assign a single type per group for clear organization.