Getting Started

Group Size

The number of men in your Recalibr8 group is important and should not be overlooked.  There are interesting dynamics and nuances that come into play in groups that are both too large or too small.  Generally, Groups that are too small can lack critical social interaction, especially if there are introverts in the group. Groups that are too large can feel overwhelming and can make it difficult to cultivate a meaningful sense of community.  Consider starting your Recalibr8 group with at least 6 guys and consider branching off into two separate Recalibr8 groups once your fellowship reaches 14-16 men on a consistent basis.

Venue

Over the past ten years, we have hosted Recalibr8 groups in family rooms, pool cabanas, cafe's, restaurants and private conference rooms.  A proper venue is critical to the success of your Recalibr8 gathering.  Most importantly, whatever venue you choose should be quiet and private.  Seems obvious, however what can seem like a quiet and private space, such as the back table in a restaurant or a cafe' in the early morning, can be filled with many other unnecessary distractions.  The most successful groups, where true authentic, safe, open and honest discussion happens, tend to be those hosted in someone's home or private room such as a conference room or office space.

Format 

Time is our most valuable commodity and should be respected. Gathering a group of men is never easy and being cognitive of other people's time is key.  It is also important to maintain consistency so that folks can count on a specific time and day of the week.  We have found that meeting early in the morning, mid-week, on a consistent weekly basis is best for a variety of reasons.  The original Recalib8 group meets every Wednesday morning from 7am-8:30am in a large conference room.  The facilitator or host is responsible to send out a reminder email each week prior to the meeting.  Coffee and breakfast items (fruit, pastries, bagels, etc.) are highly recommended.  It is advisable to request a volunteer(s) to bring coffee and/or food items on a rotation basis each week.  This spreads the responsibility and cost among the group, keeps the host from "burning out" and gives a sense of ownership to the other men in the group.

Consider This Format:

7am-7:20am - Caffeine and Connect Time

7:20am - Gather and Pray

7:20am-8:20am - Recalibr8 Facilitated Interactive Group Discussion (Consider using "The 52's" as fuel for your discussion times together).

8:20am-8:30am - Prayer Requests and Close in Prayer

NOTE - Recalibr8 does not have to meet 52 weeks a year.  In fact, we have found it is good to take breaks throughout the year for summer (June-Aug) and winter/holiday (Thanksgiving-New Years).  That said, it is advisable to keep the group engaged and continue to promote community among the members by hosting a mid-break BBQ or Dinner with the Wives, or some other activity (Golf, Hike, Camping Trip, etc..).