Starting a group using the PRINCE2 method

Scenario

I was asked to launch a new church group. The idea was to bring people together to watch and discuss The Chosen, a powerful video series that brings biblical stories to life. I knew this was more than just setting up a viewing schedule; it was about creating a space for meaningful conversation and community.

The Challenge

When you start any new project, you need clarity; why does this project exist? What value will it bring? For this church group, I had to determine how to keep people engaged beyond the first meeting. Without a clear purpose or a plan to maintain interest, the group could lose interest.

The Turning Point

Early on, I applied principles from the PRINCE2 project management method. This gave me a framework: define the business case, make a detailed plan, set measures for progress, and assign responsibilities. In practice, this meant confirming the series was something our community truly wanted.

Workflow

• Business Case: Clarify the “why.” The series could spark discussion and deepen biblical understanding, making it a strong fit for our church’s mission.

• Planning: Schedule two-hour sessions (to allow for both viewing and discussion), secure the church hall, and prepare discussion questions ahead of time.

• Progress Tracking: Use feedback from attendees and track completion of each episode to measure engagement.

• Roles & Responsibilities: Assign roles; I led the discussions, my sister handled IT setup, another volunteer managed refreshments, and we all pitched in to arrange the room.

Impact

• Attendees are already looking forward to the next season.

• Each week, the conversations became deeper and more engaging.

• The group found its rhythm, with an average of eleven consistent attendees after the first season.

• By clearly defining the purpose, planning well, tracking progress, and sharing responsibilities, we kept the group going.