If there are no existing groups convenient to your location, consider helping to start a new group.
Find a First Place group near you.

NOTE: Links regarding specific products will take you from the First Place site to the First Place Store.

Step 1: Identify a church and leader to sponsor the group.
Step 2: Purchase the First Place leader materials.
Step 3: Have members purchase the necessary materials.
Step 4: Determine if additional fees are required.
Step 5: Encourage members to read the First Place E-Newsletter.

Step 1: Identify a church and leader to sponsor the group.
Enthusiasm is the primary qualification for becoming a First Place group leader. While leaders are not required to be at their goal weight before leading a class, they should be following the program’s Commitments and moving toward their goal weight as an example to the group.

The most successful First Place programs are hosted by a church. If your church does not have a group, ask your pastor or another local pastor about sponsoring the First Place program. First Place groups can also be formed outside a church setting. Classes can be held in homes, neighborhood centers, campuses, hospitals or the workplace—but permission to conduct a class should be obtained prior to beginning a class. (Check to see if there will be any fees charged for building use.)

Step 2: Purchase the First Place leader materials.
To begin a First Place group, you will need to purchase a First Place Group Starter Kit. Leaders may also want to purchase a Member’s Kit so they can reference the materials used by group members.

The First Place Group Starter Kit contains everything you need to start a group. The easy-to-use Leader’s Guide explains all aspects of the program—from how to publicize and plan an initial orientation session to step-by-step instructions on how to conduct First Place meetings. Also included are lesson plans for 13 weekly meetings, plus discussion guides for each of the sixteen 10-week Bible studies.

The Bible study Giving Christ First Place is included in the Group Starter Kit. For each session the leader will need to choose a new Bible study for the group. See the complete list of available Bible studies.

Use the First Place Food Exchange Plan / Orientation DVD to explain the program to potential class members, and to teach the Live-It food exchange plan. (The First Place Food Exchange Plan / Orientation DVD is included in the Group Starter Kit.)

How to Order

Step 3: Have members purchase the necessary materials.
When you have a leader and a group of individuals interested in starting the program, each new member will need a First Place Member’s Kit and a Bible study. When a group begins a second session, members will need to purchase the next Bible study. Couples may share one First Place Member’s Kit but need individual Bible studies.

Step 4: Determine if additional fees are required.
When more funds are needed to cover start-up expenses—upright medical scales for weekly weigh-ins, leader materials, incentive awards, victory celebrations or leadership training—it becomes necessary to charge individuals an additional registration fee, usually $10–$20. Some groups may want to consider adding child-care and scholarship costs to their program as well. First Place advises leaders to consult with their pastor or other church official to determine the registration fee to be collected from each member or couple.

Step 5:Encourage members to read the First Place E-Newsletter.
To enhance the success of each member’s First Place experience, leaders should encourage members to subscribe to the First Place E-Newsletter. This valuable online resource supplements learning, provides new recipes, and inspires members to keep Christ in first place! Subscribe to the E-Newsletter!

For more information about leading a First Place group, please contact Lisa Lewis at llewis@firstplace.org or (800) 727-5223, ext. 403.