God Is In Charge
I think that when we jump into ministry, whether it is full time or volunteer, we gain a sense of ownership over what we are involved in. This can be a good thing and a bad thing. We all should feel ownership and a sense that we are making an investment in God's kingdom but to what degree?
I do believe that we can gain take this to an extreme and push God out of what we are doing or what our groups need. For example, I am a pretty structured person. I like my group to start on time (which seems to never happen) and I like to follow the curriculum. That means finish what we start every night! However, sometimes the group needs dictate that we leave our study topic for the night all together! There will be times that someone in the group is in crisis and we need to focus on helping that person or couple instead of our study that night. God provides the necessary wisdom during those times. Philippians 4:6 tells us,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
As leaders we just need to be open and willing for how God wants to use us to lead while at the same time He is working through us.
Bill Donahue and Henry Cloud recently were interviewed by Anita Lustrea on Midday Connection (Moody Radio Ministries). They talked about the fears women have about connecting in small groups and the role that relational intelligence plays in helping groups grow.
Life change happens in community. Sometimes we need to create that community in the form of small groups. Bill Donahue and Henry Cloud discuss the dynamics of groups and emotional intelligence. Learn how to strengthen your small group experience and gain confidence to start a group.
Click here to listen to the interview.
Source: Dave Treat (Group Life)
Posted by: Frank Chiapperino in Untagged on
Mar 08, 2008
My next few posts are going to cover a number of key principles for leading a great small group experience. Let's jump right into the first one.
MEET OFTEN
In the first century we know that most churches met in homes. We see evidence of this in Acts 2:46-47.
46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
When the church was just getting started they were meeting EVERY DAY! There is just an excitement that goes with being a part of something new and that includes new small groups! I used to be a real stickler about groups at our church meeting weekly. The reason is when we first getting our small group ministry off the group we had some groups that met bi-weekly instead of weekly. Two of those four small groups died within a few months. I immediately assumed it was due to not meeting weekly. I later learned that this was not the case because the other two groups were thriving.
The more frequently your group meets the quicker you will get to know one another. When relationships are well grounded and closer the discussion will be deeper. You group members will feel a great stability in this and will feel that they are in a trustworthy environment. By meeting frequently, especially when starting a new group, you will be well on your way to a great small group experience.
Visit back for the next post in this series for more on leading a great small group.
Posted by: Frank Chiapperino in Untagged on
Mar 06, 2008
I recently had the privilege of working with Brian Jones on the 6 session study guide for his book Getting Rid of the Gorilla: Confessions on the Struggle to Forgive. The book and study guide have just been released for purchase and here is the scoop...
Getting Rid of the Gorilla
Living with an unforgiving heart is like living with a gorilla. The beast follows you everywhere. He squeezes marriages. He stinks up friendships. He growls at family gatherings and beats his chest at church.
An unforgiving heart ruins relationships, affecting everyone and everything you touch. Maybe you've tried and failed to forgive someone who's hurt you. Maybe you aren't sure you even want to try. In these confessions from Brian Jones's own struggle, find hope and strength for finally getting rid of the gorilla in your life.
Click here to buy the book
Click here to buy the study guide
