Description:
Small groups are the crossroads where life and discipleship meet. This blog is an on going discussion forum about small group ministry in the Christian community and churches.
Bill Search, author of Simple Small Groups, recently posted how caring for others is an essential component of leadership in small groups:
What is the most basic expectation of leading a small group? Some would say it is providing a place for the group to meet. Others would say it has more to do with crafting a riveting lesson with careful attention to interpreting and applying ancient biblical texts. Still others imagine the key component of leading a groupis providing for each and every need that members in the group may have. No wonder we have a leader crisis on our hands!
Perhaps the answer is much simpler. My most basic expectation for anyone facilitating any type of group is that leaders should care for their people.
TEN GREAT WAYS TO CARE FOR YOUR GROUP MEMBERS
10. Pray for your group members each morning. 9. Meet a group member for coffee. 8. Invite the group over for dinner. 7. Send a note of encouragement. 6. Ask questions. 5. Celebrate with them, literally...birthdays, anniversaries, etc. 4. Notice when they're absent. 3. Make 'hello' and 'goodbye' the most important part of your interactions. 2. Call them out...challenge them in areas where they need to change. 1. Get them serving others.
So often in our groups we talk about great plans and techniques to try out and improve community in group life. However, what about the things we should NOT do? Below are the top ten worst small group icebreakers and I just couldn't stop laughing!
10. Which famous criminal would you say you are most like, and why?
9. What is your deepest, darkest, secret?
8. If you were lead pastor of our church, which staff member would you fire first?
7. What is your biggest pet peeve--of people in this small group?
6. What is your favorite white-lie to tell for why you are skipping small group?
5. What is your top 10 list of things that annoy you about our church?
4. Which couple in this group do you most wish would go join a Parenting Group at church?
3. Share one (only one please) of your spouse's secrets that they don't want shared, but you know would get a great laugh from this group?
2. What's the worst snack you've ever eaten--at this small group?
1. In the next election, who do you think everyone in this group needs to vote for (if they claim to be real Christians)?
I was browsing the web today and ran across 5 tips for small groups leaders:
Dont go it alone: Team ministry can be more effective and way more fun. Always start your groups with an apprentice, and remember that apprentices are not just for planting new groups, but they make your existing group experience better. And your coach is the other key part of your team, so make the most of the coaching relationship.
Expect the revolving door: You may rarely have the exact same set of people in your group for a very long time, so don't make that your goal. Often small groups are much more like a revolving door, so one of our goals is making the most of the time God brings each person to us. Your group may be the next key step on their spiritual journey!
Don't over-emphasize the meeting time: Don't get too caught up in making the 2 hours of your small group meeting time be perfect. Sometimes, the majority of connection and life change happens during all the other hours of the week, and that's OK. And often the best group meetings are the ones that totally stray from your plan. It's still your group that brings those relationships together and creates community!
Use your freedom and creativity: You have the freedom to experiment with what your small group time will look like, so take risks and try different formats. It can be great for the group to mix it up and blow their minds once in awhile, whether you split into men/women for the evening, do a service project together, meet for group at a bar/restaurant, have an all-worship night, watch and discuss a movie together, or whatever.
Leave a legacy: Planting new groups should never become some dreaded "have to." Without planting a new group, your group dies with you! But with constant planting and multiplication, it carries on long after you're gone, and what is more exciting in life than leaving a a legacy behind!
So often in our groups we talk about great plans and techniques to try out and improve community in group life. However, what about the things we should NOT do? Below are the top ten worst small group icebreakers and I just couldn't stop laughing!