Hi:

Here is my problem. We have 22 small groups operating in our congregation. One of our congregation members who was a leader of the worship team, was having difficulties because he could not control the agenda of worship within our services. He started a small group and invited couples who would support his agenda and they presented their position (and demands) in regards to worship. This did not achieve what they had hoped for. Since then the leader has left the church and so have all the members of the small group he created.

Some of the women of this group belong to another small group. In discussions with her, it has become obvious that she is bitter about the other couples leaving the congregation, particularly the ones who were close friends. She has become judgemental about members of the congregation and she places the blame on the senior leadership, having openly has criticized the teaching as well as the ministry of the senior pastor. The teaching, however, has been true to _script_ure and supports the need to be fed spiritually. The dilemma is that this leader is using her small group now to express her bitterness and it is now becoming part of her teaching.

What advice can you give to help prevent this small group from being used for negative purposes and not for the benefits that we are use to and for God’s glory? What advice would you give to the leaders of the small groups to ensure that the groups do not become manipulated either by a leader or by members of the group? It would be more damaging to step in and interfere with the group in a direct way. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Glen