This time of year leading a small group can get challenging. The holidays begin creeping up on you and your small group members begin to travel. Consistent attendance begins to dive, we get discouraged, and we begin to cancel our group gatherings when only a few people are going to show up.
I want to encourage you, DO NOT TO CANCEL. As leaders we need to begin viewing a small turn out as an opportunity for an increase in intimacy. Just last week I was getting a little discouraged as 10 of our 14 group members were going to be out of town or unavailable. Luckily before I got too bummed out, I was told by the other couple, "let still get together, take our kids to the play ground at Chic-fil-a and eat a quick cheap meal!" We had a great time, our kids had a blast, and it was an opportunity to reconnect with them. It was so refreshing to have some extended time with a family that we love to spend time with. It was so refreshing.
DON'T CANCEL YOUR GROUP!!!
http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/2365281/2/istockphoto_2365281_checklist.jpg" alt=" " width="119" height="102" align="left" />Sometimes your study guide or scheduled reading for your small group meeting doesn't take you where your group needs to go. We can't view this stuff as a check list. I remember a doing a study recently when my small group was discussing the book of James and the study guide was leading us to talk about temptation. It was interesting because each question and scripture we explored together kept bringing us back to the sermon we had heard the previous Sunday.
The sermon focused on the topic of gossip and healthy conflict resolution. After having two questions in a row on temptation turn into discussion on gossip and conflict I quickly realized I needed to close the study guide and put it down. We completely shifted gears and spent the next 30min going where the group needed.
As discussion leaders we have to be flexible. While study guides and schedules are great the cant predict nor meet every needs of our groups each week. Pay attention, listen closely, and watch what God does!
www.holyobserver.com/detail.php?isu=v03i01&art=top10_spice" target="_blank">Holy Observer blog and I couldnt stop laughing. Here is the top 10 ways to spice up your small group!
| 10. Start floating air biscuits and wave your hand in front of your face, exclaiming "Whooo, who was that?!?" |
| 9. Mention you're not sure who you'll vote for in the upcoming democratic primary. |
| 8. Show up dressed like Huggy Bear. Act offended if anyone comments. |
| 7. Explain how you're so glad all people go to Heaven because witnessing is such a drag. |
| 6. Two words: Leather Pants |
| 5. Insist that The Message is the only true Word of God. |
| 4. Offer back rubs to other people's spouses. |
| 3. Bring a batch of your famous Snap! Crackle! Pot! Rice Krispies Treats. |
| 2. Excuse yourself to the bathroom for an awkwardly long period of time. When you return, ask everyone if they think masturbation is a sin. |
| 1. Talk more: After all, it's the other people who are so boring, not you! |
