Articles in Encouragement
No Teaching Allowed
Published by on November 6th 2009
I started attending a new Men’s Group a few weeks ago on Wednesday mornings. A good friend of mine set it up, and invited me on one condition: that I not teach or lapse into being “teachy”. A bit offended, I asked him exactly what he meant. Here’s what I learned…
The Welcoming Group
Published by on October 9th 2009
One of my main struggles working with small groups is to accelerate deep relationships. This is a special concern for the newcomer to any group because, from their perspective, everyone seems to be great friends, and they feel like an outsider. Here are a couple of tips to help the leaders in your church reach out to newcomers and lay the groundwork for meaningful relationships.
Refocusing For the Fall
Published by on September 14th 2009
Now that fall is here, people’s attention will be turning from summer staycations to their regular routines. This is a great time to get your small groups refocused and off to a great start.
The Bus Contingency
Published by on June 19th 2009
I have been involved with a couple of organizations over the years where the following unpleasant question gets pondered aloud, “If (our senior leader) gets hit by a bus, what are we going to do?” Yes, it is a downer, but it’s also very pointed. Has your leader transferred enough of himself for your organization to carry on? Or how about this: have your transferred your Christian walk to another so that he or she can make disciples?
The Frequency Trap
Published by on June 5th 2009
Recently, we had dinner with two other families that are some of our best friends. These are some of my deepest, most prized, most challenging relationships; and yet we might get together once or twice a year.
The Community Trap
Published by on May 22nd 2009
What is the end that we pursue as pastors and leaders? In small group-world, the focus always seems to come back around to community. Community is not a bad thing, but if we are to be biblical in our pursuit, mere community is not enough.
The Curriculum Trap
Published by on April 24th 2009
Groups can get mired by endless discussions of what to study. Rather than let your groups get stuck, encourage them to try something different.
Small Group Coaching Issues - Part 5
Published by on April 10th 2009
If you want to apply the last four posts about small group coaching, but are too snowed under to start, start here.
