04/14/08

Small Group Huddle

I. Introductory ThoughtsA. What is the purpose of

small groups?

•Growth? •Community? •Support? •Prayer?

•Service? •Disciple?•Encourage?• Bible

Study?

• Why Meet? • What’s the primary goal as a

leader?

B. All elements are important

C. What You See As the purpose- or goal of small groups determines what you focus on

D. Consider Jesus’ time with disciples – as a small group leader – what was his goal?

... TRANSFORM LIVES...

A complete and total overhaul from the inside out

THE ART OF BEING A DIRECTOR-JUGGLER-CONDUCTOR-TEACHER-LEADER-LISTENER-COUNSELLOR-PASTOR-FRIEND-

JANITOR-EVENT PLANNER-BUILDING MANAGER-COACH-FACILITATOR-TIME MANAGER-PEOPLE BUILDING-SMALL

GROUP LEADER!

A. A Model of Small Group Leadership

LEADERLEADER

• A disciple• Real-genuine-respectful-caring• Has time & energy to do the job• A learner• Willing to be used by God• Willing to share self• Takes care of self• Others?

How could you be doing this better?

• Take care of yourself- time- prayer- rest• Make space in your life for God• Share the “burden”… assign roles- have an assistant leader• Be realistic and flexible• Use your shepherd• Maintain healthy boundaries• Others?

EnvironmentEnvironment

How could you be doing this better?

• pre-empt common disruptions (phone-children-etc.)•Always anticipate late comers by setting aside chairs with easy access- quickly welcome, but move along•Ask host to be prepared for outside distractions•Are seating arrangement/chairs best?

• Physical space• Lighting-chairs-temperature-sound-distractions-food-A.V. needs• Create atmosphere that fosters intimacy- learning- safety-comfort

TasksTasks

How could you be doing this better?

• Rules of the group- set expectations• Structure time• Covenant• Stay on task/direct tasks• Confidentiality• Topic/materials• Prayer leader

•Set rules early and clearly•Remind periodically of the rules and guidelines•Handle “EGR’S” quickly & lovingly

RelationshipsRelationships

How could you be doing this better?

• be “shock proof”- respond, rather than react to people & problems•Be flexible- don’t let your agenda run the group•Confront immediately and appropriately (deal with “EGR’S”)•Gently ask quiet members to give opinions•Be “OK” with silence- quiet spots•Play “dumb”- allow other’s responses•Get group feedback- how is the group doing?

•Create Safety•Tend to boundaries•Listen-encourage-challenge-ask•Foster trust•Seek GROUP participation•Create opportunities for relationship building

SpiritualitySpirituality

How could you be doing this better?

• pray immediately when requests are given•Teach by example- set up mentoring relationships•Have a “love seat” for those who need prayer for the group to lay hands on and pray•Ask what God is doing in lives regularly• Look at Bible study as “cave exploring”- allow others to explore•Invite worship leader in periodically

•Prayer for group – in group- Worship time•Teach/facilitate learning•Tend to spiritual growth- spiritual issues- “shepherd”•Study Scripture•Help find answers or resources•Service projects•Model discipleship

LEADERLEADER EnvironmentRelationships

Remember- God’s redemptive power in our lives (our

story) is the greatest thing we have to offer as a

leader