Discuss Small Group Models
Host Groups
What should the minimum qualifications be for people we want to recruit as small-group hosts?
Total Reader Responses: 20 (see below)
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Lets go beyond the general semantics if we may. Having a deep personal relationship with the Lord and understanding His direction and desires and understanding that He equips you for whatever His desire is. When He wants you for His needs; He will equip! This includes understandings, needs, relationships, study, interruptions etc. The Lord give the necessary tools to the called leaders to work by. When we start to worry about all the fine details or whether we have the latest this or that in place, we preclude His attention to take care of all. We cannot be everywhere, see everything, have every rule listed and still serve the Lord. When we get so enamored with getting it right, maybe we should as the question...is this what the Lord would have me to do?
I believe that God's word stands for itself. Anyone can start a small group because it is a relational thing. When studying the bible, everyone being encouraged to take part and look for the answers as a group is what makes the group enjoyable. When one person does all the talking in the leadership role, others begin to feel as if they have no ownership of the group. I agree with Jenny about the host and leader option. Hospitality is so important to making everyone feel comfortable. Being gifted to be lither a leader or host playsa hugh role in the small group.
We have both group hosts and group leaders - leaders lead, hosts host, so we look for hosts who are "people people", who enjoy having others over to their place, who have the gift of hospitality, who don't feel that their home has to be "pristine" before anyone else gets there, etc. They don't neccessary have to have a "large, beautiful" home, but people need to feel welcomed. If the host is someone who is very particular about the state of their house, then group members quickly pick up on this and don't feel comfortable or able to relax.
I believe there shouls be leaders of all sorts. knowing me i was intimidated by being surrounded by a bunch of people who was more advanced than i was. I felt more comfortable being around people who was learning just as i was & although the leader did not have all the answers she was eager to seek them. thats why it is is important to have a variety of leaders, as long as they are eager & willing to learn & have basic knowledge I feel they are able to handle a group that is also eager & willing to learn. would a 20yrs old feel comfortable learning in a group with a group of 60yr old ladies , probably not. they would probably feel comfortable in a teen grop hosted by a teen..
Lack of knowledge of scripture can seem a little scarey. But, we have had small groups in our church for 16 years and group leaders change yearly. I think the gift the host needs most is hospitality. The group grows each other. If there are questions that can not be easily answered through the material used or scripture, the group must agree to seek truth by contacting the pastor or other designated source. In fact, truth grows much deeper when there isn't a "know it all" person.
