Q & A
Q & A Discussion: Sam O'Neal
As a small-group leader, how can I help our group members build trust in each other?
| Topics: | Authenticity, Covenants, Trust, Vulnerability |
| Filters: | Group Leader, New leader, Train |
| Purpose: | Fellowship |
| References: |  |
| Date Added: | December 29, 2008 |
In my experience, there are a couple of practical things you can do as a leader to increase the level of trust in your group. The first, if you haven't done it already, is to establish a group covenant that includes a section about confidentiality. It's really important that your group members know that what they say in the group will stay in the group. I actually recommend getting this down on paper, giving a copy to each group member, and having them sign it. It's a real, tangible way to make the group feel safe.
The second thing you can do is encourage a culture of authenticity. By that I mean encouraging the group to be open and honest about their hopes, dreams, struggles, and triumphs. Building in this deeper dimension will really boost the trust between your group members.
Of course, it's hard to get people talking about deep issues when they don't trust each other yet. And that's where you come in. You can lead through example by being open about your own struggles and triumphs. In other words, it's important that you as the leader demonstrate authenticity first. And as you set the bar and encourage others to follow—not pushing them to give up their deep, dark secrets, but just affirming that we're all human and the group is an appropriate place to discuss deeper things—you'll eventually get some momentum going in the trust department.
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