The key to interactive discussions in your small group
Eric Metcalf
One of the biggest challenges of leading small groups is keeping the discussions interactive. If that doesn't happen—if people don't interact with the material and with each other—then the group simply becomes a class focused on you as the teacher, and people can easily lose interest. But when a discussion is interactive, it can leave everyone wanting to come back for more because the ...
Think about all of the stuff you have memorized over the years—in school or for your job. Now think about what you have recently memorized. Although you may not currently be involved in an academic setting, you are still actively learning. You can probably recall song lyrics, movie lines, passwords, credit card numbers, and much more. I often catch myself amused by the wide variety of things ...
Summer is a natural time of the year to pull back and get in some "me time". We are so busy with life that scheduling some down time to recharge our batteries becomes a necessary part of our summer routine. I do hope you have been able to do that or will do it soon. As you get back into your routine, mid August, use that recharged energy to give back to others. Make it a "Christmas in August" Bible ...
A quick Bible study that helps us appreciate our freedom in Christ
Mike Shepherd
"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." - James 1:25
Those of us who were born as citizens of the USA can often take for granted the freedom we enjoy. Many have given the ultimate sacrifice to enable us to enjoy this freedom. Much of the world does not ...
A brief Bible study covering our need for mature guidance
Mike Shepherd
"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put into practice." - Philippians 4:9
This spring, many of us watched as Bill Rancic became "The Apprentice" of business guru Donald Trump. He heard the words his competitors could only dream, "You're hired!" Thousands coveted the $250,000 a year job and the chance to learn from "The Donald." I wonder how zealous we would be to ...
Even if your group doesn't seem a good fit right now, God may have big plans for it.
by Life Together
When I first started attending my group, I felt really uncomfortable. Actually, I shouldn't even call it a "group." It was just a couple and myself, and I found that extremely awkward. It just felt way too small for me. I really wanted to quit the group.
But thankfully, I didn't. Instead, I talked with the other couple about inviting others into our group. They were enthusiastic about the idea. And ...
How we started small groups for our youth, led by our youth
Wayne O. Gooden
Our youth small groups are totally student-led, with "at-hand" adult leadership available in case of needs that are outside the ability of teens. When we started out, we had one large "youth group" that usually met on Sunday afternoon from 4:30 - 6:30.
We began to share the vision with our kids and began to show them how this could work for them to strengthen, encourage, evangelize, etc. Each week ...
Setting aside a time for journaling can help your group members internalize what they've learned.
Sue Skalicky
I was reminded of the importance of journaling just this past week. A young friend of mine sent me an email from the university where she is pursuing a degree in photojournalism. Her short and powerful email was sent to nearly a hundred people. In it she said:
"Hello all. In case you didn't already know, I send out a mass email every year on the same day. It is a reminder to myself, and hopefully ...
There are times when I have a difficult time communicating with God. During these times, I often struggle to find the right words to express my joy or my pain in prayer. Thankfully, I have found that reading the Psalms helps me to focus on my experience, my emotions, and my expressions of suffering or gratitude to God. The Psalms beautifully express to God praise, anguish, repentance, faith, anger, ...
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