Learn how to avoid some dangerous leadership pitfalls.
by Joe Higginbotham
My first experience in small-group ministry is now over—sooner than I expected. But I still believe in the concept. Even though I made so many mistakes, I intend to go out and try again. In fact, I'm already involved in a second small group, and I've taken steps to safeguard against the problems I'm about to describe.
The first group started after my Sunday school class complained that 45 minutes ...
Though confrontation is difficult, it can be essential to small group health.
by Life Together
Connie loved to talk. Most of all, she loved to psychobabble.
She'd prattle on during Bible study: "My boyfriend won't talk about the future of our relationship, but he spends each weekend with me. I think he likes me. But why doesn't he tell me his true feelings? Is he just being a guy? Does he not like me? Then why hasn't he broken up with me? Can we have a relationship if we don't communicate?"
Pain is difficult, but is also a catalyst for spiritual growth.
by Brett Eastman
Nobody likes pain, and nobody likes to experience pain alone. Even Christ, while hanging on the cross, asked God, "Why have you forsaken me?" Yet God often uses it to trigger some of the greatest life-giving moments.
We often fail to appreciate that pain points out a problem that's blocking personal growth. In order for God to deal with certain areas of our life, he allows certain levels of discomfort ...
Common habits and practices that can dull our conversations with God
by Wayne Jacobsen
Though the exercise of prayer offers comfort for the moment, many prayer requests treat God like a genie in a bottle. Here are some prayer requests that reflect our human desires more than the desires of God. Do these sound familiar?
The Trivial Prayer
"I pray I can get over this cold," or "Give us a rain-free day for the church picnic."
Our comfort and our plans are important to us, but could God have ...
A quick Bible study on our tendency to judge books by their covers
Mike Shepherd
One of my favorite actors is Don Knotts. Of course, he is most known for his role as Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show from the 1960s. Knotts left the show in 1964 to pursue a career on the big screen. It did not go as well as he had hoped. He became typecast. The public wanted him to be Barney Fife in every movie he made. For most of his career, with the exception of his time on Three's Company, ...
She's not doing it maliciously, but her gossip is destroying the group.
Pat J. Sikora
"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret" (Proverbs 11:13).
Griselda Gossip can't help herself. Every time someone in the group discloses a deep personal need, Griselda finds someone else to share it with. She doesn't do this maliciously. Sometimes she's simply sharing a prayer request that isn't hers to share. When the word gets back to the group members they stop sharing ...
When group members are seriously hurting, where is the line between supporting and intruding?
Michael C. Mack
A couple in our group is having serious marital problems. A divorce is very possible. How can we help without "intruding" or going beyond the amount of "ministry" group members should perform?
This question gets to the heart of what a small group should and should not be.
First, let's discuss what a small group is. It is a place where group members are supported, loved, held accountable, and encouraged. ...
You are leading your Bible study one evening when a member suddenly starts crying—what do you do?
Michael C. Mack
You are leading your Bible study one evening when a member suddenly starts crying, apparently for no reason. what do you do?
First, turn your attention from your set agenda and focus on the needs of the member who is crying. It is very important to recognize the person's feelings. To ignore the crying in favor of "getting through the Bible study" or to try to dismiss it quickly tells this person who ...
Sometimes people in your group need more than you're able to give.
Keith Wright
Sometimes a person in your small group needs more help than you can give—professional help from a counselor or pastor. Knowing when and to whom to refer is a humility -based art. It means acknowledging that you can not be all things to all people. Like any art, there are no hard and fast rules. However, some guidelines may be helpful.
When to Consider Referral
The person appears severely disturbed—hallucinating, considering suicide, unable to function.
Printer view of these results
Train
