How can you deal with someone who steps over the line from discussion to argument?
Pat J. Sikora
Arthur Argumentative loves a good "discussion." He doesn't see what he's doing as being argumentative. He just enjoys a lively exchange. The problem is that his aggressive nature offends or scares the other members. Sometimes he even gets a little personal, calling the responses of others "dumb" or "crazy." Note that we're not talking here about a lively, spirited discussion. That's our goal! People ...
Knowing how much God loves us gives us confidence in our relationship with him and others.
Christians sometimes think that having good self-esteem makes us prideful and self-centered. However, just the opposite is true. As we come to terms with how God has made us and look for the worth he has ascribed to each of us, we will gain confidence in our relationships with him and everyone around us. This three-session course will help you get started.
Help Darryl approach a sticky situation involving on of his group's married couples.
Darryl has been leading a small group for over a decade, and he feels pretty confident about handling some of the issues that pop up between group members. But a current problem has him stumped.
One of the members, Jim, often dominates the conversation of another group member, Patti. When Patti expresses an opinion, Jim often interjects something to clarify what she "was trying to say." Sometimes he'll ...
Jesus called us to do many things, all of them important, but discipleship is one that stands out above the rest. Why? Because without replicating and reproducing what God has done in you, His reach is limited to your time, your network, and your life.
Elijah had Elisha; Moses had Joshua; Paul had Timothy. Our mandate to disciple others is clarified in 2 Timothy. In chapter one, verses 13 & 14, Paul ...
How much authority should you exert over your group?
The Small Group Network Community
Darryl wants to be the best leader he can be. But leading these people is sometimes like trying to shepherd cats! This week he decided to usurp more authority. He'd hoped that his group were up to being challenged, but they just sat there and did not respond. Now Darryl is confused about how "strong" of a leader he should be with the group.
How to give the support, training, and encouragement that will help a Small-Group Leader succeed.
Betty Veldman Wieland
When Katie asked to get together to talk about small groups, I readily agreed. She was bright and perceptive, an excellent leader. She loved her small group and they loved her, but that is not what her body language conveyed. Her shoulders drooped, her eyes were dull, and her face blank as she shoved a paper across the desk toward me. "We had our small-groups kick-off meeting last night, and this ...
Are you ready for a lifesaving conversation? Your friend could be ready, and it could be now or never.
Greg Smith
Like stepping to the free-throw line with the game point in your hands, there can be that same stomach-churning anxiety when it comes to sharing the gospel. Perhaps for months or even years you have been praying for the opportunity to talk to a friend about Christ, and then, without warning, God opens up the window of opportunity. For once the conversation isn't about work, sports, home improvement ...
Be aware of the things that keep visitors from returning.
by Life Together
Many people that visit but never return to a small group do so because it feels cliquish. When visitors walk in to your meeting, your top priority is to make them feel welcome. Greet them at the door; give them a hug or a handshake and look them in the eye when they talk.
If you fear your group gets cliquey, you can change your group atmosphere by having a brief introduction period during which each ...
A practical look at the boundaries of fellowship groups.
Michael Mack
A couple in our fellowship 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 fellowship small group should and should not be.
What a Fellowship Small Group Is
First, let's discuss what a fellowship small group is. It is a place where group ...
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