Subgroup to find out what is required to enjoy the hoilday season.
by Tami Rudkin
Divide your members into smaller groups of 3, then have each group answer the following question. After the groups have discussed and come up with an answer, have them share their responses with the larger group.
"If you were coaching a team of 'never experienced Christmas before' men and women, what three strategies would you tell them were absolute musts in order to enjoy the season? Why?"
One man's simple question produces a legacy of life change.
by Brett Eastman
In this story, Brett Eastman, founder and CEO of Lifetogether, recalls how one man's simple question produced a legacy of life change:
I attended college in Southern California, and one day (I remember this like it was yesterday), a guy named John tapped me on the shoulder and asked me how I was doing spiritually.
I thought, "This is odd," but I didn't dismiss him; I actually talked with him for a few ...
Focusing on a couple qualities can make you a better leader.
by Life Together
Few traits describe a good group leader as effectively as "authentic" and "patient."
When you lead a group, just be yourself. God wants to use your unique gifts and temperament. Don't try to do things exactly like another leader; do them in a way that fits you! Admit it when you don't have an answer and apologize when you make a mistake. Your group will love you for it.
Practical advice for working toward life-change, not spectacular meetings
Carter Moss
For many small-group leaders, one of the more intimidating things we do is facilitating a group discussion. Very few of us feel like we'll have all the right answers, or that we can handle whatever curve balls will be thrown our way (and there will be some!). To make matters worse, it's even challenging to gauge whether we're doing a good job or not.
But here's the good news: that's not what facilitating ...
Brief, practical tips for directing a small-group discussion
Mike Shepherd
Are you a good facilitator of small group experience? Do you lecture too much…or let people interact too much? Is truth being taught or is it shared ignorance? How do we balance teaching and group interaction in small group experiences? Here are some suggestions you might consider.
Use a toe-tag to help group members think of their last words before death.
Tami Rudkin
Leader: Purchase 4 3/4 x 2 3/8 shipping tags at any office supply store that have a string attached so that they look like a toe tag that a mortician may place on a body at the morgue.
Holding up a tag, ask your group what they think this tag is. Explain it is a toe tag and that each of us will die one day.
Say: "If you had five minutes left to live what would your last words be and to whom? Take ...
Use flowers to help group members talk about what brings beauty to their lives.
Tami Rudkin
Before group: Purchase cut flowers, a couple dozen pieces (flowers, greenery) depending on the size of your group. Bring a vase to group that will hold the number of flowers you will be using. Cut your flowers so that they will fit nicely in the vase.
Give each person at least one flower or piece of greenery as they come in. Give more than one if you have enough, especially if your group is small. ...
Use a basket of school supplies to help group members talk about their school memories.
Tami Rudkin
Put several "school" items into a basket. Without telling your group what you are going to do pass the basket and let them draw out an item. After everyone has an item ask them to tell the group how that particular item reminds them of their school days.
Possible items: scissors, eraser, crayons, ruler, tennis shoes, colored pencils, lunch box, red pencil, pencils/pens, paper
Group members choose their favorite out of a group of motivational phrases.
Tami Rudkin
Write the following phrases on regular sheets of paper, one per sheet. (Use a marker for easier reading)
Attitude is Everything
Commitment to Excellence
Dare to Soar
Whatever it Takes
Think Big
Throw these sheets out on the floor in the middle of your circle. Ask your group to take a minute to think about these phrases. Then ask them to share with the group which of the phrases they like the best and ...
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