The success of any small group starts with the leader. Effective leaders are not teachers or lecturers. They are facilitators and catalysts whose primary job is to get people to interact with each other. Almost anyone can lead a dynamic discussion by following certain guidelines.
1. Come to the study prepared. Ask God to help you understand and apply the passage to your own life. Unless that happens, ...
Group member share three rules that they never break.
by Tami Rudkin
Ask each person in your group to think about three rules that they absolutely live by and refuse to break for anyone, anytime. After a few minutes, ask them to share their rules. Ask: Was it difficult to come up with your three rules to live by? Was it easy? Why?
Missional is a popular word today. It implies that in our evangelism, we do more than simply throw the gospel at someone. Instead we look at our culture as if we were on the mission field and ask what we can do to connect with that culture and reach those around us. Our new six-session course "Missional Evangelism" does just that. This study will help you see that all places are mission fields and ...
Group members bring their favorite quotes or movie clips to share.
Tami Rudkin
Ask your group members to bring one of their favorite quotes from a book or movie. Have them share their quotes the following week. Ask them to tell where the quote came from, who said it, and why it impacted them. (You may want to call or send a postcard to remind them.)
Group members create a business card containing their best advice for life.
Tami Rudkin
Gather the following items before your group meeting. White, heavy-weight paper cut into business card size. Thin magnets pre-cut into business card size (find these at any office supply or business card designer). Different-colored pens or sharp tip markers. Glue. Give your group a few minutes to think of the best advice they could give for living a happy life. After they have thought of that advice, ...
A way to expand God's kingdom by starting with your neighbors.
Sue Skalicky
My husband and I just got back from Orlando where I accompanied him to a conference. During our five-day stay, we spent one day visiting Epcot® at Walt Disney World®. We experienced the beauty of community as we walked through the history, culture, and architecture of eleven different countries. We spoke with people from the country in which we were symbolically standing and enjoyed their ...
Leader read: Our spiritual act of worship is doing as Jesus commanded. Our obedience is a direct reflection of what is in our hearts. It shows the world the depth of our love for God and for others.
What did Jesus tell us to do? Love. It is simple … not a bunch of do's and don'ts, just love.
Jesus was asked, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied, "Love the Lord ...
Take a cue from advertisers during your next group discussion.
Sue Skalicky
I recently attended a national convention of high school journalists where I picked up a white rubber bracelet imprinted with "LIVE FREE". These words are meant to be a reminder that Americans have been given the right to freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly. For me, they have more intense meaning as I strive to live a life of gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross - a sacrifice that ...
Participate in an activity that reminds us that we worship God by loving others.
Tami Rudkin
Leader say:
Worship is a lifestyle.
What kind of worship does the Lord require? Does He demand great acts of self sacrifice or simple acts of humility? So often we believe that loving God and living a life of worship is one monumental act after another. Consequently, most of us give up. We know we aren’t up to the task of living large all the time!
Mother Teresa once said, "We can do no great things—only ...
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