SmallGroups.com

Note: This article has been excerpted from the SmallGroups.com training tool called Ministering to Difficult Group Members.

As kids, it never occurred to us to "work" on any of our relationships. They just happened. And if for any reason they didn't, we jumped ship. No fuss, no muss.

But somewhere along the line, each of us entered the fray of mature relationships—and things got dicey. We learned ...

Topics:	Communication, Confrontation, Difficult people, Group dynamics, Interaction, Relationships
Filters:	Counseling groups, Group Leader, Member, Train
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Psalm 92:12-15, Romans 12:2, Romans 12:18
Date Added:	March 05, 2008

Divide your group into smaller groups of 3.

Tell your groups that they are to write a 3 point handbook on Christian behavior. They need to come up with 3 chapter titles for that handbook.

Give them about 5-10 minutes. Then, have a spokesperson share their chapter titles with the whole group. Make explanations if necessary.

Topics:	Christlikeness, Godliness, Holiness, Icebreakers, Imitating Christ, Lifestyle, Subgrouping
Filters:	Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Lead
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Matthew 22:37-40, Romans 12
Date Added:	April 12, 2004

Here are some quick-hitting tips for small-group leaders on maintaining the peace in your small group—at least, as much as is reasonable.

It is a good thing when a person responds to another with words of empathy and appropriate counsel. It is a different matter when they react to what the other person is saying because it does not harmonize with their own understanding ...

Topics:	Arguments, Disagreements, Distractions, Group dynamics, Problems
Filters:	Facilitator, Group Leader, Lead, New leader
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Romans 12:18
Date Added:	April 06, 2009

War, poverty, despair—the world's problems seem overwhelming. Where do we even start? Bono, Oprah, and other celebrities have the resources to make a difference; should we just leave it up to them? Or does God have a role for each of us?

In these four video sessions, Todd Phillips travels to Rwanda and the Republic of Congo to explore how he will make a difference to people looking for hope and ...

Topics:	Generosity, Great Commission, Missions, Outreach, Social justice
Filters:	Coach, Group Leader, Host, Lead, Young adults
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Romans 12:18, 1 Corinthians 3:7, Philippians 2:12-13
Date Added:	April 27, 2009

First, you need to distinguish between people with deep personal needs and people who just have bad habits. The first needs major surgery; the second, loving confrontation.

For instance, Patty always dominated the discussion in our small group. What was worse, she did it with a loud volume that alienated others in the group. When I confronted Patty about her disruptive behavior, she shared that she ...

Topics:	Burnout, Conflict, Confrontation, Difficult people, Interpersonal skills, Neediness
Filters:	Coach, Counseling groups, Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Support groups, Train
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Matthew 18:15-17, Romans 3:22-24, Romans 12:18
Date Added:	October 20, 2008

This 13-session course on marriage will be ideal for your Sunday school quarterly curriculum or to use in your small group. It covers such topics as learning to appreciate your spouse, money matters, faith, handling conflict, sex, communication, and compromise. Most of all it will help couples know how to express grace and love to one another.

Learning to Appreciate Our SpouseHow can we train ...

Topics:	Communication, Faith, Family, Finances, Husbands, Marriage, Money, Purpose, Sex, Wives
Filters:	Couples, Facilitator, Family groups, Group Leader, Lead, Teacher, Young marrieds
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Genesis 2:24, Ruth 2:4-20, Ruth 4:13-17, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Song of Songs 1:1-4, Romans 12, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Ephesians 4:26-32, Ephesians 4:29-32, Philippians 2:1-11, James 1:19, 1 Peter 4:8-11, 1 John 1:5-10
Date Added:	December 06, 2006