small group studies

This isn't my usual kind of post, but I thought some of you might find this helpful. We've been studying starting a small group ministry at my church, and here is a summary of what we've learned so far. I feel like the first five are the most important points.

SOME LESSONS LEARNED FOR GROUP LEADERS

Each group should include prayer, fellowship, Bible reading and service in some way. Your group might choose to emphasize one or more of these features.

Stress the importance of attendance and making the group’s activities a priority.

Give each person in your group a sense of ownership. Allow them input into your group’s activities and direction - listen to their suggestions and complaints and make changes where needed. Rotate responsibilities for managing the group’s activities (leading in prayer, Bible reading, etc.).

Have a regular meeting time, day and place. Give reminders by telephone or e-mail, even if you’re “sure” they know.

The group members should pray for each other, and provide care where needed.

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Clarify to yourself and to your group members what your group’s mission is. You might want to consider a written covenant.

Identify the specific talents and skills of your group’s members, and make use of them.

Make sure everyone in your group is involved. For example, if someone seems left out of the discussion, pull them in by asking them a question or asking for their opinion.

Follow up with people who miss an activity. Make sure they feel missed, but not chastised.

Don’t be upset if things don’t go as you plan – make plans and then just go with the flow.

You don’t need to be the group’s “teacher,” unless you consider that a particular skill or interest of yours. Your job is to organize the group, keep it going and with the group members’ input, set the direction for the group.

Create an environment in which everyone feels free to be themselves and feels they can voice their opinions and feelings without being criticized or ridiculed.

If you try something that doesn’t work, don’t get discouraged - learn from it and move on. Not everything you try is going to work well.

Be reasonable in your demands on your group members’ time commitments.

Food always encourages fellowship!