Here's a great post about small group leadership from Carter Moss.
We have a saying around here that we use when referring to the really important parts of a conversation with someone that can be tempting to leave off--we call it "the last 10%." It's that last 10% of things that you really needed to leave someone with, that maybe you stopped short of doing.
So as I was putting together our Turbo Group Training Manual for small group leaders, I asked myself, "What is the last 10% of the conversation about small group leadership, that we haven't covered yet?" So I always make sure I end my Turbo Groups with these thoughts. (Click on Turbo Curriculum on the left-side of this blog to download your FULL FREE COPY of this resource!)
These keys are my last 10% when it comes to leading small groups:
•Don't go it alone
Team ministry can be more effective and way more fun. Always start your groups with an apprentice, and remember that apprentices are not just for planting new groups, but they make your existing group experience better. And your coach is the other key part of your team, so make the most of the coaching relationship.
•Expect the revolving door
You may rarely have the exact same set of people in your group for a very long time, so don't make that your goal. Often small groups are much more like a revolving door, so the real goal is making the most of the time God brings each person to us. Your group may be the next key step on their spiritual journey!
•Don't over-emphasize the meeting time
Don't get too caught up in making the 1.5 hours of your small group meeting time be perfect. Sometimes, the majority of connection and life change happens during all the other hours of the week, and that's OK. And often the best group meetings are the ones that totally stray from your plan. It's still your group that brings those relationships together and creates community!
•Use your freedom and creativity
You have the freedom to experiment with what your small group time will look like, so take risks and try different formats. It can be great for the group to mix it up and blow their minds once in awhile, whether you split into men/women for the evening, do a service project together, meet for group at a bar/restaurant, have an all-worship night, watch and discuss a movie together, or whatever.
•Leave a legacy
Planting new groups should never become some dreaded “have to.” Without planting a new group, your group dies with you! But with constant planting and multiplication, it carries on long after you're gone, and what is more exciting in life than leaving a a legacy behind!
We have a saying around here that we use when referring to the really important parts of a conversation with someone that can be tempting to leave off--we call it "the last 10%." It's that last 10% of things that you really needed to leave someone with, that maybe you stopped short of doing.
So as I was putting together our Turbo Group Training Manual for small group leaders, I asked myself, "What is the last 10% of the conversation about small group leadership, that we haven't covered yet?" So I always make sure I end my Turbo Groups with these thoughts. (Click on Turbo Curriculum on the left-side of this blog to download your FULL FREE COPY of this resource!)
These keys are my last 10% when it comes to leading small groups:
•Don't go it alone
Team ministry can be more effective and way more fun. Always start your groups with an apprentice, and remember that apprentices are not just for planting new groups, but they make your existing group experience better. And your coach is the other key part of your team, so make the most of the coaching relationship.
•Expect the revolving door
You may rarely have the exact same set of people in your group for a very long time, so don't make that your goal. Often small groups are much more like a revolving door, so the real goal is making the most of the time God brings each person to us. Your group may be the next key step on their spiritual journey!
•Don't over-emphasize the meeting time
Don't get too caught up in making the 1.5 hours of your small group meeting time be perfect. Sometimes, the majority of connection and life change happens during all the other hours of the week, and that's OK. And often the best group meetings are the ones that totally stray from your plan. It's still your group that brings those relationships together and creates community!
•Use your freedom and creativity
You have the freedom to experiment with what your small group time will look like, so take risks and try different formats. It can be great for the group to mix it up and blow their minds once in awhile, whether you split into men/women for the evening, do a service project together, meet for group at a bar/restaurant, have an all-worship night, watch and discuss a movie together, or whatever.
•Leave a legacy
Planting new groups should never become some dreaded “have to.” Without planting a new group, your group dies with you! But with constant planting and multiplication, it carries on long after you're gone, and what is more exciting in life than leaving a a legacy behind!
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