Big Ideas about Small Groups

Summer SLUMP

Eric Metcalf | NewThing Adult Ministry Champion

Summer is quickly approaching and I have to say, I haven't looked forward to summer like this since I was in 5th grade!  Chicago's weather this year has been ridiculously cold and wet - lots and lots of snow.  I'm not complaing (ok, I am) I love Chicago, but I need some fun in the sun.  Anyway, with summer season quickly approaching we have an opportunity before us as small group leaders to slump or not to slump.

Usually small group conversations start like this, "So it sounds like everyone's going to be pretty busy this summer, how about we take a break and catch back up again in the fall." or "I think we should take a break this summer, I know I could use it." or something like that.  Now, I understand the temptation to do this, because I love summers and it seems reasonable to take a break and enjoy it.  However, my encouragement to us as leaders is to keep plotting the spiritual course.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."  (Hebrews 10:24, 25)

I guess schedules and life were a challenge or the early church too.  Here are a few suggestions from small group leaders at Naperville's last Leadership Community (1st Saturday of every month, 9am) on how to take advantage of the summer weather:

• have a monthly BBQ
• take a retreat day together
• meet weekly with whoever shows up!
• rotate hosting throughout the summer and plan more fun nights
• (do you have other ideas?)

At this past Leadership Community we also challenged one another to stay faithful and keep growing in our relationship with Jesus throughout the summer:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize" (1 Corinthians 9:24)

So take on the summer challenge and don't allow the summer slump to get you and your small group.

Is That Your Final Answer?

Genea Browne | Shorewood Small Groups Director

Yes, I know everyone is tired of hearing that phrase but what if there wasn't a final answer?  This is true if you believe the Polarity Management Theory from the book, Walking the Small Group Tightrope.  The authors state:

"The principles of polarity management suggest that in every area of life we must learn to manage the tension between two good things rather than choose one thing over another.  It's okay to say sometimes; there is no answer to that question."

If we trust this theory, how does it change the way we lead?  When faced with a situaiton in leadership this helps me look at both sides of the coin, all the pieces of the puzzle, both sides of the story.  You see where I'm going right?  I think sometimes I might be quick to give the "right" answer and not look at the circumstances, people and situation with the possibility that there is no answer to the question.  What do you think?  Definitely check out the book to find out more!

Do You Covenant?

Tony Escobar | Pilsen Small Groups

Does your group set a regular covenant?  What is that (some of you may be wondering)?  A group covenant is a set of boundaries, guidelines, goals, expectations, commitments, etc. that your group establishes for a selected period of time.  Not everyone sees the value of establishing a group covenant, but I am a big fan.  In fact, establishing a group covenant will make a big difference in a lot of little ways.  Here are a few benefits to having a group covenant:

• Your group can set growth goals together
• It is a form of mutual accountability that keeps group members moving forward spiritually
• It is a good way to reinforce the group mission and values on a regular basis
• It keeps the group from getting "stale" by allowing opportunities for change and refreshment
• It's a good excuse to relearn the names of the members that you forgot (haha)

Some tips on setting a covenant:

• Set a new covenant every six months to a year
• Set convenants during periods of transition (i.e. New Year, summer, etc.)
• Provide a copy of the covenant for each member

Group Guidelines...

Carter Moss | Montgomery Small Groups

A good way to kick off a small group is to start by reviewing a group covenant or group guidelines.  This is the one I recently used in my small group:

• Participation: equal participation from everyone!
• Confidentiality: what's said in small group, stays in small group (unless it's really funny)
• Support: permission is given to call upon one another in time of need
• Empty Chair: the group stays open to new people at ever meeting
• Accountability: you can give permission to group members to hold you accountable for goals you set for yourself
• Prayer: pray regularly for fellow group members

We not only talked about guidelines, but we also talked about some goals for our group:

• To find a balance on the Truth vs. Life tightrope
• To hang out together outside of group time
• To always keep a priority of inviting and including others
• To serve together
• To develop leaders to carry on our legacy
• To have more fun than legally allowed in church activities!

Dialogue or Debate?

Bill Barton | Young Adults & Singles

Do you know people who love to argue for sake of arguing, very well knowing that there may not ever be a knowable answer other than opinion? Have you ever been a part of small group where people have differences of opinion on different matters, but no one really has an ultimate answer and the discussion goes on and on until finally someone says, “okay, we’re moving on”? Yep, me too!

So, there’s this old saying from my church heritage that claims, “In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things love.” Let me give you a list of popular arguable topics that Christ-followers can discuss:

• God’s sovereignty vs. Free will
• Creationism vs. Evolution and the relationship between science and faith
• Participating in drinking or using drugs vs. complete sobriety
• Homosexuality
• Should divorced people remarry
• The need for an organized church
• People going to heaven who’ve never heard of Jesus, but practicing faithfully another religion and leading a “good” life
• Culture, to participate or not to participate, that is the question?
• Topical vs. Exegetical preaching
• Tithing..how to, do I have to

There are tons of things Christ-followers may and can differ on in their opinions, so PLEASE, if you every find yourself in one of these discussions in small group or with another Christ-follower (these discussions can be helpful) ask yourself 1 question:  Is this discussion going to bear fruit for us? In other words, is your discussion providing opportunity for spiritual growth or is it just an argument, where hard-nosed people want to win an argument rather than learn, understand, and seek the truth. If you can grow, chat on, if it hurting relationships, stop it!