Here's what Clint Eastwood and Rambo were missing.
Bill Search
My grandfather loved Country music. Whenever I was at his house or riding with him in his car, he turned on Country music. There was no other genre of music. And the song that always seemed to be playing during my childhood was Willie Nelson's, "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys."
Now, if you know the lyrics to that one, you also know that a seven-year-old boy shouldn't be listening to that song. ...
Helping people open up is a valuable skill for small-group leaders.
Seth Widner
I grew up attending Sunday school and Bible study classes in the church—all of which were packed full of great information about the truths of Scripture. The purpose of those classes was to educate people with the knowledge of Scripture. They were guided by a set curriculum, and the focus was always on the content of that particular study. In essence, everything was knowledge driven.
Why group leaders have a critical role in small-group dynamics
Reid Smith
There are several factors that influence the interpersonal dynamics within a small group. One of the most important factors is how "real" the group leader can be with his or her group members. In fact, the health of a group is almost always linked to how free people feel they can be with one another, and that starts with the leader.
Authenticity is key to success as a small—group leader. It nourishes ...
Several strategies that can help your groups really connect
Dan Lentz
Note: This is Part 2 of a two-part article. Click here to read about the Silo Funnel and the Fishing Pond funnel.
The Farm System Funnel
The first two funnel strategies utilize feeder systems within the church to form small groups. In the Farm System Funnel, groups develop their own feeder system from their spheres of influence. That includes people both in and out of the church: extended family, school ...
Relationships are a key ingredient to small-group life, but we need to understand how they work and what limits are involved.
by Seth Widner
We live in a world of independence. We want to do everything ourselves. People can order any item they wish online. Customers like to go through self check-out lines at stores to avoid conversation with an employee. We get our food "to go" instead of going inside the restaurant. And after a long day at work, we tend to relax by watching television or reading by ourselves. Some of us like to stay social ...
Several strategies that can help your groups really connect
by Dan Lentz
When churches start small-group ministries, most hope that new groups will continue to grow both numerically and in relationship with Christ and one another. One of the keys to sustain this type of growth over time is something the Bible calls "oneness." Here's my definition of oneness: "Relationships characterized by unity of purpose and love for one another even in the face of extreme opposition ...
Here's a healthy side dish for your group to enjoy.
contributed by Deidre Franklin
Ingredients:
1 package broccoli slaw
1 bunch fresh broccoli
2 packages chicken flavored raman noodles
½ cup sunflower seeds
Dressing:
Flavor packets from ramen noodles
¼ cup vinegar
½ cup sugar
¾ cup vegetable oil
Finely chop the broccoli florets and toss with the broccoli slaw. Crush up the ramen noodles with your hands. Mix noodles and sunflower seeds with broccoli ...
A single woman's encounter with a group full of couples
by Camerin Courtney
As soon as I said the words, I should have known I was jinxing myself. Oh, it's not like I really believe in jinxes. It's just that when I jokingly told the pastor who suggested I join a new small group that I'd consider it as long as it didn't wind up being five married couples and me, I should have known that's exactly what was going to happen.
Well, it wound up being four married couples and me, ...
Here's how to incorporate new members into an existing small group.
by Reid Smith
Here's a question I hear quite often from small-group leaders: "Our group members are very focused on evangelism and often bring new people to group meetings. What is the best way to incorporate these new members into a group without interrupting that group's intimacy and momentum?"
If your group is in a similar situation, the first thing you need to do is recognize that it's awesome to have group ...
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