Small Groups (Understanding. Design. Strategies.)

-Why-Who-What-How

“Go and make Disciples”Matthew 28:19-20

GOINGBAPTIZINGTEACHING

I. Why

“Go and make Disciples”Matthew 28:19-20

Ephesians 4:11-12 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ...

Theological Foundations for the Church and Community

Community

Church

Core

Mission

Assimilation

Nurture

Why People Join Small Groups A. Detachment leads to psychological darkness, loneliness and depression B. Identity and self-worth

C. Freedom after unloading burdens, encouragements and support (Ecc. 4:9-12)

D. The body of Christ is far more effective when it comes together as a community (Rom 12)

E. Together, we can accomplish more. ("The whole is more than the sum of the parts")

F. Groups equip members to do meaningful ministries in life

G. "Our overall well-being is enhanced as we meet together to discuss things that improve the way we live and relate to others"

II. WHO

Who: 1. Small Group Leader I. Plans and guides individual group meetings Standard Format (4s) a. Worship

b. Welcome c. Word d. Work II. Get to Know members over time

III. Selects Material or Prints Existing ones fit to the Needs of members IV. Applies the Pillars of the Church

TRADITIONAL MODEL OF ORGANIZATION

PASTOR/ LEADER

YOUTH MINISTRY CBF MINISTRYMINISTRY X

YOUTH LEADER

ACTIVITY 1

ACTIVITY 2

ACTIVITY 3

LEADER

ACTIVITY 1

ACTIVITY 2

ACTIVITY 3

LEADER

ACTIVITY 1

ACTIVITY 2

ACTIVITY 3

GROUP-PURPOSE ORGANIZATION

Christian Ministries Leadership TeamELDER + PASTOR + LEADER + OFFICER + ADULT + PARENTS +

ADVISER + ALUMNI + CORE GROUP

YOUTH MINISTRY TEAMPURPOSE

SELECTED PROGRAM

SELECTED PROGRAM

SELECTED PROGRAM

SELECTED PROGRAM

WORSHIP

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

SERVICE

EVANGELISM

FELLOWSHIP SELECTED PROGRAM

XYZ MINISTRY TEAM

SELECTED PROGRAM

SELECTED PROGRAM

SELECTED PROGRAM

SELECTED PROGRAM

SELECTED PROGRAM

2. Small Group Members

-Growers-Insight-givers-Need of Recovery-Relationships

3. Small Group Pastor

I. Provides mission, meaning, and purpose of the church's venture into small group ministries. II. Plans ongoing, intention development and stimulation III. Equips the team of small group leaders

C. What: 1. Paradigms of Small Groups I. Relationship-oriented- assimilation, growth, recreation II. Content-oriented- Bible studies, discussion III. Task-oriented- leadership, service, advocacy IV. Need-oriented- recovery, support, group-counseling, help

WHAT

2. Factors to Consider in the Design I. Purpose 1. A shared agreement what a group will do and what it will not 2. What the group hopes to achieve 3. Many times a person joins a group but his expectations are not what the group was

II. Commitment 1. Needs to be communicated to the group to avoid unpleasant surprises 2. Frequency of meetings 3. Attendance requirements 4. Group status (open or closed) 5. Confidentiality 6. Accountability 7. Each member's share in providing (housing, food, leadership) 8. Out-of-group requirements (homework, retreats, socials)

III. Size1. Usually group will be smaller if your require deeper commitment, accountability, openness, intimacy. 2. Group will usually be larger if your goal broad exposure to a topic, larger pool of planning, or don't require everyone to participate (anonymity) 3. "Most researchers agree that for optimum discussion and involvement, five is an ideal number"

IV. Configuration 1. Space: too close or too far apart 2. Seating arrangement: Circle (facing each other), Rows (lecture type), Around the Table

V. Timing 1. Frequency of meeting- the higher the frequency, the more likely the members will trust and open themselves to one another, which affects the dynamics (liveliness) of the group 2. The duration of the time spent together impacts the responses of each attendee. 3. Groups that meet less than 90 minutes experience much less unity (pulling together/ click) 4. Those that eat together, retreat together, play together will bond more quickly 5. Longevity of the group shapes its personality 6. Being aware of the longevity of the group helps us understand why such attitude

VI. Leadership Style 1. The leader's style will influence the effectiveness of the group 2. Autocratic or controlling leader most likely produce a dependent or rebellious group, the group may feel safe, but immature to face responsibilities. 3. This group will feel "this is the leader's group" and may be hesitant to share their inmost thoughts and feelings. 4. A "come-what-may" leader who fails to take charge may create frustration, insecurity, anarchy (no direction), and a feeling that "we are not going anywhere."

5. Effective group leaders will understand the need to be flexible in their leadership style as the group grows and gain leadership confidence and skill.eet less than 90 minutes experience much less unity (pulling together/ click) 4. Those that eat together, retreat together, play together will bond more quickly 5. Longevity of the group shapes its personality 6. Being aware of the longevity of the group helps us understand why such attitude

VII. Climate 1. Leaders determine what their group will become by the spoken or unspoken rules they make. 2. Open Groups vs. Close Groups Open Groups - will work quickly to join members but don't provide stable relationships to conducive intimate sharing and caring. May experience variation in attendance. Closed Groups- ideal for developing long-term, intimate relationships but can be exclusive. Creating a "us vs them" mentality. Small numbers and higher commitment.

3. Many tend to be open in few weeks and become closed as the group establishes momentum. * A discerning student will take these factors into consideration. Knowledge of these help him/ her ensure a positive small group experience for all concerned.

How to Lead a Discussion by Mam Sally