Space Age Relationships (part 2)

The importance of intentional relational training

by Dan Lentz

The importance of intentional relational training
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, being a space/astronomy nerd, I have paid some attention to how NASA does relational training among their astronaut corps, particularly as astronauts work in small groups in confined living spaces.

Regardless of whether we are talking about "church sponsored" small groups or small group teams in the marketplace, relationships always work best when biblical principles are followed. NASA seems to have confirmed this in their approach to astronaut training, as well.

I was struck by the amount of effort being put into relational training among astronaut teams, who have to work well together in order to complete their mission. It made me wonder how much relational training we are doing in the church where our team has the most important mission on earth. Here's a quote from a NASA aritcle:

"Astronauts don't travel through space by themselves. They go in pairs or threesomes or even larger groups. Maintaining a successful team in a risky, isolated environment calls for finely honed people-skills. It means that astronauts must develop a keen awareness both of themselves, and of the way they interact with those around them. Of course, astronauts are already people-savvy. They wouldn't be selected as astronauts otherwise. But NASA would like to give them an extra edge, an extra dose of training to help them â€˜team up' exquisitely well. They're developing a teamwork training program ...the program includes an interactive simulator that allows an astronaut to role-play interpersonal conflicts."

"For example, the simulator might present this situation: one crewmember (represented by an actor) accidentally damages a piece of equipment, and asks a crewmate (the role assumed by the astronaut working through the program) for help in concealing the damage. The astronaut decides how to answer the request, and then the program responds, based on that answer. Does a conflict ensue? Will it escalate? â€˜It's a web of options,' explains Carter (one of the project directors). â€˜You watch a video and then you make a decision. Your choice determines what happens next. You can get through the conflict in as few as three or four decisions, or you can make 10, 15, or even more decisions, with different decisions leading to different resolutions—from the worst case to the best case scenarios, and everything in between,' notes Carter."

When I first read this I thought, Wouldn't it be great to have an interactive simulator developed for our small group leaders? One where they could experience every situation they might encounter in small group life? But then I couldn't help but think about the many tools we already have that accomplish that same training, perhaps not as quickly, but just as effectively:

Apprenticeship. There are few substitutes for being trained on the job. Allowing rising leaders to gradually experience small group life and leadership under the guidance of a more experienced leader is priceless.

Relational Coaching. Getting regular feedback and encouragement from another seasoned leader is the kind of support all leaders need, and should seek out if they want to go to the next level.

God's Word. Reading and meditating regularly on the Bible is essential for group leaders. We also have to pray and listen to stay in communion with the Master trainer.

Tools. There are more small group leadership tools available today than ever before. SmallGroups.com is committed to finding and making available the best tools available.

Raising the value of relational training, and utilizing the tools that are available, as the NASA quote noted, "can make a difference from the worst cases to the best cases, and in everything in between."