May 16, 2013
Why We Need Community
Now more than ever
In an age where we feel ultra connected—through Facebook, Twitter, blogs, texts, e-mails, and more—we're actually less connected than ever before. Worse, these online interactions, give us the illusion of fellowship, and it actually keeps us from investing in real relationships.
In his Leadership Journal article, Peyton Jones writes:
Genesis demonstrates that man was made as a relational being. It was not good for man to be alone, yet since the Fall, man's disconnectedness from others has been the direct result of his inability to connect with his Maker. Man is still hiding, but this time it's not behind a bush; it's behind a computer screen. He's still ashamed, and the Internet takes away much of the social pressure. Pseudo-intimacy in a cyber community will sabotage interpersonal relationships, and from the enemy's point of view, that's ideal. If the gospel is anything, it's social. It takes root through community and interpersonal communication. True ministry is incarnational. If this wasn't true, then Jesus wouldn't have come in person.
Small groups go against the grain of cultural norms. They require that we take time out of our schedule to regularly meet with others face to face. But this risk comes with great reward, and those of us involved with small groups know it well. We are meant to live in community. Our relationships add value to our lives—and it's through relationships that we add value to others' lives.
People are aching for real intimacy, and they're buying into the lie that they're getting it online. You have an amazing opportunity to help people experience real relationships. Are you up for the challenge?
posted by Amy Jackson at 4:51 PM on May 16, 2013 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
April 17, 2013
Responding to the Boston Bombing in Your Small Group
When tragedies strike, we’re forced to face our fallenness.
As I watched the events unfold in Boston on Monday, chills crept up my neck. It doesn’t matter that I’m 1,000 miles away from the bombs that killed and injured so many. When bombs go off, injuring innocent bystanders, we’re reminded of the fallen world we live in. We come face to face with the truth about safety: there’s a whole lot less of it than we’d like to believe.
As you debrief about this tragic event in your small group this week, use this excellent blog post from our sister site Out of Ur to guide you. Adam Mabry, a pastor in Boston, writes about how tragedies reveal the dual nature of our humanity. We are both deeply fallen and deeply imprinted with the image of God. I hope that his words inspire you as they inspired me.
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:58 AM on April 17, 2013 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
March 28, 2013
Easter Should Change Your Small Group
Soak up his love, lean into his power, and continue his mission.
This Lent I've followed a devotional reading plan by N. T. Wright called "Lent for Everyone." My church is non-liturgical, and we usually don't focus much on the days leading up to Easter, but this devotional reading plan has reminded me just how important Easter is.
Three things have especially stood out to me:
1) God's overwhelming, incomprehensible love. It's common to focus on God's love shown through the cross, but I'm overwhelmed by the love Jesus showed in his life before the cross. It's only in the context of this everyday love that it's understandable that Jesus would endure Good Friday.2) The amazing power available to us. I recently came across Ephesians 1:18–21 again, and I can't get over this: "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know . . . his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead" (emphasis mine). When we seek to become Christlike, we don't do it on our own; we do it in God's power. Do your group members know they have this power available to them?
3) Jesus' mission. During his time on earth, Jesus talked a lot about the kingdom of God. And he completely flipped the societal norms with his teachings. The kingdom wasn't just something that was coming—it was something his followers were to help usher in. Plus, Jesus invited others to join in the mission, to join in kingdom living. As we live out kingdom values, we continue that mission. And we, too, have the amazing privilege of inviting others to join in—especially through small groups.
Small groups have the opportunity to lean into these three things: to experience and show the world God's love, to change from the inside out by depending on God's power, and to continue Jesus' mission by living out kingdom values and inviting others into kingdom living.
Make Jesus' life, death, and resurrection central to your faith. Soak up his love, lean into his power, and continue his mission—and model this to your group members. Celebrate Easter every day.
This prayer, from the devotional reading plan, perfectly sums up what I've learned this Lent:
Humble Lord Jesus, as you reach out to us in your gentle love, help us to find the way to bring your kingdom in our own day.
posted by Amy Jackson at 11:34 AM on March 28, 2013 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
March 26, 2013
Never Alone, Yet Always Lonely
Why surrounding yourself with the right people is key
A few years ago, I jumped from volunteering in a college ministry to working on staff at a church, starting up a small-group ministry. I had grown to love ministry through my volunteer time, and I felt ready to dive head first into this new adventure.
But out of the blue, I found myself feeling lonely. I was surrounded by people getting to know me, the new staff person at church. I led three different small groups in the hopes of apprenticing new leaders. I regularly hosted activities in our home. Despite being surrounded by others, though, I was lonely.
I struggled with how I could have enjoyed ministry in the college setting so much and how lonely I felt now, only a few months later. What had changed?
As I spent time in prayer, I began to realize that while I was surrounded by people, I hadn't surrounded myself with a few of the most important people: those who don't look to me as a leader but as a friend. That was the major difference between my time volunteering and my time on staff. Without a few close, non-ministry friends, I felt overwhelmingly isolated.
Jenni Catron shares a similar story on our sister blog, Gifted for Leadership, and she points out that leaders need to surround themselves with encouragers and challengers. Read her post and let us know what you think.
If we truly believe in the necessity and power of community, we need to go first and surround ourselves with a close community of people willing to hold us up as we minister.
If you're feeling lonely and burned out, use our resource to get back on track.
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on March 26, 2013 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
March 13, 2013
Questions Without Answers
Sitting with group members even when we don’t have easy fixes
Over steaming cups of tea and a discussion filled with laughter, a serious tone burst forth.
“I think we may be headed for divorce,” one woman in my small group expressed with concern and fear. Then she desperately asked, “So what do I do now?”
The hush in the room was noticeable yet not awkward as we considered her question. And the truth we realized is that there aren’t any easy answers to this question. Yes, we need to pray—and fervently. Yes, she needs to immerse herself in God’s Word. Yes, she needs to take steps to show love even when she doesn’t feel it (and it’s not reciprocated). But those aren’t easy fixes. And they’re definitely not easy to do day in and day out in the midst of a dying marriage.
More interesting than this woman’s issues lying in the open was the reaction from some of the other members. One felt disappointed that we didn’t have an answer for her. Another one, feeling the tension, tried to comfort her with pat answers. Others expressed empathetic statements.
Why do we fear we’ve failed when we don’t have any easy, straightforward advice to give? Instead of focusing on solving everyone’s problems and offering easy answers, it’s okay to sit with people in the mess and say, “This is terrible. I don’t have the answer. But you better believe I’m here with you, and I’m lifting you up in prayer every day.”
After all, isn’t that what Jesus offers us? He says he’ll stay with us through thick and thin regardless of whether there are easy answers. Our small groups can follow in his example.
How have you been comforted by your small group—even when there weren’t easy answers to give? How has your group comforted others in the midst of difficult situations?
posted by Amy Jackson at 10:55 AM on March 13, 2013 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
February 22, 2013
Choosing to Stay
Working with God to restore broken cities
What do you do when you're uncomfortable? What's your response when there's an awkward moment in conversation, someone disregards your need for personal space, or you feel your physical safety is at risk? It's easy to just leave, to remove yourself from the situation.
But what if your very neighborhood began feeling uncomfortable. Would you leave and miss out on what God might do through you there?
Yvette Rock, an artist in Detroit, saw that people were fleeing the city, and she chose to stay put, to work alongside God to restore her home. With Isaiah 58 as her inspiration, she's committed to restoring the city. Watch the video of her story from our sister ministry This Is Our City.
Does God call us to work in our neighborhoods? To help restore the broken in our cities?
How might small groups be especially suited for working in the community?
What impact is your small group having on your city?
posted by Amy Jackson at 3:20 PM on February 22, 2013 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
February 19, 2013
New Resources Including a Free Playlist
Even more to inspire your group to be missional
Well, it's no surprise that I'm passionate about missional small groups—groups that are impacting their communities for the kingdom, working with God for his redemptive purposes. I've written about my own small group experiences here, here, here, and here. Plus, we put together a digital magazine last summer on how to make your small group missional.
Now I'm happy to give you two new resources. First of all, we've created a Training Theme resource on missional small groups. It's perfect to use by yourself to learn more about what missional small groups are about and how you can move your small group in that direction. Additionally, this resource is perfectly set up to be used in a leader training event or retreat. It even includes a retreat plan. And you'll hear from people who are living it out.
To inspire your group to missional living through song, use our new free playlist available through Grooveshark. Just click the link and enjoy a hand-selected mix of songs that remind us of God's mission and to be others-focused.
How is your small group engaging in missional living together? Share your story with us below.
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on February 19, 2013 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
February 14, 2013
Chocolate Cake, Pepsi, and a Milestone Birthday
How listening helped my small group bless a new friend
This past weekend my small group blessed a 70-year-old man in a big way. He lives by himself in a pay-by-the-week motel. Without any family, he's lonely. And because he's not able to drive and is a little unstable on his feet, he's pretty much confined to his small room.
When we met him last summer, we were deeply touched, and we immediately started to build a relationship with him. One group member started picking him up each week for church, so he can experience community. Then we invited him to a Thanksgiving celebration with our small group. For Christmas, several of us bought him presents, and my husband and I had him over for Christmas dinner.
So when he told us he was turning 70 on February 9, we set to work planning a party. One group member is an excellent baker and made a large chocolate cake. Another member loves to plan, so she put together a delicious meal. We all pitched ideas for good presents for him, and we invited the kids, knowing how much our friend enjoys being around little ones.
The party was a success. But only because we learned to listen. Without listening, we would have no idea of how much he enjoys being around children. We'd have no idea that he prefers the King James Version or that he loves Pepsi but can't carry it home from the store on his own. We wouldn't know that his favorite treat is chocolate or that he goes to McDonald's each week with a friend for coffee. And all these details factored greatly in our planning. Because after all, a birthday party should be all about the person having the birthday.
One of the first lessons we learned as we started to be a missional small group is that we can't assume what others need. Instead, we have to get to know people and listen for their hopes, dreams, and needs. With our new friend, we've done just that. And it means that we've deeply touched his life. And in return, he's touched ours.
Listening is extremely important when it comes to missional living. Without first listening, we can do a lot of damage. We will probably incorrectly assume what people need. And we may break any trust by pushing ourselves on others.
And while listening seems simple enough, it's a difficult skill. True listening forces us to withhold judgment and seek to understand first and foremost. Only when we truly understand can we help others in the ways they need to be helped.
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on February 14, 2013 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
February 12, 2013
Advice for New Leaders
What one leader learned while falling down the stairs
When I asked Peri Gilbert, a regular writer for SmallGroups.com, what advice she had for new leaders, she started telling a story about falling down the stairs.
You see, in high school she found herself distracted while going up the stairs, and she fell, books and papers flying everywhere. And she's never forgotten the lessons she learned that day: watch where you're going, get rid of the obstacles (the stairs) in your way, and be willing to help and be helped by others.
These principles are helpful in small-group ministry. Leaders need to have a clear vision for where they're going and minimize distractions so they can stay the course. They also need to get rid of any unnecessary distractions. And leaders must be humble enough to ask for help—and to offer it when it's needed. She explains these ideas further in her new article.
What's your advice for new leaders? What lessons have you learned as you've led? Share with us below.
posted by Amy Jackson at 9:14 AM on February 12, 2013 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
January 22, 2013
What Does It Look Like to Be a Christian?
Remembering that life isn't black and white
The women's group I lead consists of several women who are fairly new to the faith. As we read through our book, talk through the weekend's sermon, or discuss a passage of Scripture, it's inevitable that questions arise. And their questions seem to center on application: What does this mean for me? What does this mean for the lifestyle I'm used to?
For those of us who have been in the church for some time—or have been part of the Christian subculture for some time—these questions may bubble up well-rehearsed answers:
Of course it means you shouldn't live with your boyfriend—you're just going to have to move out immediately.Of course it means that line of work isn't okay—you're just going to have to quit your job.
Of course it means you shouldn't be friends with her—you're just going to have to distance yourself.
It can be easy to forget that life isn't simply black and white. And while we might be able to identify the ideal, that doesn't mean it's immediately possible.
A recent blog post from Out of Ur reminded me of this ever-present dynamic in my group. The post discusses a new trend of "insider Christians" in other parts of the world—people who are following Christ yet are not willing to leave the cultural and religious communities, especially in Hindu and Muslim communities where the religion is enmeshed in the culture.
The story of these insider Christians forces us to ask the same thing that the women in my group are asking: "What does it look like to be a Christian?" As Christians further down the road, we need to carefully consider our answer. We can't sell the gospel short, but we also can't underestimate the difficulties of their situations—and the potential for God to work within it.
So I'm curious, how would you define, in a nutshell, what it looks like to be a Christian? And is that picture for all Christians everywhere and at all times? Share with us below.
posted by Amy Jackson at 9:33 AM on January 22, 2013 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
January 11, 2013
Invisible Wounds
Ministry to people with mental illness
When someone in our small group falls and breaks a hip, we know how to respond. We visit the hospital, send encouraging cards, and deliver meals.
But do we know what to do when someone is diagnosed with mental illness?
Amy Simpson, author of Troubled Minds, a book on mental illness and the church coming out in April, has first-hand experience with mental illness in the church. Amy's mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and Amy has learned a lot about living with, loving, and ministering to people with mental illness.
In a radio appearance today on "This Is the Day" on Moody Radio, Amy gave several tips for ministering to people with mental illness—and they're tips for all of us. Statistically, we will all encounter people with mental illness. There are 12 million people in the U.S. alone with a serious mental illness (1 in 17 adults) and 25% of all Americans have some form of diagnosable mental illness.
Simpson reminded listeners that it is a great first step to refer people with mental illness to appropriate doctors and therapists. But that isn't enough. We must commit to walk with them through the process, helping to deliver holistic care. Simpson said to remember to smile, make eye contact, and say "hi." Help remove the stigma by regularly mentioning mental illness in group discussions, studies, and prayers. Ask how treatment is going. And remember that there is hope for all in Christ.
For a full-length article on this topic, read Amy's article "Through a Glass, Darkly" from our sister ministry Leadership Journal. And stay tuned for more from her book later this year.
And if you're struggling with this now, use our Bible study Ministering to Those with a Mental Illness to work through some of your questions.
Amy Simpson is also the managing editor of Gifted for Leadership and the marriage and parenting resources from Today's Christian Woman.
posted by Amy Jackson at 11:26 AM on January 11, 2013 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
December 3, 2012
Out with the New, In with the Old
You may not need to start something new to be on mission.
When it comes to being on mission with God, we tend to talk about starting new ministries, making new relationships, and adding more to our schedules. But what if you can be on mission simply by reworking something you're already doing?
That's what one church found when they had a consultant look at their programs. He encouraged them to look at a ministry they already had and turn it outward to serve the community.
Could it really be that easy? Read this excellent blog post from our friends at GiftedforLeadership.com for the full story and consider what you could rework to serve God's mission.
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on December 3, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
November 30, 2012
A Very Special Thanksgiving
Eating with new friends
Over the past 11 months, my small group has helped several under-resourced individuals and families. We've thrown baby showers and housewarming parties and taken people out for ice cream. We've taught people how to cook, donated clothing, packed cabinets full of food, and given countless rides. And through it all, our mission has been to listen—to really get to know the people we're serving—and to bless others. And we've made friends—even with people that may have been afraid of church, people we may have been uncomfortable around.
But what we did last week takes the cake: I had the privilege of participating in a very special Thanksgiving dinner. We invited all the people we've gotten to know this year through our small group to a Thanksgiving feast. We set up tables, decorated, lit candles, and used festive plates and napkins. Our group members pitched in with different food: turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, fruit salad, cranberries, corn, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, and more. One group member brought homemade pumpkin pies, and another brought a beautiful cake shaped like a turkey. The kids (both our group members' and our guests') played in another room, while the adults sat around, sharing a meal, deepening our relationships.
There's something about food that brings us together, opens us up, and encourages us to share. I learned so much about our new friends as we stuffed our faces. But it was the little things that really excited me. One group member's children made a card for one of our new friends that just about brought me to tears. Another one of our guests expressed honor in being invited to such an intimate gathering, thanking us for being true friends. Another guest's jaw dropped when we packed up the leftovers for her to take home.
What made the evening so special was that celebrating Thanksgiving together is something you do with friends and family—it didn't have the feeling of us helping them. Instead, eating dinner together made us we. It makes me think of Jesus sitting down to eat with all kinds of people. I picture Jesus sitting back, relaxing, enjoying himself, and getting to know the people eating with him. And that's exactly what we did.
I love the idea of asking others to join us, to experience what we're experiencing, to be part of we instead of seeing us as them. We're inviting others to enjoy kingdom living with us, and it's a beautiful thing.
How is your small group building relationships in your community? Share with us below.
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on November 30, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
November 21, 2012
Making a Difference This Season
What will your small group do?
As we approach the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to pray about what you and your group can do to meet the needs of people in your community. First of all, as the temperature drops, there is a need for coats, shoes, and hot meals. And as we celebrate family-oriented holidays, many feel lonely without a place to celebrate. Others never open a gift at this time of year and would love to receive something.
Jamie Arpin-Ricci is passionate about getting to know and serve the people around him. And it’s not just at special times of the year or by handing over his gently used clothes. He seeks to live out Jesus’ teachings fully—and that means loving all of his neighbors.
In seeking to live out Jesus’ teachings, he’s studied the Sermon on the Mount extensively. In this article, he looks at the first beatitude: blessed are the poor in spirit. Soak in the wisdom from this humble Christ-follower and consider what you can do to live out this beatitude.
For more on missional living, see The Meaning of Missional.
posted by Amy Jackson at 7:20 AM on November 21, 2012 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
October 17, 2012
Making the Move to Missional
Six steps to a new missional focus
What does it take to get your small group on mission? Carter Moss breaks it down to six steps: cast vision, covenant together, commission groups, create new rhythms, coach leaders, and communicate missional stories. They're not easy steps, but they will move your small group in the right direction. Plus, they create momentum: as you communicate missional stories, you'll cast vision, and that will entice more people to join in God's mission.
And before you knock the "six simple steps" approach, know that Moss serves as the Small Group Champion for Community Christian Church's 12 campuses, and he's led their small groups into missional living. While he admits he's still learning a lot, he's happy to share these tips with you. Plus, view his video on troubleshooting common issues groups face when making the move to missional living.
posted by Amy Jackson at 12:17 PM on October 17, 2012 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
September 27, 2012
Snacks, Prayer Requests, and Confidentiality
The power of private Facebook groups for small groups
This fall I started leading a new small group. Through the discussion at our first meeting, I realized that all of the group members are very active on Facebook—and would actually prefer to be contacted through Facebook over phone calls or e-mails. To meet the need for ongoing communication that all small groups have, I resorted to something I learned while editing Social Media for Small-Group Ministry: Create a private group on Facebook and invite your group members.
It's only been a few weeks since we started, but already I'm finding that our Facebook group is helping us stay connected. I asked someone to bring snack and reminded group members about a Bible reading challenge our church is doing. Several of us have posted prayer requests—and it's safe to do this because private groups are only seen by those in the group. In other words, nothing posted on the group's page is seen by anyone else.
Our resource Social Media for Small-Group Ministry has lots of great ideas with practical how-to tips on using Facebook and Twitter to enhance your small group.
How do you use social media with your group members? What results have you seen? Share with us below.
posted by Amy Jackson at 2:17 PM on September 27, 2012 | Comments (3) | Trackbacks (0)
September 18, 2012
Not Just for a Few
Why missional living is for all Christians
Sometimes when we hear the word "missional," we immediately assume it's for someone else—someone who is gifted in evangelism or someone who has extensive ties to the non-Christian community. But Scott Nelson says that's not what missional living is about. Instead, every Christian can participate in everyday missional living. We just have to be intentional, looking for ways to be God's love in the world.
In his article in The Meaning of Missional, Scott shares several stories of average, everyday Christians looking for ordinary ways to impact their communities. One woman joined a local gym and works out with the same, non-Christian women each week. A man spends time playing Uno with a handicapped woman. A high school teacher loves on her students. Family members build deep friendships with their neighbors.
We can all live missionally right where we are—as long as we're being intentional. Read Scott's article today. Then share with us below: How you are and your small group seeking to impact your community?
posted by Amy Jackson at 11:10 AM on September 18, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
September 14, 2012
Share Your Missional Story
There's even money to be won!
Lately, SmallGroups.com has been talking a lot about what it means to be missional—how we can be small groups that gather and grow not just for our sake, but for the sake of God's redemptive purposes. (Check out our digital magazine for more.)
Well, I believe your groups have been doing this—impacting the world by being on mission with God. And we'd love to hear your stories. In fact, our sister ministry This Is Our City would really like to hear them. Today they launched an essay contest, looking specifically for stories of how Christians are impacting their communities for God. See the full details for the contest here. If you've got a story to tell, why not try your hand at writing about it?
posted by Amy Jackson at 10:59 AM on September 14, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
September 13, 2012
How Do You Train Small-Group Leaders?
Take our short survey and you could win!
SmallGroups.com needs your help! We want to better serve small-group leaders, coaches, directors, coordinators, and pastors. But in order to that, we need to know more about how you lead your ministry.
Take our short survey on how you train small-group leaders, and you'll be entered to win a copy of Building a Life-Changing Small Group Ministry by Bill Donahue and Russ Robinson. Take the survey now.
posted by Amy Jackson at 10:28 AM on September 13, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
August 23, 2012
Using Private Facebook Groups
How your small group can take advantage of this popular tool
The power of social media to connect people is absolutely amazing! And while many of us discuss how our connections are more shallow than in the past due to social media, I believe there's a way for social media to actually enhance our real-life, face to face interactions. To this end, SmallGroups.com recently released a new resource: Social Media for Small-Group Ministry.
In the resource, Keri Wyatt Kent shares how her group has had success using a private Facebook group to inform, connect, and mobilize group members. She shares why using the feature is helpful for her group, gives step-by-step instructions on setting up a private group, and explains the guidelines your group members should use. Plus, she includes a list of many advantages for leaders:
A Facebook group enables you to reach the whole group with one post, and allows them to interact with one another and respond to you quickly. Suppose the person hosting your next meeting suddenly can't do it. Instead of calling everyone, then calling them back to let them know where the meeting is, you could post: "John has to go out of town unexpectedly on business this week, so he can't host our Thursday meeting. Can someone else have it their house?" Everyone in the group will see this on the page and it will show up in their newsfeed. And if group members' smart phones are linked to Facebook, they'll instantly see that you've posted.Rather than replying by e-mail, group members can simply comment on whatever you post—and hopefully one of them will volunteer to host. Everyone sees the interactions and is up-to-date on what the group decides. Visually, the string of comments looks like a conversation, which feels more like a group conversation than an e-mail string.
Beyond meeting details, you can use the group page to post prayer requests and answers. For example, you could post, "Don't forget to pray for Jane's upcoming job interview. Let us know how it goes, Jane!" Group members can then post responses saying they're praying. Jane can also respond with a report on the interview. It's nice for group members to hear about it right away from Jane, and it takes the job of disseminating group updates off your to-do list.
If you're studying a book, you could post a quote from the book or a question from the study guide to remind them to be preparing for the group meeting. You could also share information you've found online, such as articles or book reviews. Say you're trying to decide which curriculum or book to study next in your group. You could post a question asking members to weigh in. Group members can give suggestions, or link to books on Amazon to allow others to look more in-depth at resources.
Another idea is for coaches to create private groups for the leaders they shepherd. Coaches could ask how leaders' groups are going, post inspirational thoughts or passages, and share vision and important training dates. It's also a great place to provide links to resources and helpful training.
There's no reason the church—and your small group—can't use social media to its advantage. Read the rest of Keri Wyatt Kent's article and gain lots of tips and examples on using social media successfully for small-group ministry in our training tool.
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on August 23, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
August 16, 2012
In the Shelter of Each Other
How a Jars of Clay song gives a beautiful picture of small groups
At church this weekend, our worship team led us in singing a 2010 Jars of Clay song called "Shelter." As I sang the lyrics, I was reminded of the beauty of small groups. In small groups, we gather in safe places of shelter—places where we can "set aside the names [we've] been given," and "set aside the lies [we've] been living." Small groups are places that we never walk alone.
I was most moved, though, by the following lyrics:
We must all believe
Our lives are not our own
We all belong
God has given us each other
And we will never walk alone
In the shelter of each other
We will live
It's so true: our lives are not our own. I believe this is true in the sense that our lives belong to God, and that we belong to one another. We are responsible to and for one another. This is a high calling and a humbling privilege. In small groups, we gather, believing that we belong to one another, that we can help one another to transform into the people God created us to be.
Small groups give us hope, help us grow, allow us to be who we are, and provide shelter from the storm of life. It's a beautiful picture. Reading these lyrics has reenergized me for small-group ministry this fall. What about you?
posted by Amy Jackson at 11:24 AM on August 16, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
August 9, 2012
Messy, Messy
How the mess of missional living is blessing me
I've written before that missional living is messy, but I really want to drive home this fact: It's not for the faint of heart. Lately, I've been challenged by several situations that have highlighted the messiness of missional living, and it's caused me to reexamine what I really believe.
Not too long ago I sat behind a young couple at church. Their clothes were dirty and disheveled, yet I could tell they had tried to pick out clothes appropriate for church. They both had unkempt hair that hadn't seen water or a brush for some time. Worst, though, they reeked. The woman smelled like cigarettes, and the man smelled like a dirty diaper. As he shifted uneasily during the sermon, the stench wafted back at me. It made my stomach turn, and I found myself unconsciously leaning back in my seat, trying to put more distance between us.
I'll admit that my mind was screaming, "Get up and move! Get away from these people!" It took a lot of willpower to stay put. But I kept thinking, Aren't these the kind of people you want at church? The people you've prayed God would bring? Isn't it amazing that they had the courage to get up this morning and come here?
I don't remember much of the sermon that day. Instead, I prayed that God would give me courage and the words to make this couple feel welcome. After service, I struck up a brief conversation with the couple, introducing myself and asking their names. Sadly, it took a lot for me to look past the dirt, grime, and smell. I realized that morning that while I say I believe that all people are made in the image of God, my natural instinct definitely didn't align with that. However, I felt that tension and trusted God could fill the gap. And he did. It was an extremely short conversation, but I consider it a win for God. It challenged me to trust in him, trust in his truth—even if my trust was shown in an extremely small act.
Weeks later, my small group had the opportunity to bless an under-resourced mom and her two girls. They are on the cusp of homelessness. They do have a home, but there's not much money left over for anything else—including food. We brought tons of groceries over to their home, filling their cupboards and refrigerator. The mom was overwhelmed by the bags of groceries brought by the eight strangers invading her home.
The biggest blessing, though, had nothing to do with food. Instead, it was the love we gave her daughters—a 9-year-old and a 7-year-old. Her younger daughter was born with a condition that has left her severely deformed. Her body remains the size of a 1-year-old, and she must be carried around like a baby, unable to walk or sit on her own. She also can't speak. Because people aren't sure how to act toward this young girl, many just look away.
I, too, was nervous to interact with this young girl. Would I hurt her? Does she understand what people are saying to her, or should I speak to her like a baby? Could she communicate at all? What should I talk to this young girl about? Would she be scared of me?
Despite these questions, two of us sat holding her while the rest of the group helped the mom put away the groceries. When I said "hello," she smiled so wide. A grin snuck onto my face. We held her, brushing through her hair with our fingers, telling her how beautiful she is. The woman with me had brought her own daughter who promptly asked what was wrong with this little girl. My friend quickly responded, "That's how God made her. Isn't she beautiful?"
What astonished me was this young girl's wit. While she looks like a very young child, even a baby, her brain obviously functions at a higher level. As we talked with her, she warmed up to us and began "bumping us"—touching her fist to our fists—her own way of saying "hello." Pretty soon she started to fake us out. She would put up her fist to "bump us," but when we put our fists up, she would move her hand away and start laughing hysterically. I couldn't help but laugh, too.
I left feeling that I'd made a new friend, very different from how I thought I might feel afterward. I'll admit this was a tough experience for me. I was nervous about what it would be like, and I had questions that made me want to stand back. But God used this situation to stretch me, to remind me that each and every person is made in the image of God.
Twice in a matter of weeks, God put me in situations where he challenged what I believe. In essence, he asked me, "Do you really believe that every person is made in my image?" I'll admit my heart hadn't bought in like my mind had. But these experiences have done a lot to convince my heart.
When we're on mission for God, we live our lives in a way that makes the kingdom present, that makes Jesus present. We live by God's values instead of society's values. We bring the love of God to each person we interact with. (And we experience the love of God in others.)
And all that can get pretty messy.
But that's the way we grow. God meets us in the tension we feel, offering to fill the gap with his strength, grace, and love. And we find that as we seek to bless others, we are blessed beyond our imagination.
For more on missional living, read our free digizine.
How are you helping your group members live on mission? How are you encouraging them to offer up to God the tension they feel so they can grow?
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on August 9, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
August 7, 2012
Free Digizine: The Meaning of Missional
Find out how small groups can serve God's redemptive purposes.
I love getting things for free—especially when they're actually valuable. Assuming you do, too, I'm happy to present our brand-new, completely free SmallGroups.com digital magazine! Our current issue is all about what it means to be missional and how to help your group members catch the vision.
In The Meaning of Missional, you'll discover examples of people living missionally, clear explanations of what missional means (especially for your small group) and why it's important, and practical tips on moving into missional living. Plus, use our meeting builders to help your group catch the vision of missional living. And our resource reviews will give you further information.
Our digizine is jam-packed with tons of great information that's perfect for you as you lead a small group, small-group leaders, or a whole small-group ministry. If you do coach or train leaders, use our digizine to help them learn what it means to be missional. It's a great resource for your next training session.
We'd love for you to pass this free resource along to your friends, family, leaders, coworkers, and ministry friends. And let us know what you think below! We'd love to hear your thoughts.
posted by Amy Jackson at 9:36 AM on August 7, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
August 1, 2012
Important Communication Skills
How to ask questions that facilitate change
Many years ago, a wise woman told me that as a small-group leader I needs to ask lots and lots of good questions. In fact, if I was ever tempted to simply tell something, I should rephrase it as a genuine question, allowing group members to discover the truth on their own.
Sometimes when we formulate our study questions for our meetings, we forget how powerful good questions can be. They invite others to think, to process, and to discover. But asking good questions takes practice. And it takes our full attention, our full presence in the moment.
Read this insightful article called Conversation Skills that Transform from our sister publication, Leadership Journal. Kevin Miller, a pastor in Wheaton, IL, explains what he's learned.
posted by Amy Jackson at 12:31 PM on August 1, 2012 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
July 16, 2012
Reflecting on What It Means to Be Missional
A sneak peek from our new digizine
We're putting on the finishing touches to our yearly digizine, and I'm so excited for you to see it. It will be available on August 7, so keep your eyes open for a blog post announcing its arrival. In the meantime, I thought I'd give you a little sneak peak.
Our digizine, The Meaning of Missional, is all about what it means to live missionally, especially as a small group. And we have articles from people who have been leading the way in missional small groups including Alan Danielson of New Life Bible Church in Norman, Oklahoma, Carter Moss of Community Christian Church in Naperville, Illinois, and Scott Nelson of ForgeAmerica.
I also had the privilege of interviewing Scott Boren, author of MissioRelate and Missional Small Groups. He's been part of missional small groups for a long time, and he's passionate about helping churches move their small groups toward missional living. We talked about the many challenges of missional living and what it will take for small groups to catch the vision and begin living missionally.
My favorite part, though, was when Boren explained, in simple terms, what missional living looks like. Among other things, he said we need to ask, "How do we embody the way of Christ in our local neighborhoods right here, right now in a way that is attractive and beautiful and winsome and demonstrates the kingdom? Not so people will come, but because that's who God has called us to be—whether or not people respond."
I've been reflecting on that quotation ever since. I feel too often we try to be missional only with the goal of newcomers in mind; in other words, we're asking, "How do we get people to respond to the Gospel?" When we do that, we forget that God calls us to obey him regardless of the outcome. We serve the needy regardless of whether they begin to follow him. We give generously regardless of whether we receive generosity. We love people and offer grace regardless of whether we're offered grace and love in return. It reminds me that we don't cause people to respond; the Spirit does.
The truth is that God has called us to live out kingdom values regardless of the outcome—just because that's what he's called us to do. The more I reflect on this truth, the more I fall in love with God. He's after our hearts, not what we can produce, and that's a beautiful thing.
posted by Amy Jackson at 5:01 PM on July 16, 2012 | Comments (3) | Trackbacks (0)
June 25, 2012
Being Known
By God and others
When I started working at SmallGroups.com, I had the opportunity to get to know my new coworkers and let them get to know me. I'll admit that I tried to present my best self to them, watching my words and actions carefully. I wanted them to have a good impression of me . . . I wanted them to like me.
But this all changed very suddenly. One day as a few of us went outside for a walk, I expressed my excitement by exclaiming, "Woop woop!" It's weird, but it's something I do regularly. And I'd been hiding it from my coworkers. I instantly regretted this lapse of control. I was obviously feeling comfortable here; otherwise it never would have slipped out. But how comfortable would my new coworkers be?
There was a moment of silence as one of my coworkers turned to look at me. "Woop woop?" she asked. I blushed. She started to laugh and cried out "Woop woop!" I knew at that moment that I was becoming known, and they liked me regardless of my odd sayings.
Small groups have the opportunity to bring people together so they are truly known by one another. It may begin with silly sayings or habits, but hopefully it moves toward needs, struggles, and joys.
In her Kyria blog post, Amy Simpson writes about feeling known when she attended small, rural schools while growing up. And she explains how our desire to be known comes from God himself. Read her post here.
posted by Amy Jackson at 12:29 PM on June 25, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
June 22, 2012
Finding the Right Ministry Strategy
Why you need to look at your church's culture before implementing what works for other churches
I recently finished reading Heather Zempel's new book, Community is Messy. It's not out until September (I'll review it in more depth then), but I want to share an insight with you. Heather, a contributor for SmallGroups.com, writes about the importance of understanding the culture, rhythm, and demographics of your church when planning for small-group ministry. Ministering at National Community Church in D.C., she realized that the natural rhythm of life is a trimester system—students and politicians alike follow a schedule that divides fall, spring, and summer. Additionally, she observed their churchgoers are young—many in their 20s and 30s—and looking for clear ways to grow in their relationship with God. And the demographic is fairly transient, with very few people staying for more than a few years.
With these things in mind, she and her team came up with a plan for small-group ministry that fits their church. NCC runs small groups on a trimester schedule, offers several discipleship-heavy groups (e.g., Theology 101, Old Testament Survey), and allows several "black market" groups to exist so that people can try out creative ideas—even if they don't fit the church's structure.
Heather is the first to admit that she's still learning and trying new things, and she fully expects to change their system in the years to come. But I think she's done something that we often forget when we're planning for small-group ministry: she first looked at her church culture when planning. It's too easy to read a book from "Big Community Church," get excited about their success, and try to implement those ideas into our own ministries without adjusting them to fit our church culture. It's too tempting to apply their exact methods instead of simply the principles.
I would guess that we don't look at our church culture first because it's hard work. It's difficult to have an objective eye as we look at our churches, researching the rhythms, culture, and needs. It's difficult to look at our own structures and ministries with a (constructively) critical eye.
I would urge you to take Heather's advice: look first at your own church. Only then should you research ideas for ministry that fit your context.
For more from Heather Zempel, click here.
posted by Amy Jackson at 10:03 AM on June 22, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
June 1, 2012
Granting "Refrigerator Rights" and So Much More
What I learned at my Memorial Day barbecue
While several of our articles at SmallGroups.com explain that a measure of true friendship is granting “refrigerator rights,” this has been a hard lesson for me to learn. It’s not that I don’t understand—it makes sense that a good measure of comfort is the ability to open up someone else’s refrigerator looking for a drink—it’s just that it feels really strange. I have refrigerator rights at several of my friends’ homes. But when people are in my home, I worry that granting refrigerator rights only means I’m a lazy host—after all, why else would I make my friends get their own drinks?
I’ve wrestled with this idea for a while. When do I grant this right to my friends? How do I know they won’t be offended? And when is the right time to accept refrigerator rights from my friends?
This past weekend, though, I had a breakthrough. We hosted a barbecue with some of our closest friends. We were having a great time sitting outside, chatting about life, and laughing at ourselves. Then one of the women hopped up and asked if she could get some water. I startled myself with my response: “Of course! Glasses are above the dishwasher. There’s cold water in the fridge.” She ran inside and I sat, wondering how my response had come out so naturally. But I realized I was surrounded by close friends, people I share life with. So why shouldn’t that be my response?
After that interaction everyone felt comfortable getting their own drinks. And pretty soon people were helping me get out the sides and carrying the burgers to the table. The mood of the gathering relaxed, and we started sharing more deeply. Everyone felt more comfortable—not just because they had refrigerator rights, but because those rights signified that they had rights to our lives.
And while it may not seem super spiritual to allow others to open our refrigerators, it does signify something about our relationships. And I’ve decided to grant refrigerator rights to more of my friends. I’m excited to see what God does through this simple act of hospitality.
Who has refrigerator rights in your home? Do your group members make the list? Share with us below.
posted by Amy Jackson at 9:23 AM on June 1, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
May 22, 2012
Do You Read Our Award-Winning Newsletter?
Subscribe today for free!
Did you know that SmallGroups.com sends out a weekly e-newsletter? The brief newsletter highlights our newest resources and keeps you up-to-date with the hot topics in small-group ministry. The best part? It's free!
Plus, you now have another reason to subscribe: it's an award-winning newsletter. Last week the Evangelical Press Association announced their 2012 winners, including an Award of Excellence for SmallGroups.com's newsletter. If you're not already subscribed, sign up today. For a sample, click here.
posted by Amy Jackson at 12:00 PM on May 22, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
May 10, 2012
A True Picture of the Kingdom
What one woman learned when she was out of her comfort zone
My guess is that if you're reading the SmallGroups.com blog, you probably already have a beautiful picture of what biblical community looks like. You probably try to help others get involved in community through small groups. You probably even have stories of how being in community has changed lives--maybe even your own.
But have you ever felt awkward in community? Or wished you could live in community with only people of your choosing--those that are like you, with few major issues, and do an equal amount of talking and listening? I'm not afraid to admit I've had those thoughts!
In a recent post on the Kyria Culture Blog, Amy Simpson shares how she had a major realization when she was out of her element--wearing different clothes and talking with a different accent from those around her. She was uncomfortable. But she also found something beautiful in the awkward situation. Read her post here.
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on May 10, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
May 8, 2012
Too Focused on the Bible?
Why the study shouldn't be the main focus in small-group meetings
A healthy small group focuses on building relationships that help us grow into Christlikeness. That's why getting to know one another, studying Scripture, and praying for one another are so important. But what happens when you have a group member who is too focused on the Bible study? It's good to want to learn more about God, but it's probably creating an imbalance in your group dynamics. What may be easy for you to see is probably a blindspot for your Bible-loving group member.
Allen White, a regular contributor to SmallGroups.com, recently wrote a blog post that offers five signs that a group member is too focused on the study--even that the study has become an idol in his or her life. Read it today.
What have you done to help group members focus on all aspects of group life, not just the study?
posted by Amy Jackson at 3:38 PM on May 8, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
May 3, 2012
What Are the Biggest Issues You're Facing in Small-Group Ministry?
We want to hear from you.
At SmallGroups.com, we spend a lot of time creating great resources to help small-group directors, coaches, hosts, and leaders. From our inspiring and helpful articles to our super practical training tools, we hope to provide your small-group ministry with exactly the resources it needs.
So, we want to hear from you. What are the biggest issues you're facing in your small-group ministry? Do you have questions about training leaders? Wonder how to handle tough situations related to group dynamics? Curious about what you should study next?
Tell us below. We're all ears!
posted by Amy Jackson at 4:07 PM on May 3, 2012 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
April 17, 2012
Leaving the Neat and Tidy Behind
Being a missional small group is messy
My husband and I have greatly enjoyed being part of our current small group. We joined only five months ago, and already we've fallen in love with this group's missional mindset. The group members always have their eyes open for opportunities to bless others. It's been a growing experience for us. We've been stretched out of our comfort zones, and we're compelled to look for other opportunities to care and serve.
If there's one thing I've learned about being missional, though, it's that it's messy. It doesn't fall in neat boxes. It doesn’t stick to normal lines. It doesn't even have a clear cause and effect. Regardless, though, there's a definite sense that you're doing what God calls his followers to do—show the love of Jesus to others.
A few months ago, our group decided to throw a housewarming party for a woman who was recently homeless. Now in an apartment with a young son, she had nothing—no silverware, no plates, no pans. She didn't even know how to cook. We showed up at her apartment on a rainy night. More than 15 of us stood in her small living room, giving her our gifts, helping her put things away. One couple brought a slow cooker with several recipes, offering to show her how to prepare them. The woman was overwhelmed and quietly put the items away. We didn't know the right things to do or say, yet we stayed for over an hour just loving on her, laughing at jokes, sharing stories, and listening to music. We didn't know what our gifts would mean to the woman, but we tried to be Jesus' hands and feet . . . and that's all we could do.
More recently our group attended a baby shower for a refugee woman from Kenya. We were surprised by the differences in the culture—from how they celebrated to the music they listened to. As we worked our way through the buffet line, we didn't recognize any of the food. But we were lucky to try spicy gizzards, bananas and beans, and sweet bread. It was definitely out of our comfort zone: we were with people we didn't know, surrounded by cultural nuances we didn't understand. Yet it was beautiful to celebrate this baby with them. And we learned a lot that night about their culture. Now we can't wait to party with them again. They definitely taught us a thing or two about celebrating.
In five months, we've had more experiences like this than I've had in any other small group. And I think it's because this small group is doing something right—they're willing to be uncomfortable in order to reach people far from God, to better understand our Christian brothers and sisters from other backgrounds and cultures, and to provide for the least of these. I've wondered aloud to my husband why our past isn't filled with these kinds of experiences. But we know the answer—it's just too messy. How do you program something like this? How do you keep group members from getting frustrated when things are uncomfortable? How do you teach group members the value in simply being present with others? How do you help people understand that we should obey Jesus regardless of the outcome?
I'm reminded, though, of how often Jesus was willing to step out of the norm, including when he ate with Matthew's friends in Matthew 9. Why does ministry have to be neat and tidy? Life isn't. If we're going to meet people where they're at, we're going to have to leave the neat and tidy behind.
For more information on being a missional small group check out: Eliminating the Walls Between Insider and Outsider Activities, Resource Review: Missional Small Groups, and Instill the Vision in Your Small-Group Leaders.
posted by Amy Jackson at 11:39 AM on April 17, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
April 3, 2012
Gaining an Expanded Family
A displaced couple finds true friendship through a small group
We have more ways to communicate than ever before, but how deep are our relationships? In our newest download, Physical Presence Matters, Seth Widner shares his own story about why physical presence--through small-group meetings--grew to mean so much to him.
After moving from Tennessee to Florida to plant a church, he and his wife were pretty homesick. They were able to stay in touch with friends and family, but they began to lean on their physically present small group. Here's what Seth writes:
About five months into our church plant, we decided to launch our small-group ministry. From our beginning, we planned to be a church of small groups. The time had come to gather potential leaders and start training. Although I had little experience in adult small groups, I believed the ministry would be a good one. As I trained future small-group leaders, I became more enthusiastic about the concept of small groups. My passion for helping people connect in small groups was growing.Melissa and I agreed to lead a small group, too. We were looking forward to meeting new faces and making some new friendships. Our target would be young married couples without children. Honestly, it was for selfish reasons. We didn't have kids, and I didn't want screaming babies or diapers in our home. Thankfully, we found three couples to invite to our small group, and we decided to meet at a local restaurant for our first meeting.
That first evening was a breath of fresh air. The only thing on the agenda was to enjoy good food and conversations. We had some great talks. We learned that most of the small-group members had moved from other states. So we shared about our old homes, what brought us to Florida, and how the transition was going. It was such a relief to be able to talk to people who felt homesick from time to time! These couples understood what Melissa and I were going through.
Since that first meeting, our small group has been doing life together. We gather regularly for food, fun, fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. No matter what kind of day I'm having, I know that my small group will be there for me. We have laughed, cried, and prayed together. We have discussed God's Word and voiced our questions about life. We have each experienced spiritual growth. And I finally got over my fear of diapers! At this point, most of us have become parents.
Over the years, I've found an interesting connection between my small group and homesickness. As my small-group friendships have grown, my homesickness has diminished. I still miss my family and friends in Tennessee, and I still communicate through technology. From time to time I will enjoy a phone call, send a quick text message, or touch base through Facebook. But my intense homesickness has gone away. Melissa and I have transitioned into our new home in Fernandina Beach.
To read the rest of his article, and to read more on why physical presence matters, check out our newest download.
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on April 3, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
March 29, 2012
Know Thyself
Is knowing self important to our faith journey?
I recently came across this quotation from Honest Christianity, and it got me thinking. He states that an important factor in our faith journey is getting to know ourselves—which may not be what we normally think of. We think about growing closer to God, becoming more servant-minded, and building relationships with others. But what if all those things depend on getting to know ourselves first?
"Prideful creatures that we are, it is hard for us to acknowledge what we do not like or respect, or what we sense others will disparage. It is so much easier, so more convenient, at least in the moment, to deny the existence of the distasteful. God, however, is truthful, and to truthfulness he calls us. He wants us to know ourselves, so that in the process, we can grasp just how much he loves us. We need not fear what is inside us, however heinous, however awful, however base. God already knows all about it, and he loves us anyway—which is, in fact, the good news of Jesus Christ . . . Our life with God will thrive only to the extent that we purpose in our hearts, sincerely and relentlessly, to reckon with truth—about him, about others, about ourselves." --Clinton W. McLemore in Honest Christianity
Do you agree with McLemore? How important is knowing self to our faith journey? When have you seen proof of this?
If it's important, how much time should we spend on getting to know ourselves? How do we balance it with getting to know God and others? And how do we help our small-group members with this?
Share your thoughts and experiences with us below.
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on March 29, 2012 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
March 20, 2012
Improving Communication
Spence Shelton explains why clarity is critical.
Effective communication is essential to healthy small-group ministry. And it can be one of the most difficult tasks for small-group ministry leaders. You need to get your senior pastor and other church leaders on board, communicate your vision and purpose to small-group leaders, and communicate the value of small groups to church members. It's a huge responsibility!
In our most recent resource, Improving Communication for Effective Small-Group Ministry, Spence Shelton explains that clarity is critical, especially when you're trying to explain the value of small-group ministry. Here's an excerpt from his article "Get Your Church Leadership On Board."
I've found it easier to get key leaders on board when I am able to communicate the concept of small-group ministry in very clear language. As point people, it is our job to do all of the research, read all of the books, and work through all of the revisions of philosophy and strategy. You should spend time doing that hard work. In fact, this will make you a better leader as well as reinforce the power of your communication to those you want to get on board.We must then distill our philosophy and strategy into clear language that can be mentally digested in one conversation. This may be hard work, but the payoff is significant. Here are a few of questions you should be able to answer in one short thought, questions that church leaders will ask you.
What is a small group?
Why do we need small groups?
What is your plan for small groups?
What is the first step you need me to take?
Can you answer each of those in a sentence or two? Do your answers get you excited about small groups? If your answers seem long or uninteresting to you, they will definitely feel that way to other church leaders. Try practicing your answers on some friends who will shoot straight about your communication. Do not underestimate the power of clear, compelling communication.
How well are you able to communicate about your small-group ministry? Can you answer these questions in a clear, concise, and compelling way?
To continue reading this article, check out Improving Communication for Effective Small-Group Ministry. And for a sample from this resource, see Instill the Vision in Your Small-Group Leaders.
posted by Amy Jackson at 1:38 PM on March 20, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
March 15, 2012
Growing Indifference Toward Faith
What should small groups do in the midst of this growing trend?
Our sister resource Out of Ur recently highlighted this short video of David Palau interviewing David Kinnaman of the Barna Group. Kinnaman shares that more and more the unchurched are simply indifferent to the church, and it's a trend we'll see continue to grow over the next 10 years.
This poses big questions for the church: how do we reach a world who doesn't care about us or our message?
My question to you: what can small groups do in the face of this cultural shift to continue to introduce people to the love of Christ? Watch the video and share your thoughts with us below.
Out of Ur is a blog of Leadership Journal that covers important news and challenges impacting the church.
posted by Amy Jackson at 10:20 AM on March 15, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
March 13, 2012
Sam O'Neal Tells Us to "Keep Calm and Carry On"
Why this slogan is perfect for today's small-group leaders
Have you ever seen the signs that say "Keep Calm and Carry On"? Sam O'Neal thinks it's a great slogan for small-group leaders. There are plenty of times when we find ourselves in the middle of a meeting that's not going as planned, or leading a discussion that's so far off topic there's no hope of pulling it back. Sometimes we experience more serious things like a fall-out between group members or a confession from a group member that rocks the group.
Whatever you're facing as a small-group leader, Sam offers that simple slogan to you: "Keep Calm and Carry On." View his blog post to learn about the history of the slogan and why it's so fitting for small-group leaders today.
And for those of you curious about what Sam's been up to since leaving SmallGroups.com, be sure to check out his book: The Field Guide for Small Group Leaders, coming out in May.
Picture Credit: Derek Keats on Flickr
posted by Amy Jackson at 4:02 PM on March 13, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
March 7, 2012
Keeping Leaders Connected to Your Church's Vision
Seth Widner explains the benefits of coaching.
At SmallGroups.com, we believe coaches are valuable to small-group ministry. So we provide lots of articles and training resources specifically for coaches including Giving Leaders Feedback, Ministering to Struggling Small-Group Leaders, The Five Stages of Coaching Relationships, and the Small-Group Coach Orientation Guide.
Seth Widner feels coaches are important, too. In our newest resource Staying Connected to Your Church, Seth lays out seven benefits of coaching. Among them you'll find many of the usual benefits such as accountability, support, and ongoing training. But there's one you might not immediately think of: connection to your church's vision. I often hear the complaint from small-group staff that they have "rogue" groups—groups that have diverted from the church's vision for small groups. Other times I hear about the trouble of keeping small-group leaders informed of updates to the church's vision and strategy. Here's what Seth has to say about it.
If small-group leaders are left alone in leadership, our groups can become islands, disconnected from the church. This is a dangerous place to be. When small groups are functioning as islands, they are one storm away from sinking. Small-group leaders need to be reminded that they are part of something larger than their groups. Small groups are active members of your church's larger cause. As leaders are reminded of the church's specific vision, they are given a GPS-like map for everything they do in small groups. Coaching provides a way to keep small-group leaders connected with one another and to the church's DNA and vision.
To read the rest of Seth's article, check out Staying Connected to Your Church.
And share with us below: what benefits of coaching have you experienced?
posted by Amy Jackson at 12:49 PM on March 7, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
February 29, 2012
What Would You Tell Your Small-Group Members?
Talking about suffering in small group
I hope you're ready for some discussion because I've got a big question for you.
It never ceases to amaze me how deeply people are hurting, specifically as I listen to prayer requests during small-group meetings. It's enough to make your heart break. And if you aren't currently hurting, chances are that someone close to you is. Suffering is simply part of our earthly existence.
So what do you say when a group member turns to you and asks what place suffering has in God's compassionate will? Not why suffering exists . . . but what God might be doing in and through it. How would you respond in a way that is true to the Word and recognizes this group member's deep suffering?
Share your responses with us below. Let's see if we can come up with a helpful answer together.
posted by Amy Jackson at 11:13 AM on February 29, 2012 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)
February 28, 2012
John Ortberg Encourages Small-Group Leaders
And lets us know all the effort is worth it.
As February ends, we've got a bit of cabin fever here at the offices of Christianity Today. We're a little antsy, our attention spans are growing shorter, and we need something to keep us going. So I figured you might, too.
In our Fall 2010 digizine, SmallGroups.com interviews John Ortberg in an article called "No, You're Not Crazy!" Ortberg shares his wisdom with small-group leaders, inspiring us to keep on.
SG.com: How do you feel that small groups as a whole have impacted the kingdom of God? What have they brought to churches, and to the Church?Ortberg: I think it was Robert Wuthnow who said that the small-group movement is the biggest social revolution in America. In an era where people have become increasingly mobile, uprooted, and disconnected from family structures, I think small groups have become a huge vehicle for people to experience relationship, intimacy, and community. And in a lot of cases that comes to people who might not have it otherwise.
SG.com: If you had a chance to encourage a group of small-group leaders, what would you say?
Ortberg: I would say: "It's worth it." When I was at Willow Creek Community Church back in Chicago, a common message we delivered to people in ministry was, "You're not crazy." In those times when you think: Man, this is really hard. Nobody was talking tonight, or I've got a really difficult person in this group, or I'm feeling like I don't know how to lead a discussion—you never know when God is going to use a moment, a session, or a connection with somebody else. You never know when a person is going to show up with a broken heart, and God's going to choose you and your group to be a vessel of grace. You don't carry the outcome on your shoulders. But when you show up and offer a devoted spirit—it's worth it.
What do you do when you're feeling discouraged? What quotations, Scripture, or reminders motivate you to keep on? Share with us below.
Be sure to check out all our past digizines, and look out for a new one coming this July.
posted by Amy Jackson at 2:21 PM on February 28, 2012 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)
Last Chance!
Less than 48 hours to take advantage of our sale!
Have you taken advantage of our sale? If not, you better hurry. We're changing the prices back on March 1! Receive 25% off our ten most popular resources of 2011. From our always popular Small-Group Leader Orientation Guide to a study on using your spiritual gifts to studies from John Ortberg, Tim Keller, and N.T. Wright, there are lots of resources to take a look at. Buy them now and use them throughout the year to grow and strengthen your ministry.
posted by Amy Jackson at 1:17 PM on February 28, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
February 21, 2012
Recognizing a Blind Spot in Church Culture
Learning from the introverts among us
While it's been difficult for me to admit for most of my life, I've finally become comfortable saying that I'm an introvert. For those who know me well, it's really not surprising—after all, I primarily spend my working hours alone in an office typing on a computer, reading books, and manipulating words.
It's taken me a while to realize that being an introvert doesn't mean I don't like people. And it doesn't mean I'm super nerdy (although, I am a little nerdy). It means that I'm highly sensitive, easily over stimulated, and better at working alone—at my own pace with few distractions. On the positive side, introverts tend to have rich inner lives, are able to concentrate for long periods, and have fewer but deeper relationships (in fact, many introverts struggle with relationships that consist only of small talk).
Recently, I started reading a book on introversion: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. She explains that one-third to one-half of people are introverts, yet American society greatly favors extroverts. She gives a history lesson of how that came to be, and talks about her visits to places in the U.S. that exemplify this fact.
Would you be surprised to know that one of the places she visited was Saddleback Church? She explains that evangelical Christianity highly favors extroverts: we want funny, engaging teachers that move around the stage, lots of time to casually fellowship and mingle with one another, and elaborate, highly sensory worship settings. We expect true followers to be involved with many groups, and to attend all the group activities offered (like retreats, women's and men's events, and family events). We expect true followers to express their faith publicly and vocally.
Now think about the types of people we desire in our small groups: people who share often, easily mingle during fellowship time, and strike up conversation with newcomers. And these are good things. We see these as signs that someone is actively engaged—both with the group and in their relationship with Christ.
But what might an actively engaged introverted group member look like? Have you experienced that group member who listens intently for the majority of the meeting, but shares a nugget of truth that blows the group away? Have you noticed those group members who seek out the newcomers by quietly welcoming them and getting to know them one-on-one? Are you aware of the person in your group who quietly yet actively listens to other members, encouraging them by leaning forward, nodding, and smiling?
While we like to see people living out their faith in highly visible ways, consider this: there is a lot of activity happening in the introvert's mind and heart, activity that is important yet often overlooked. And this way of life isn't against the grain of Christianity. In fact, Scripture tells us to meditate on the Word. We have countless examples of historic Christians engaging the contemplative life. Even the modern theologians we look up to must spend countless hours alone with God and his Word. So maybe introverts have something to offer our extroverted culture—the reminder to slow down, to reflect, to "chew on" God's Word, to go below the surface.
How can you encourage and empower your introverted group members? How can you change your perspective of what an actively engaged group member looks like?
What about you? Are you an introverted group leader? Check out our Leading as an Introvert resource.
posted by Amy Jackson at 1:18 PM on February 21, 2012 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
February 16, 2012
What Our Actions Say about Our Theology
Ben Reed shares what he learned while looking for aluminum pans
Let's face it—most leaders are really busy people. We are not only small-group leaders, but also parents, sisters, brothers, friends, teachers, construction workers, pastors, butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers (okay, maybe not that last one). All that to say, leading our weekly small group is usually not the only thing we have going on. And sometimes we get caught up in the busy-ness and forget about the mission: people.
When I worked on a church staff, I heard more than a few pastors tell me that ministry would be super easy if it weren't for the people (I admit I agreed some days!). But think about it. If it weren't for the people, there wouldn't be ministry.
Ben Reed, a writer for SmallGroups.com, recently wrote on his blog that the way we treat people actually reveals our theology. Makes you wonder what your actions are revealing, doesn't it? Read his post, and let us know what you think below.
What have your actions been revealing about your theology? And how do you want to change?
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on February 16, 2012 | Comments (3) | Trackbacks (0)
February 13, 2012
The Discipline of Staying Put
Going against the cultural current of mobility
Have you heard about This Is Our City? The newest Christianity Today publication focuses on telling stories of those glorifying God by serving in their cities. With articles, videos, and more, they offer tons of inspiring stories of Christ-followers serving in the name of Christ.
Last week they posted an article on staying put—that is, choosing to remain in a community instead of moving frequently. In our culture of mobility, it's rare to hear of people staying in one place for long. But what is the cost of all that moving? Specifically, what's the cost to community?
Check out the full article, and visit This Is Our City to see all the inspiring stories. Then let us know what you think below.
posted by Amy Jackson at 3:28 PM on February 13, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
February 7, 2012
Should Small-Group Leaders Be Considered Pastors?
Let's get some discussion started!
I've been learning a lot about the history of pastoral care lately. The idea was to walk with another person into their pain and suffering, praying, asking questions, and helping make sense of next steps. While some churches still have pastors dedicated to this important ministry, I have a feeling that this ministry is happening more in small groups than anywhere else. Small-group leaders are the ones to learn about members' struggles, pains, and hardships, and many times they are the ones that comfort, guide, and encourage along the way. This compassionate care brings to mind the image of shepherd in the Bible, the very word that is at the root of "pastor."
So, should small-group leaders be thought of as pastors? Should they be identified as called-out shepherds of God's flock—even if the flock is only 6-12 people?
What are your thoughts? We'd love to hear them. Share with us below.
posted by Amy Jackson at 10:25 AM on February 7, 2012 | Comments (8) | Trackbacks (0)
January 31, 2012
How Do You Train Your Small-Group Leaders?
National Community Church has taken its training online.
Heather Zempel from National Community Church in Washington, D.C., and writer for SmallGroups.com, recently blogged about NCC's new way of training small-group leaders.
In her blog post, she shares that they have started doing online training so that leaders can train at their own pace in their own timing. When finished, their answers to the questions in the training are sent to the staff at NCC and a face-to-face interview is scheduled. So far, they're very happy with the results.
Read the blog post to get the full picture, and check out this training module on choosing a study, part of their online training.
Then let us know: how do you train your small-group leaders? Are you happy with your results or do you wish it were going better?
12 What Do We Study? from National Community Church on Vimeo.
posted by Amy Jackson at 11:56 AM on January 31, 2012 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
January 26, 2012
Are There Really EGR Group Members?
Sam O'Neal shares why he changed his mind
In our most recent digizine, Troubleshooting, Sam O'Neal wrote an article on his new view of EGR group members. In "The Blessing of Problem People," Sam shares how he's changed his mind on this popular acronym. Check out what he says below.
Everybody loves acronyms—from TGIF to LOL to BLT and beyond. In the world of small-group ministry, the most common acronym I've come across has to be EGR. As in "extra grace required."The idea is that most people within a small group are "normal" and able to function well within the life of the group. But then there are other people—EGR people—who behave abnormally, and are even potentially dangerous to the community. Therefore the group can only function well if the normal folks use a little extra grace in order to tolerate the "problem people."
I used to be on board with that kind of thinking. I used to laugh whenever I heard someone say, "Every small group has an EGR person—and if you can't figure out who that person is in your group, it's probably you!" Har har.
But I have repented of that notion in recent years because of an important realization: every small group in the world is made up entirely of imperfect human beings. We are all sinful. We are all emotional. We are all unpredictable and perplexing and just a bit unstable.
In other words, we are all "problem people." We all require enormous amounts of grace.
So what do you think? Should we get rid of the term, or does it hold some value?
To read the rest of the article, click here.
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on January 26, 2012 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)
January 25, 2012
Exploring the Command to Carry One Another's Burdens
Using questions to minister
During a graduate class I’m taking, my professor held a discussion around Galatians 6:1–2. He asked the class what Paul meant by saying we "fulfill the law of Christ" when we carry others' burdens. Further, he asked us if we considered carrying others' burdens central to the Gospel or more of a peripheral duty.
His questions got me thinking. What does it mean if a central part of kingdom living is carrying others' burdens? What does it say about evangelical Christianity's emphasis on personal prayer and Bible study? And what about corporate worship? How often do we attend in order to hear from God or experience him for ourselves instead of connecting with others there?
Carrying others' burdens was central to the early church. We read in Acts 2 that early Christians "had everything in common" and provided for one another so no one would be in need. Paul also wrote often about not being a burden unnecessarily (see 2 Corinthians 12:14, 1 Thessalonians 2:9, and Hebrews 13:17). And he had plenty to say about bearing with one another by putting on compassion and patience (Colossians 3:12–13, Ephesians 4:2).
We also have God's example in carrying other's burdens—namely, our own. Psalm 68:19 says, "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." And in Matthew 11 and Galatians 5, Christ is painted as the one who frees us from heavy burdens.
So, it appears that carrying others' burdens truly is central to following Christ. But what does that look like? And how can small groups help fulfill this?
Last week I sat in a coffee shop near my home reading, when a man who seemed fresh out of high school asked to sit at the table with me. I was surprised by his request, and a bit irritated as I wanted to sit by myself silently enjoying some coffee and a book. A couple of times he tried awkwardly to start a conversation as I read my book. I gave him quick answers before returning to my reading.
Then I realized this was an opportunity, to get to know this person who is created in the image of God. So I tried awkwardly to start a conversation. I asked him questions about his day, his job, and his drink. It turns out, he was lonely. He wanted some human contact. He just wanted to have a normal human conversation with someone. And for whatever reason, I seemed safe. We talked for nearly an hour that day about aquariums and schools and movies, and I realized in my heart what I'd known in my head for a long time: questions can minister to others. They can show that we care, that we see them as real, living, breathing humans who deserve love and respect, and who have something to offer the world.
So, my first thought on carrying others' burdens is this: perhaps a great place to start is simply to be with the person, asking questions, getting to know them as another human being, helping to carry their loneliness, fear, or doubt.
What do you think? Can questions in themselves minister? How have questions ministered to you? How have you ministered to others by asking questions? Share with us below.
Check back over the next few months as I continue to flesh out the idea of carrying others' burdens.
posted by Amy Jackson at 11:09 AM on January 25, 2012 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
December 21, 2011
While We're Waiting
What God has in store along the journey
One theme has stood out to me in 2011: waiting. For the first time in my life, God allowed me to experience an extended time of waiting with no clue of what he had in store for me at the end. It was different from waiting a week for something to go on sale or waiting two weeks for the next paycheck. That kind of waiting involves little mystery about the outcome: I will buy the item I waited for and we'll pay the bill when the money is deposited. It is waiting for something we expect. It is simply delayed gratification.
It's much more difficult to wait for long periods of time for an unknown destination or answer to prayer. Instead of delayed gratification and discipline to stay calm and wait the prescribed amount of time, waiting for the unknown requires a heavy dose of trust in God as we push out the doubt that creeps in, force ourselves to wait instead of make our own way, and deal with the hurt, bitterness, and frustration when we've waited longer than we would have liked. We must keep reminding ourselves that God does want what’s good for us and that he will answer our prayers—even if the answers look nothing like we expected.
The theme of waiting seems especially appropriate during Advent as we learn again how to wait on God. In an entirely new way, I am able to understand Sarah (Genesis 16). Usually when I read the story of Sarah (or Sarai) telling her husband Abraham (or Abram) to conceive a child with Hagar, I have felt shocked and amazed. Why would she tell her husband to be with someone else? Why can't she simply wait for God to deliver on his promise? Now, though, I understand how beautiful the idea of making our own way can appear. When we've waited and done all that we feel God is asking us to do, we begin to get tired of waiting. We assume that if he really were going to deliver, he would have done so by now, and we begin to plot how we can make things happen in our own power. Until this year of waiting, I never understood how someone could get to that point. But now I do.
What I've learned in all this waiting, though, is that the blessing comes not only when we reach the destination, but also as we journey—in the work that God does in our lives while we're waiting. As we wait on him, we get a true picture of our hearts and souls. We learn just how little we trust God and how human we truly are. And we learn that God's way isn't a prescription (take this pill, do that dance, and everything you want will come true). Instead, it's a journey—and the best gift is God's presence along the way.
In all this waiting I've realized that many times we approach small groups with set goals, timelines, and expectations in mind. We follow set "prescriptions," waiting for the expected outcome to happen in the expected timeline: we'll discuss confession, confess to one another, be healed, and be amazing Christians afterward. Or I'll identify an apprentice, train for eight and a half weeks, and birth a perfectly healthy new group. We wait in a delayed-gratification kind of way. But I think our wait for spiritual growth is much closer to the unknown-destination waiting I've experienced this year. There's no guarantee that life with God will be easy. There's no guarantee that if we follow the prescription we'll experience amazing life-change. There's no guarantee that everyone in our group will even want to grow spiritually. And there's no guarantee that once we experience change we won't return to our old ways.
We can, however, stick together as a community as we journey, waiting on God. When we begin to feel like Sarah, wanting to make our own way, we can encourage one another to continue to lean into and trust God. We can help one another to see the work God is doing in our lives. We can pray for one another and carry one another's burdens. In doing so, we will be a true vision of biblical community.
As leaders we must hold out this truer definition of waiting—waiting on God, opening our hearts and minds for what he wants to do in our lives, without always knowing the destination. As we help our group members understand how to wait, I believe we will see real growth and change—I just can't tell you when or how. But maybe that's the beauty of it all.
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on December 21, 2011 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)
November 22, 2011
Are We Inspiring Hope?
Your idea of a great small-group meeting might be missing something
When I think of a great small-group meeting, I think of authentic conversations, new insights, several good laughs, and feeling known and loved. Something that doesn't normally come to mind? Inspiring hope. But that's changed.
Recently at my women's small group, I was filled with hope, and that was exciting—especially because I haven't always been a fan of women's ministry. Our discussion filled me with a renewed sense of mission, identity, and worth. Surprisingly, this great small-group meeting happened despite being in a group with less-than-perfect group dynamics, no clear leader, and a book study that's not exactly the best I've seen—red flags that would normally catch my attention. But our discussion stemmed from a great question, authentic sharing, and wisdom gained over years of following Christ. Our answers steered clear of the trivial and cliché and instead pointed to hard-learned truths.
So is inspiring hope something that we should strive for in small groups? Or should we be content with nice discussions?
The Bible certainly seems to say a lot about hope. Romans 12:9-13 says to be joyful in hope. Romans 15:4 points out that Scripture was written to fill us with hope, and 15:13 clarifies that it should be an overflowing hope, full of joy and peace. 2 Corinthians 3:12 reminds us that hope makes us bold to live out lives of faith. And 1 Thessalonians 1:3 says hope can give us endurance as well.
It certainly appears as if hope might be something Jesus wants for his followers. And if hope makes us bold and gives us endurance to keep on keeping on, it seems that hope is an important ingredient for spiritual formation. After all, if there's no hope of change or redemption, what's the point? Hope sounds perfect for small groups.
So do your group meetings inspire members with hope? Do your group members leave meetings feeling as though they've been on holy ground, that God was truly present in the meeting? Do they leave with a greater sense of identity and mission? Do they leave feeling emboldened to live a life worthy of their calling?
How do we make sure our meetings are brimming with hope? I imagine that depending on your study, some nights are more easily inspiring. For instance, talking about Jesus' miracles and discussing the miracles group members have seen in their own lives probably feels more inspiring than discussing the laws of Exodus. On the other hand, if we're reminding group members of Christ's power, the working of the Holy Spirit, and the deep love of God, can't any topic bring hope and inspiration?
As we head into the Christmas season, consider how your small-group meetings are inspiring hope in your group members. As we consider the hope of the world arriving as a baby, may your group bathe in the light of hope, gaining joy and strength to live lives for Christ's glory.
posted by Amy Jackson at 8:00 AM on November 22, 2011 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
October 14, 2011
Let Us Know What You Think
You won't go away empty-handed.
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the Twelve Conference put on by Saddleback Church. I love these events because I get to learn about current small-group ministry hot topics and hear about some of the issues small-group ministries all over the country are facing. It gives me ideas on how SmallGroups.com can better serve small-group leaders, coaches, and pastors.
It was great hearing from the "big names" of small-group ministry. But, I can't help but think there's someone even better to ask about small-group hot topics and issues: you! As someone who is in the trenches of small-group ministry, you're the perfect person to let us know what resources to provide and topics to cover on SmallGroups.com in 2012.
Would you do me a huge favor? Take our quick survey to let us know how we can better serve you and your small-group ministry. For taking time out of your busy day, we'll reward you with a code for $10 off at our sister website, BuildingChurchLeaders.com. Thanks in advance for taking the time to fill us in. We greatly appreciate it.
posted by Amy Jackson at 4:38 PM on October 14, 2011 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
October 13, 2011
Check Out Our Exciting Giveaway!
You could win a NOOK color or a membership to SmallGroups.com
On my latest trip to Target I was shocked to see all the Christmas decorations and products neatly filling aisles of shelves. While it's hard to believe, it's not too early to be thinking about Christmas and Christmas shopping. Do you have anyone on your list who might like a NOOK color? Or, would you like to give yourself an early Christmas present?
There are two ways to receive entries into our sweepstakes: sign up on our Facebook page, or share the link to our digital magazine on Twitter and include @SmallGroupscom in your post.
You've been good all year. Why wait until Christmas to give yourself a NOOK color or a membership to SmallGroups.com? Enter our sweepstakes today, and be sure to tell your friends!
posted by Amy Jackson at 3:44 PM on October 13, 2011 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
October 11, 2011
Learning to Trust Unlikely Leaders and Mentors
How one man was challenged by a young leader doing much for God's kingdom
This past weekend, the Catalyst conference took place in Atlanta. Matt Woodley, editor of Preaching Today here at Christianity Today, was at the conference and took time to blog about his experiences.
One of his posts is about his response to Katie Davis, a young woman who is doing a lot of work in Uganda for God's kingdom. Matt's view of young leaders was challenged in hearing Katie speak at Catalyst. Sometimes leaders and mentors may look different than we imagine. Check out his post here, and then come back to let us know what you think. Who are the people that your church seems to neglect as potential leaders, mentors, and heroes?
posted by Amy Jackson at 2:05 PM on October 11, 2011 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
August 7, 2011
Video Case Study: Your Thoughts
How would you address some of the issues in this crazy small group?
First things first: have you seen the newest edition of the Small Groups Digizine? If not, you need to know that it focuses on solutions for many of the common problems in small-group life.
And it features a Video Case Study of a small group that, strangely enough, demonstrates just about every problem imaginable in less than five minutes. Click here to see what I mean.
Here's hoping you never experience a group meeting like that!
Obviously mistakes were made by a lot of people in that room (and some outside of it). But we would like to get your opinion on what specifically went wrong. Which people crossed a line, and when did it happen?
Just as importantly, what could have been done to prevent the different outbursts and eruptions that occurred? Did anyone respond correctly? And can anything be done to heal the wounds now present in these group members?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 4:44 PM on August 7, 2011 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
June 30, 2011
Friday Flashback: Learning from "Ze Frank"
Something to think about in the Age of the Internet
I recently learned about a man named Ze Frank. I don't know if that is his actually name, or it is some kind of French interpretation of his first name ("Beware, I am ze Frank!")
Either way, he is a pioneer in exploring the different ways in which people can connect at a true emotional level over the internet. And to me, that means he is someone to keep an eye on.
TED
Like, check out the TED talk that recently posted online. I am only including the link instead of embedding the video because it contains a few iterations of the word "ass" in the non-Biblical sense (meaning, he's not talking about a donkey).
But the video as a whole is interesting, provocative, and I think worth your time.
Chill Out
Then there's something called the "Chill Out Song," which I think is amazing.
Continue reading Friday Flashback: Learning from "Ze Frank"...
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:14 AM on June 30, 2011 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
June 22, 2011
MissioRelate: Contest Time!
You have a great chance of winning Scott Boren's newest book.
Thanks to Randall Neighbour and Touch Outreach Ministries, I have the chance to give away 10 copies of M. Scott Boren's newest book MissioRelate—which is fun for me, but it's an exciting opportunity for anyone reading this who is also a believer in small-group ministry.
Easy Sweepstakes
Here's the deal. To enter the sweepstakes, just send me a photograph of your group doing something "missional." I know that's a word that is hard to define, but for the purposes of this blog post I am referring to a missional experience as something that is beyond a polite gathering of Christians who simply eat and chat and pray and leave.
If your group has taken a deeper step, no matter what it may be, send me a picture and you will be entered into the contest.
Or, if you don't have a picture handy, you can use the comments section below to describe a missional experience you would like to have in community. If you could lead your group to make some kind of impact for the Kingdom of God, what would you do? Post a comment below and you will be entered.
I will randomly select 10 entrants to receive a free copy of MissioRelate.
More About MissioRelate
I have become more and more familiar with Scott Boren in recent years, both as a contributor to SmallGroups.com and the author of Missional Small Groups. (Click here to see my review.) In that time it has been easy to recognize Scott as a leading voice in the world of small groups.
More specifically, Scott has a way of helping small-group leaders achieve something meaninful in their groups—something beyond what usually happens in "normal" group experiences. in other words, the word "missional" has appropriately been attached to Scott's ideas, I believe.
And for what it's worth, here are my comments about MissioRelate from the book's endorsement page:
When I read Missional Small Groups, Scott Boren reminded me that small groups done well can produce revolutionary change in the lives of individuals, in communities, and even across the world. Now, after reading MissioRelate, Scott has convinced me that such groups can develop and thrive in any church—even my own.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 10:39 AM on June 22, 2011 | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0)
June 14, 2011
Video of the Week: Happy Father's Day!
A fun new video from the fine folks at JohnnyandChachi.com.
Every now and then I like to check in with our friends at www.JohnnyandChachi.com to see what they've been up to. This morning my vigilance was rewarded with a new video they put together for Father's Day -- which is coming up at the end of this week, in case you forgot. (And shame on you if that's true.)
Anyway, here is a free preview of their new "video within a video," and it's a good one. Remember to hop over to Igniter Media if you want to download this for use in your church.
One more question: what are you planning to do for the fathers in your small group this weekend?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 10:10 AM on June 14, 2011 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
June 2, 2011
Friday Flashback: Moral Covenants for Small-Group Leaders?
Could something like this work in your church? Should it?
I just read through an interesting article from Kevin Miller that I thought all of you might want to check out; it's called No More Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Kevin is an associate priest, and his church recently instituted a "moral-lifestyle policy" for volunteer leaders. This means that anyone in the church who is responsible for pastoring the vulnerable, leading others, and teaching others (including small-group leaders) needs to sign a form that commits them to living a lifestyle that abstains from specific behaviors and sins.
It's an interesting ideah, huh? My first reaction was one of incredulity. Isn't like a little too invasive? I thought. How can you ask someone to lead if you're not willing to trust them? But as I read through the article, I began to swing in the other direction. Actually, I wonder why more churches aren't requiring something like this.
Here is Kevin's explanation:
* The Bible calls leaders to a higher standard (1 Timothy 3; James 3:1).* This is for the protection of our people. It's prudent to ask, "What do we require of people who are over others and influencing their lives?"
* We believe in transformation—and that begins with confession and accountability. We believe you do not have to live with persistent sins forever. Transformation can take place, but not until you confess your sins and work with someone to develop a plan for your ongoing care and discipleship.
* This is not about legalism but about living a confessional and accountable lifestyle. It's not for condemnation but transformation. It's not punitive. Just because you have one of the issues listed on the policy doesn't automatically mean you'll be removed from ministry; it means we're asking you to talk with a pastor. We want to have conversations with you that will lead you toward greater maturity in Christ. So it's a discipleship tool: not, "You're not pure and holy enough," but "Let us help you continue to be transformed into the holiness of God."
Anyway, like I said, I just thought this might be of interest to churches and small-group leaders, and so I'm passing it along. I encourage you to read through the article, at least. It may spark some useful thoughts for your own context.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 6:55 PM on June 2, 2011 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
April 28, 2011
Friday Flashback: Take the Awareness Test
Watch the video to see how well you see what's going on in a group.
I just came across a very cool video that speaks well into what happens during our small-group gatherings. And it's hilarious.
Take a look, and take the awareness test:
Pretty sweet, huh? It's a great reminder that we can often be so focused on something in our groups—getting the food ready, helping everyone participate in the discussion, starting and ending on time, making it through the discussion material—that we miss something important. Or fun. Or both.
In your experience, what kinds of things are commonly missed in group meetings because we as leaders get too focused on the details?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 8:36 PM on April 28, 2011 | Comments (3) | Trackbacks (0)
April 27, 2011
We Need Your Ideas!
In other words: help us help you.
Here is an email I recently received from a SmallGroups.com reader:
I'm looking for a small group resource about the process of birthing/multiplying a group. You have a lot of articles on SmallGroup.com about this topic. However, I'm looking for a study that a group leader could use to engage his members in the process of launching a new group(s) from an existing one. Preferably 3 to 4 sessions. Can you help?
It's an excellent idea—a small-group Bible study that helps people understand the importance of multiplication, then walks them through the process of casting vision, identifying potential leaders and apprentices, celebrating the accomplishments of the original group, and finally making the transition from one group to two (or more). Brilliant!
Unfortunately, I was not able to help this reader because such a resource does not currently exist on SmallGroups.com. (It will soon, though.) But the email was a great reminder to me that I need to be in better communication with the men and women I am trying to serve—namely, you.
So, will you help me? What are the holes that currently exist when it comes to equipping and serving small-group leaders in your church? And what resources can SmallGroups.com put together that would help you fill those holes? What obstacles are you encountering in your small group, and how can we help you move past them?
If you have any ideas, I would love to hear them. You can send me an email (soneal at christianitytoday.com), or post your thoughts as a Comment below. And thanks!
posted by Sam O'Neal at 3:36 PM on April 27, 2011 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
April 19, 2011
Poll Results: We Need More Fun!
We don't need anymore clowns, though...
I was reviewing the results of some of the polls that have been featured on this blog in recent months, and one of them surprised me. The original question was: Do you have fun when you participate in small-group meetings?
Here were the results:
- Yes, our group meetings are always fun: 29 percent
- Yes, most of our group meetings are fun: 41 percent
- We sometimes have fun: 21 percent
- No, I rarely have fun at a group meeting: 8 percent
We had about 50 people respond, which is a pretty good sample size for a non-scientific poll of this type.
On the one hand, the results look good. Right at 70 percent of the people responding said they had fun in their small groups most of the time or all of the time. And I'm certainly glad to see that.
But what about the 30 percent of people who have fun in their groups only sometimes or rarely? That's almost one-third of the total responses—a big chunk! Too big, in my opinion. Even if a group is meeting for accountability or to focus on prayer, there should be elements of fun in most situations.
Right? Am I off on this?
If you have a moment, let's post some ideas in the Comments section below about what you enjoy in your small group. What does your group do for fun? What are some great ideas you can share with other group leaders and members?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 9:16 AM on April 19, 2011 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
April 12, 2011
You're Looking at a Top-200 Blog!
But we'll try to keep our heads from overinflating just yet...
As I was wrangling with Google Feedburner this morning, I stumbled across an exciting blog post from Kent Schaffer on ChurchRelevance.com. As he does every year, Shaffer has put together a list of the "Top 200 Church Blogs"—and we made it!
That's right, SmallGroupDynamics.com is good ol' #164 on the list, just behind somebody named Bruce Reyes-Chow (and just ahead of Anne Jackson's blog, if you believe that).
In all seriousness, this is a great reminder for me to stop and say thanks to all of you who spend a little bit of time during your week actually reading what myself and the other authors of this blog have to say. We appreciate it.
And if you want to see the rest of the Top 200 Church Blogs, just click here.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 8:47 AM on April 12, 2011 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
April 5, 2011
Sailing with the Dawn Treader
There are some free resources on Narnia.com that may benefit your group
I didn't get the chance to see The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in the theaters, unfornately. (That's what happens when you have an infant in the family.) But I am looking forward to hitting up my local RedBox for the DVD when it becomes available this week.
If you plan on doing the same thing, I came across some interesting resources at Narnia.com that can help you make the experience beneficial for your small group. Specifically, you can download some free Bible studies, plus a whole bunch of multimedia material.
I recommend the study called "Lessons on Beauty and Bravery," and I also think the "Educator's Guide" would be a great resource for kids.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 12:12 PM on April 5, 2011 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
March 21, 2011
Video of the Week: Euthanize Small Groups?
One pastor thinks that small groups should go away. What about you?
I came across this video early today, and it should at least give us something to talk about. Should churches euthanize their small-group ministries? Or at least to re-think what we are trying to accomplish?
By the way, here is the article that inspired this video, if you want to read it. It comes from pastor and author Brian Jones.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:42 PM on March 21, 2011 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
March 11, 2011
Caption Contest: The Winners!
The five entries that earned a free membership to SmallGroups.com.
Back in the beginning of February we set up a Caption Contest in connection with our newest Digizine. Readers were instructed to write a one or two sentence caption to this image of me sitting on an unfortunate donkey in Israel.
Well, here are all five the contest winners, who will each receive a one-year membership to SmallGroups.com. Boom!
- "So don't forget... Chips and salsa, veggie-tray and maybe some muffins for after." (posted by Corbett)
- Doesn't matter how you get there...just don't miss out on small groups! (posted by Lisa Snuggs)
- As a Small Group Leader, you should know when to say "whoa" and when to say "giddy-up"! (posted by Otis Naron)
- Just like Balaam's donkey says, you can't "BEAT" small groups!! (posted by Ric Keefer)
- Well, when I said that our small group discussions should relate more directly to real life, this isn't exactly what I meant. (posted by Allen White)
Great job, winners! And a big thank you to everyone who entered. Oh, and if you are interested, you can see all of the caption entries here.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 10:36 AM on March 11, 2011 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
March 3, 2011
Wanted: Questions for Our Q & A Discussions
I hope you're looking for answers, because I need questions.
First things first: are you familiar with the Q & A Discussions we feature regularly on SmallGroups.com? If not, I think you should be.
Here's the basic idea: we compile a list of questions about the toughest and most impactful topics from the world of small-group ministry, and then we ask several small-group experts from around the country to answer them. These answers are posted once or twice a month on SmallGroups.com, and then our readers can interact with those responses by posting comments and other questions.
It's a great feature, and it's been popular on SmallGroups.com for a long time. But I need your help to keep things going! Specifically, I need a new set of questions.
Please help! Take a look at the idea generators below, and post your suggested questions in the Comments section. Thank you in advance for helping us keep this valuable feature fresh, relevant, and helpful!
- What obstacles are you currently encountering in your small group?
- What obstacles are you currently encountering in your small-group ministry?
- What areas of your group or ministry have become stagnant in recent months?
- Are you experiencing any "people problems" in your group or ministry? (Please don't name any names.)
- Are there any ministry goals that you have been unable to achieve in recent months and/or years?
- What is keeping you up at night as a leader?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 9:37 AM on March 3, 2011 | Comments (10) | Trackbacks (0)
February 21, 2011
Help: Group Leader Celebrations
What are some ways to celebrate a job well done?
Here's a question that recently popped up on our growing Facebook page:
Our church would like to do an appreciation event for our small group leaders - and include a learning opportunity within the program. Has anyone done a similar type of event? Any ideas/suggestions you'd be willing to share?
So, anyone have any ideas? Let's pitch in and help out a fellow groups-lover in need of some inspiration.
You can post in the Comments section below, or respond to the original Facebook comment from Nicole.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 4:07 PM on February 21, 2011 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
February 7, 2011
Video of the Week: Shallow Small Groups
Hopefully this will not look familiar...
Got a couple minutes for a laugh? Here is a pretty funny video put together by the good folks at Bluefish.TV.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 10:14 AM on February 7, 2011 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
January 31, 2011
Caption Contest
You can win one of five free memberships to SmallGroups.com!
It's time for another SmallGroups.com contest! Huzzah! As usual, this contest is very simple to enter. And, as usual, it makes fun of me.
You've noticed the picture of my riding a donkey by now, I'm sure. This was taken in Israel on an amazing trip I had the privilege of being a part of back in December. I was with a group of Evangelical journalists, and we saw ancient cities and historical sites that added a new level of depth to our understanding of the Bible. We also had the chance to experience the modern culture and diverse population that makes up Israel today.
But enough about that—let's talk about the contest. To enter, simply think of a caption to this photo. And when you think of one, post it in the Comments section below. (Be sure to include your email address so that we can contact you if you are a winner.)
The SmallGroups.com staff will choose five winning captions based on these criteria:
- Keep it clean. (This is a family friendly blog, after all.)
- Try to connect your caption to small groups in some way.
- Creativity and humor are the best ways to catch the judges' attention.
Winners will be chosen on the last day of February and will receive a free, one-year membership to SmallGroups.com. (Winners who are already members will have their subscription extended by a year.)
Good luck!
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:26 AM on January 31, 2011 | Comments (37) | Trackbacks (0)
January 26, 2011
Poll Time: Is Your Small Group Fun?
Take the poll and submit your own tips and tricks.
I am putting the finishing touches on a download called "Making Small Groups Fun!" and I'm curious about your current experiences in your small group. Do you have fun?
Let us know by taking the poll below.
Also, if you have any ideas or tips that have made your small-group meetings especially fun (or bad habits that tend to eliminate fun), share it with others by posting in the Comments section.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 1:28 PM on January 26, 2011 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)
December 23, 2010
One Last Christmas Video
You'll shoot your eye out!
All righty -- this may be my last blog post for a while. The O'Neal family is going on an extended vacation for a couple weeks. But I wanted to leave you with one final reminder to be careful this Christmas, and to have fun!
posted by Sam O'Neal at 1:56 PM on December 23, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
December 20, 2010
Yet Another Christmas Video
This must have been quite a surprise!
You may have seen this one recently—I saw it in church yesterday morning. Definitely cool, and definitely a lot of applications/connections that can come from this (maybe even in your group).
After showing this video clip, our pastor said: "The food court needs Jesus Christ." Boom, Pastor Walt!
posted by Sam O'Neal at 2:07 PM on December 20, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
December 15, 2010
More Christmas Videos!
From my favorite Christmas video to my favorite Christmas song.
Here's a confession, and I hope you will forgive me for it: I'm not a fan of most Christmas music. Or at least, I used to be a fan until all of the cheer was ground out of my by repetition after repetition after repetition after...well, you get the idea.
But here is a song I will never get tired of. :)
And if you're interested in seeing the entire Grinch story, you can find it here. A classic!
posted by Sam O'Neal at 10:49 AM on December 15, 2010 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
December 13, 2010
Hooray for Christmas Videos!
Merry Christmas and you are welcome.
I am a big fan of Christmas. And I am a big fan of videos. So, I'm pretty much forced to use this blog as a vehicle for featuring Christmas video snippets throughout the month of December. If that bothers you, I'm very sorry—I just don't see any way around it.
But if your small-group members like Christmas, and they like videos, too, this just might work out well for all of us.
And since I am a believer of starting out with a bang, here is pretty much my favorite Christmas video snippet of all time. Enjoy.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 1:41 PM on December 13, 2010 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
December 2, 2010
Converging with Convergence
Take a look at the next stop on the Blog Tour.
I have been grappling/struggling with our video-editing software these past few days in order to get the final set of Convergence Video Bible Studies online on SmallGroups.com—and now it's time for me to join in the blog tour featuring the Convergence studies. Talk about converging!
(By the way, you can check out the Convergence courses that have been uploaded by clicking here.)
If you've not yet heard of Convergence, it is a new and interesting set of Video Bible Studies that are all hosted by Donald Miller. They feature conversations on a whole host of topics between Miller and other thinkers including Lauren Winner, Phyllis Tickle, Randy Alcorn, and more. The whole setup is like a "Who's Who" of Christian authors and theologians.
I had the privilege of re-watching the course featuring discussions between Donald Miller, Dan Allender, and Tremper Longman. Here's how I would describe the course in one word: helpful. And if I had two words, it would be: helpful and provocative.
The first thing I noticed is that nobody in these conversations pulls any punches or shies away from any of the topics that are considered controversial. Donald Miller does a great job of asking questions that include things like:
- Does the Bible consider the man to be the head of the home? (And what does that mean?)
- What does "leaving and cleaving" look like in a marriage?
- What do you do with the presence of contempt in a marriage? Or when one spouse is killing the spirit of the other?
- What are the ways that sex impacts and directs a relationship?
It's great material, and both Allender and Longman tackle the issues head-on with thoughtful, helpful responses and ideas. (Although, I will say that one of the participants dominates the discussion to a pretty high degree. I'll let you watch the videos to figure out which one. :)
All that to say: this video course is a great resource for any small group that features married couples and single folks who would like to be married one day (especially singles who currently view marriage as the cure for all of their problems).
To learn more, check out www.allthingsconverge.com. Also, the first 25 people who visit the Convergence website from this blog will get a free video download. Just use the code ONEAL (valid today only).
Finally, be sure to check out the next (and final) stop on this blog tour tomorrow with Mike Mack and Small Group Leadership.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:25 PM on December 2, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
November 29, 2010
Cyber Monday Sale!
All purchases today will be 50 percent off.
I just wanted to let everyone know that SmallGroups.com is having a Cyber Monday Sale where everything in our online store is 50 percent off. Yeah man, half price!
The sale is good for today only, November 29. To receive the discount, just enter coupon code CYBMON when you check out.
(Make sure you hit "apply" after you type in the coupon code, otherwise the discount won't show up.)
posted by Sam O'Neal at 10:29 AM on November 29, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
November 18, 2010
Poll Results: Evaluation
Bad poll results means everyone gets a free download.
Back in September this blog featured a poll on the topic of Evaluation. We asked, "Have you ever been evaluated in your role as a small-group leader?"
Here's what the results look like after a couple months:
- No (66 percent)
- Yes, by my church (23 percent)
- Yes, I have taken a personal evaluation (8 percent)
- Other (3 percent)
To me, those are pretty scary numbers. Less than a quarter of the group leaders taking the poll have been evaluated by their churches? Two-thirds of group leaders haven't been evaluated at all?
That means one of three things: 1) Churches aren't thinking about evaluation in general, 2) Churches aren't placing a lot of emphasis on evaluating lay leaders, or 3) Churches want to evaluate lay leaders but don't have the time/staff/tools.
I hope it's the latter, because that can be corrected. In fact, we can help.
SmallGroups.com has a resource called Evaluations for Small-Group Leaders. I am making this free to readers of this blog until the end of the year. Just use the coupon code SGEVALUATION when you go through the checkout process.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 9:53 AM on November 18, 2010 | Comments (3) | Trackbacks (0)
November 9, 2010
Video of the Week: Jack Bauer's Small Group
Another funny promo video to get you thinking
I have never seen an episode of "24." Does that make me lame? (Or, I should probably say, 'Is that one of the things that makes me lame?")
In any case, I thought this was a pretty creative promo video for small groups. And again, it looks like something that you should be able to pull of in your stomping grounds.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:52 AM on November 9, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
September 29, 2010
Pixar on Mentoring
Funny and useful is a great combination.
I couldn't resist featuring one more Pixar short film here—this one effectively communicates the value of mentoring over "keeping score," don't you think? :)
posted by Sam O'Neal at 4:05 PM on September 29, 2010 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
September 1, 2010
Video of the Week: Pixar on Cliques
I guess you could say they are "for the birds."
I just skimmed through the new book The Wisdom of Pixar, and it reminded me of one of my favorite short videos. Take a look, and then answer this question: Have you ever been involved in a small group where something similar has occured?
For the Birds 2001 from Le Thanh Sang on Vimeo.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 10:05 AM on September 1, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
August 27, 2010
Viva La Digizine!
Time is running out on our iPad Giveaway!
It is August 27, which means we only have 4 days left in our iPad Giveaway (sponsored by the Small Groups Digizine). So, are you entered in the drawing? Are you entered as many times as you could be?
Click here to take a quick look back at our Contest Page and make sure you are giving yourself the best chance to win!
posted by Sam O'Neal at 10:54 AM on August 27, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
August 18, 2010
Video of the Week: A Super Speedy Interview
Talking with JoHannah Reardon, managing editor of ChristianBibleStudies.com
Here is another video that was included in the Small Groups Digizine (and a pretty funny video, if I do say so myself). But I wanted to make it large and in charge here on the blog just in case anyone missed it.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 9:14 PM on August 18, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
August 6, 2010
Feedback for the Small Groups Digizine
We would really like to know what you think.
Well, we've come to the end of our first week with the Small Groups Digizine live, and I'm really happy to see that a large number of you have been checking it out. (And if you haven't seen the Digizine yet, you can do so right here.)
But now I'd like to know what you think!
If you've been impressed by different elements of the Digizine, we'd really like to know which ones. We will be making more of these, after all, and it's always good to know what's working. In the same way, if you thought certain parts were not so good, we would really like to know that as well.
Don't be shy! Just post a comment below and let us know what you think.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 12:18 PM on August 6, 2010 | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0)
July 27, 2010
Contest Time: Get the Word Out
You could win an iPad just by sharing the news about SmallGroups.com.
First, if you haven't seen the new Small Groups Digizine, click here to check it out. It's a free resource with content from John Ortberg, Mark Batterson, Heather Zempel, Pat J. Sikora, and more, and it's specially designed to equip and inspire small-group leaders as they prepare for the fall.
Second, we need you to help us spread the word about our new Digizine, and about the great resources available through SmallGroups.com. We want as many churches and small-group leaders as possible to be aware that they can have unlimited access to hundreds of downloadable, high-quality training resources and Bible studies, plus the largest archive of free articles, icebreakers, and expert advice available online.
That's why we are giving away an iPad (retail value of $499) in our new sweepstakes—plus several other fabulous prizes, including SmallGroups.com memberships, magazine subscriptions, and more. (Click here for official rules.)
There are four ways you can help us spread the word, and each one will get you entered into our iPad sweepstakes:
- Become a fan of the SmallGroups.com Facebook Page.
- Follow SmallGroupscom on Twitter and use the hashtag #SGDigizine to re-tweet one of our posts (limit one entry per day).
- Mention/review the Digizine (or a SmallGroups.com article or download) on your personal or church blog, then post the link in the Comments section below. Note: you've got to post a comment below with a link to your blog, or we'll never find it.) Again, this is limited to one entry per day.
- Click here to sign up for the SmallGroups.com newsletter. (Every person that signs up for the newsletter during the month of August will automatically be entered to win.)
And that's all you have to do! As you can see, it's possible to get your name thrown in the hat multiple times if you take a varied approach. Once we have all of the names collected, winners will be determined by random drawings. The contest runs all the way through the month of August, and we will be giving away lots and lots of prizes—so get busy!
Oh, and here's the official prize list, if you're interested:
- Grand Prize: An Apple iPad 16GB (retail value of $499).
- First Prize: Five entrants will receive a one-year Church Membership to SmallGroups.com (retail value of $199). Any winners that are already SmallGroups.com members will have their subscriptions extended by one year.
- Second Prize: Ten entrants will receive a one-year subscription to their choice of Christianity Today magazine, Books and Culture, or Leadership Journal.
- Third Prize: Twenty entrants will receive a free downloadable Training Pack or Bible Study from SmallGroups.com or BuildingChurchLeaders.com.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 4:20 PM on July 27, 2010 | Comments (89) | Trackbacks (0)
July 26, 2010
"I Am": Coming to a Church Near You
This is a great opportunity from the creators of "Liquid."
If any of you like movies, you need to be aware of a great opportunity to feature a cool new movie in your church throughout the month of October. The movie is called I Am, and it was put together by the same folks who created the really helpful Liquid series of film-based Bible studies.
I just heard from Jeff Pries (one of the main drivers of this project) that I Am has been picked up by 20th Century Fox, so you know this isn't your typical "church film." (I have it on good faith that there will be no beams of light coming down from the clouds on a kneeling man while a choir sings in the background.)
And the great news is that churches will be able to feature the movie before it comes out in theaters, plus get a lot of great resources to supplement the experience of your congregations. I think it could be a really helpful experience for small groups, especially.
So, click here to get some more information about becoming an Event Church, and check out the trailer below.
I AM - The Movie - Trailer from Marcus Inc on Vimeo.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:58 PM on July 26, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
July 21, 2010
Video of the Week: Killer Community
With an emphasis on the "killer"
I remember seeing this at a conference last year, thought it was hilarious, and then couldn't find the video anywhere once I got back to the office. I stumbled upon it again this morning, and I figured I would share it with all of you.
You can find more from Johnny and Chachi at http://www.johnnyandchachi.com
posted by Sam O'Neal at 2:08 PM on July 21, 2010 | Comments (3) | Trackbacks (0)
July 9, 2010
Video of the Week: The Purple Pill
Feel the power of Transform small groups!
Here's a pretty creative promotional video for small groups, produced by Cary Christian Church. It's worth checking out!
posted by Sam O'Neal at 9:13 AM on July 9, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
July 6, 2010
Poll Time: Introvert or Extrovert
Which one are you?
In honor of our most-recent training download, Leading as an Introvert, I thought it would be cool to see how small-group leaders view themselves in terms of sociability and personality.
So here's a pretty simple poll question: Do you consider yourself to be an Introvert or an Extrovert?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 9:09 AM on July 6, 2010 | Comments (23) | Trackbacks (0)
June 27, 2010
Relationship vs. Fellowship
Is there a difference?
A couple of key components of our connection to God and others are fellowship and relationship. I recently explored the difference with our group. Here’s how I described it:
Relationship is the substance of our connections: things like family or blood relatives, as well as covenant relationship like marriage or adoption. Even beyond that, relationship can also be defined by association (church family, workplace, neighborhoods, students, etc.), or just the frequency in which we connect with people (if I see someone often, then I might say I have a relationship with them).
Fellowship, on the other hand, is more like the “life” and energy of our connections with people. It’s the quality of our relationships. It’s something that is added to relationship that adds life, impact, and even sweetness. It means literally sharing in common which is modeled in many of the one another commands of the New Testament, like: love one another, spur one another on, forgive one another, carry one another’s burdens, and many more.
But the question is: can you have relationship without fellowship, and is that a good thing or not?
I used an object illustration with our group to help understand the difference. I put pieces of two kinds of chocolate is a small cups. The chocolate I put in cup #1 was pure dark chocolate—nothing added. I had people try it. Some people like it, while some think it’s very bitter tasting. But like it or not, it’s the real deal. Pure chocolate. It’s good but it doesn’t necessarily have everything in it that people want in chocolate. It doesn’t have that sweet taste we’ve grown to love in chocolate.
In cup #2 I put rich milk chocolate. If you like chocolate at all, you are going to say it’s the real thing. Give me some more!
I told everyone, “Keep in mind, that cup #2 has the same substance as cup #1, but there is more added to it. And that more makes all the difference in how it tastes.”
That’s at least a simple picture of the distinction between relationship and fellowship. Relationship is like cup #1. It’s the real substance, but for some people it’s good and for others it seems bitter. Fellowship is like cup #2. It also has the real substance, but it has other things added that makes it much richer.
Continue reading Relationship vs. Fellowship...
posted by Dan Lentz at 2:13 PM on June 27, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
June 25, 2010
Video of the Week: "The Small Group"
Hilarious, and maybe a little too close to home...
A parody of NBC's "The Office" that focuses on small groups. Do I need to say any more?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 12:17 PM on June 25, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
May 31, 2010
Video of the Week: Small Groups and Disney
Here are some hilarious edited videos to promote small groups.
I don't know any of the folks at the Wooster Grace Student Ministry, but I like their creativity. Here's a little sampler of small-group-promotional-video-fun to enjoy on your day off.
Small Groups from Wooster Grace Students on Vimeo.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 3:04 AM on May 31, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
May 25, 2010
Contest Time! Superman's Small Group
Tells us what happens "When Superman leads a small group..."
"Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Superman! And it looks like he's heading to small group!"
Yes, that is the scenario we would like you to consider for our next SmallGroups.com caption contest. Although it doesn't really involve captions. All you have to do is finish this phrase: "When Superman leads a small group...."
You can add a sentence that is funny or poignant or deeply moving, but you'll probably do best if you stick with funny. How would the Man of Steel handle the task of leading a small group? What would the experience be like for his group members? For his church?
Just add a comment to the end of this blog post to enter. The top 10 entries will receive a free download from SmallGroups.com (or from our sister resources, if you're already a SmallGroups.com member). And the top entry will receive a free SmallGroups.com membership.
Best of all, we'll be posting all of the winning entries in the new SmallGroups.com Digital Magazine, which is coming your way at the beginning of August.
So: "When Superman leads a small group..."
posted by Sam O'Neal at 9:24 AM on May 25, 2010 | Comments (46) | Trackbacks (0)
May 17, 2010
A Little Help with Learning Styles
What do you know about learning styles, and what would you like to know?
I'm going to have the pleasure of attending the upcoming Community U conference this Friday and Saturday at Parkway Apostolic Church in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. This will be one of a series of conferences put on by Saddleback Church this year, and you can click here to learn more about them.
What I'm most excited about, however, is that I get a chance to lead one of the conference breakout sessions this year! I've been wanting to do this for a while, and I'm super excited to have the opportunity.
But I need your help. Yes, yours. I am going to be leading a discussion on the topic of Learning Styles, and I'd like to get some opinions from our SmallGroups.com readers to help me polish up the session. Specifically, I'd like to know two things:
1. What do you already know/believe concerning the application of learning styles in a small-group environment? Are you familiar with the different learning styles present within your group members? Have you found it easy or difficult to adapt learning experiences to connect with different learning styles? Do you think worrying about learning styles within a small group is completely unnecessary? Things like that.
2. What do you wish you knew about learning styles? What are some areas that are unclear to you? Are there any questions that you would really like answered pertaining to learning styles? Or have you come across specific situations where you could use some practical tips and/or advice?
Any help you can give me with be...well, helpful. So thanks in advance!
And by the way: I believe the registration period for the Parkside conference has expired. But if you're in the Milwaukee area and want to stop by, you might want to contact Saddleback and ask really, really nicely if they'll let you sign up.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:59 PM on May 17, 2010 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)
April 29, 2010
Video of the Week: Funny Promo
Here's another low-cost, high-impact promo video for small-groups ministry.
Your church could do this to promote small groups, right? Or something like this?
Small Group Promo 1 from Journey Church on Vimeo.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 4:02 PM on April 29, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
April 28, 2010
Small Group Members as Corporate Chaplains
Why you are already on the Lord’s payroll.
"As fewer Americans attend houses of worship on a regular basis, more people are receiving the compassionate help one might expect of a minister from corporate chaplains—professionals hired by companies to be a listening ear, a quick responder in crises, an arm to lean on through difficult challenges.” So notes an article in a Business Reform News and Commentary e-newsletter.
It goes on to say: “It's not that businesses are trying to take on a religious role. Corporate chaplains serve people of any or no faith, and the use of their services is voluntary. But business leaders increasingly recognize that employees who face crises often can't help bringing their personal difficulties to work, and job performance can suffer. Making provision to care for their workforce becomes a part of good business practice. As a result, many employees are getting support that can make a significant difference in their lives, while companies say they're seeing a more satisfied, even more productive workforce.”
This is an interesting development. I know of a few companies near my home on the North side of Indianapolis which also have a “chaplain” on the company pay role. But overall, very few companies have management that would hire such a person. Even in Christian managed companies, few have hired chaplains. And while the trend is increasing, from my perspective it is unlikely to become a very wide-spread business practice.
Continue reading Small Group Members as Corporate Chaplains...
posted by Dan Lentz at 10:24 AM on April 28, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
April 26, 2010
I'm Back!
My wife and I welcomed our second son into the family, but now I'm back to work.
I hope that some of you noticed a bit of a content gap on this blog last week. And if you did, I have a good reason for it—the birth of my second son. Hooray!
My wife (Jess) and I welcomed Jackson Thomas O'Neal into our home on Wednesday, April 14. He is a healthy and happy little guy, and everyone in the family is adjusting nicely. So, that means I'm back at work today, and will be back to writing blog posts.
But I can't resist sharing a picture of my new buddy for anyone who cares to see!
posted by Sam O'Neal at 3:52 PM on April 26, 2010 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
April 8, 2010
Video of the Week: Beyond Intergenerational
The E-Trade baby makes a pitch for small groups! Very well done.
All right, I came across this on YouTube, and I have to give some props to the folks over at Evangel Community Church. Well done!
posted by Sam O'Neal at 3:00 PM on April 8, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
April 5, 2010
Internet Evangelism Day?
An intriguing way for your small group to serve others
Did you know that April 25th is Internet Evangelism Day? I didn't, either. But it sounds like an intriguing idea, no? And I'm even more intrigued after I read a tweet from Alan Danielson and followed it to an article about using Craigslist as a way to serve others.
You can read the whole article here, including some cool video, but it's a pretty basic idea:
1. Go to CraigsList.
2. Click into the listings for your specific location.
3. Under the “for sale” heading click the “Wanted” category.
4. Find a listing for someone in need.
5. Meet their need.
I think I could do that. Better yet, I think our small group could do that together. What about you? Any other ideas come to mind that would be a good fit for Internet Evangelism Day?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 2:43 PM on April 5, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
February 12, 2010
Friday Flashback: Bad Apple Effect
Your group may be more susceptible to it than you think
You have heard it said, "One bad apple can spoil the whole barrel." There was an interesting study recently published by the University of Washington in the journal "Research in Organizational Behavior." Here’s a quote from the study: "One 'bad apple' can spread negative behavior like a virus to bring down officemates or destroy a good team. Negative behavior outweighs positive behavior, so a bad apple can spoil the whole barrel, but one or two good workers can't 'unspoil' it. Companies need to move quickly to deal with such problems because the negativity of just one individual is pervasive and destructive and can spread quickly." That comes from co-author Terence Mitchell, a professor of management and organization.
The study defines negative workers as those who do not do their fair share of the work, are chronically unhappy and emotionally unstable, or bully or attack others. The same "bad apple" effect can also have a significant impact a small group or church. Of course, the Lord knew about the dangers of the "bad apple" effect inside the church long before research confirmed it.
The New Testament gives strong guidelines on dealing with divisive believers. But before a divisive bad apple emerges, a trail of seemingly smaller sins and offenses typically precedes it.
Matthew 18:15-17 describes a process for dealing with sin and offense, first at the immediate relational level, and then involving an increasing scope of people and leadership as necessary. According to the progression of events, the first place bad apple behavior should be dealt with and resolved is in the personal relationships where the offense happened in the first place. This can stop the "bad apple effect" before it even gets started.
Continue reading Friday Flashback: Bad Apple Effect...
posted by Dan Lentz at 12:54 PM on February 12, 2010 | Comments (6) | Trackbacks (0)
February 11, 2010
Video of the Week: Did You Know?
How much do you know about the world around you?
This is a pretty crazy video, but I figure there's got to be a way to use it as an icebreaker or learning activity. Right?
Any ideas?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 6:53 AM on February 11, 2010 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
February 6, 2010
Doing Church as a Team - part 2
Continued thoughts from the conference in Hawaii
At the final evening session, Wayne Cordeiro spoke on the very relevant topic of “Doing Ministry While Facing Relational Tension.” Small group relationships and ministry relationships in general are a difficult balancing act of giving grace while expecting progress and growth. Doing ministry together in the midst of relational offenses can be challenging and limit ministry effectiveness. Wayne provided several helpful ideas to help deal with a relational offenses in groups:
- Remember that we ALL need forgiveness! All relational dynamics with God and with man hinge on forgiveness. Don’t look at another’s need for forgiveness without looking at your own need for forgiveness.
- God’s workings in and around us are related to the health of our relationships. Jesus could do no great miracles in His hometown because of the relational dysfunction among His family and friends (Mark 6:3-6). So, it is better to refuse to be offended and let it go, or if you can’t, resolve it quickly so we don’t hinder the Lord’s work.
- Our relational encounters are demonstrations of the Holy Spirit’s activity. For that reason, when we greet and interact with one another, our greetings and conversations should be demonstrations of the Holy Spirit’s love, joy, peace, patience, etc.
There are more great resources to explore from this conference. See more about the conference at www.enewhope.org
posted by Dan Lentz at 2:47 AM on February 6, 2010 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
February 5, 2010
Doing Church as a Team
A special report from the DCAT 2010 conference in Hawaii
I'm on "special" assignment this weekend as I have the privilege to attend DCAT 2010 in warm and wonderful Honolulu, Hawaii. DCAT stands for “Doing Church as a Team” and it is the annual conference sponsored by New Hope Christian Fellowship Oahu (recognized as one of the top 5 churches to watch in America).
I’ve been “watching” New Hope Oahu for a few years now, and today I had the opportunity to watch and hear Senior Pastor Wayne Cordeiro speak about “Passing the Baton.”
A little background first…New Hope’s “Doing Church as a Team” philosophy centers around a couple of key ideas:
-It is vital that we team up with the Lord in a daily devotional relationship with Him.
-And, ministry is done in teams through smaller reproducible groups where relationships are highly valued.
One of the group terms used around New Hope is “fractal.” Fractal is a math term that simply means making something infinitely reproducible. For instance look at any tree leaf and in various magnifications, and you see a network of veins and cells that mimic the entire leaf. The pattern is reproduced at the smallest as well as the largest levels.
A key to making the pattern reproducible (and groups reproducible) is effectively passing the baton. That brings us back to Wayne’s talk.
Continue reading Doing Church as a Team...
posted by Dan Lentz at 1:48 PM on February 5, 2010 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
February 4, 2010
Steve Jobs and Small Groups
Help build an iPhone App that would be helpful to small-group leaders.
I do not own an iPhone and I am jealous of those that do—let's get that out of the way. But my wife and I did take the plunge a couple of years ago to purchase an iPod Touch, so I know what Apple means when they say "There's an app for that." (My favorite, and the only one I've actually paid for, is a creative little game called "Crayon Physics.")
But what about small-group leaders? Are there any applications out there that would support, encourage, equip, or otherwise benefit group leaders? I am not aware of any. (And if you are, please let us all know about it in the Comments section below.)
That's why I was intrigued when my friend Randall Neighbour told me he is looking into developing an iPhone App that would be specifically designed for small-group leaders. The only problem is that Randall is not exactly sure about what kind of app would be most helpful. In fact, he asked for my help in figuring that out.
So let's help! What kinds of problems or annoying situations do you frequently encounter as a small-group leader that could be solved through technology? Have you ever thought, I wish there was an app that could...? Is there an app that you really enjoy that could be tweaked or adapted to benefit group leaders?
You can add your thoughts to the conversation happening over at Randall's blog, The Naked Truth About Small-Groups Ministry, or you can post in the Comments section below.
By the way, if you're not familiar with Randall, he is an Editorial Advisor for SmallGroups.com (which automatically makes him a stand-up kind of guy). He is also the President of TOUCH Outreach Ministries, which is a great resource provider for churches and small groups. Check them out!
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:41 AM on February 4, 2010 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
February 3, 2010
Video of the Week: Francis Chan
A "crazy good" excerpt on taking risks in the Christian life
I thought this was a great example of experiential learning, even in the middle of a lecture. Yes, that can be done! :)
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:41 AM on February 3, 2010 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
January 27, 2010
SmallGroups.com Sweepstakes -- Official Rules
Read 'em if you want to.
Warning: The following post contains legalese and jargon. Continue reading at your own risk. Click here to see the Contest Page.
SmallGroups.com Digizine iPad Giveaway
Sweepstakes Official Rules
THIS SWEEPSTAKES IS INTENDED FOR RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES ONLY (EXCLUDING PUERTO RICO) WHO ARE LOCATED IN THE UNITED STATES (EXCEPT PUERTO RICO) AT TIME OF ENTRY.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
- Sponsors: This Sweepstakes is sponsored by SmallGroups.com, a web service of Christianity Today International, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188. (“Sponsor").
- Eligibility: Entrant must be at least eighteen (18) years of age as of August 1, 2010, and a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. Employees of Sponsors, the Sponsors' parents, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, and agents and the immediate family (defined as parents, spouse, children, siblings, grandparents) and household members of each such employee are NOT eligible. Subject to all United States federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited or restricted by law.
- Timing: The Sweepstakes begins at 8:00 am Central Time on August 1, 2010, and ends at 5:00 pm Central Time on August 31, 2010 (the “Sweepstakes Period”). Entries received prior to or after the Sweepstakes Period will be disqualified.
- Approach a local fast food shop and try to turn that $1,000 into $2,600 worth of gift cards.
- Pay a family's past-due bills.
- Use the money to set up house gatherings where people could worship and learn together, plus pitch in to serve the community.
- Getting to know a group of people beyond surface level
- Having the joy of seeing Christ change my life as I depend on him
- Being astounded when God gives me just the right thing to say at the right time
- Learning to really pray for others, since I feel responsible for them
- Seeing God increase my sensitivity to others
- Experiencing joy as I learn to put others' needs before my own for at least one night a week
- Emerging
- Metanarrative
- Praxis
- Koine Greek
- Assimilation
- Missional
- Community
- Attractional
- Seeker
- Witnessing
- Justification and Variagated Nomism (just kidding on that one)
- "Evereyone, I'd like you to meet my friend Goose. He's excited to get a taste of our small group so be sure to extend him the right hand of fellowship."
--Simon Tuin
(I'm a sucker for a good pun.) - "Wraslin' gaters... it's easy as pie!"
--Zach
(Several of you used the "easy as pie" phrase, which proves that at least a few people do read the newsletter. But Zach was the first.) - "Sam gets Jessica a purse, some assembly required."
--Marshall - Getting to know a group of people beyond surface level
- Having the joy of seeing Christ change my life as I depend on him
- Being astounded when God gives me just the right thing to say at the right time
- Learning to really pray for others, since I feel responsible for them
- Seeing God increase my sensitivity to others
- Experiencing joy as I learn to put others' needs before my own for at least one night a week
Continue reading SmallGroups.com Sweepstakes -- Official Rules...
posted by Sam O'Neal at 2:46 PM on January 27, 2010 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)
January 26, 2010
Question of the Week: Do Something (part 2)
What's stopping us from taking action?
All righty, today we're going to talk about a question I've been asking myself recently when it comes to ministry opportunities. And that question is related to the one we asked last week (hence the "part 2" in the title of this post): If you were given $1,000 and told to use that money to advance the Kingdom of God in some way, what would you do?
We had several good responses in the Comments section and on Twitter, including:
But Josh Hunt's comment cut to the heart of what I've been thinking through recently. He said: "An equally valid question is, lWhat are you going to do with the $20 that is in your wallet?'"
So that's the Question of the Week I want to throw in front of everyone today: What's stopping us?
There are any number of wonderful things that we as small-group communities could do with a large chunk of money. So what is preventing us from gathering up that chunk and doing something with it?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 3:28 PM on January 26, 2010 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
January 19, 2010
Question of the Week: Doing Something
Let's talk about advancing the Kingdom of God.
The Question of the Week is the same question I asked my small group last night:
If you were given $1,000 and told to use that money to advance the Kingdom of God in some way, what would you do?
I'm really curious to see your answers, so please post in the Comments section below. I'll excerpt several of your answers for Part 2 of this post, which will be coming soon.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 2:42 PM on January 19, 2010 | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0)
December 24, 2009
Video of the Week: Merry Christmas!
Let Linus remind you what Christmas is all about.
It's been more than 20 years since I first saw this, and I still get tears in my eyes every time. Literally, every time. Merry Christmas from all of us here at SmallGroups.com and Christianity Today International.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 1:14 AM on December 24, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
December 23, 2009
Question of the Week: Curriculum
Tell us where you find your small-group material.
We got a decent response to the poll question from last week, so I'd like to try this again.
And if you want to indicate what specifically you will be studying, please do so in the Comments section. I would really like to know what topics and authors are popular right now.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 1:04 AM on December 23, 2009 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
December 18, 2009
Friday Flashback: What Fires Your Jets about Leading a Group?
Reminding ourselves of what's great about leading a small group can give us new energy.
I love leading a small group. I really do! But let's face it - we all get a little weary of our responsibilities by this time of year. If we've been leading a group since September, there are days when we wish it would hurry up and end for the summer. It gets tiring to be in charge of a group of people.
So I like to remind myself of why I took on this responsibility in the first place. Some of the reasons I love to lead a group are:
Continue reading Friday Flashback: What Fires Your Jets about Leading a Group?...
posted by Sam O'Neal at 9:33 AM on December 18, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
December 16, 2009
Question of the Week: Meeting for Christmas?
Here's our first official poll!
Just a quick question this week, and I thought it would work best to go in Poll format:
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:40 AM on December 16, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
December 9, 2009
Question of the Week: Christmas Presents
Are people in a small group supposed to buy gifts for each other?
I'm not sure if you've noticed yet, but Christmas is coming soon. So I thought it would be fun to have a Yule-inspired Question of the Week for you: What is the proper etiquette when it comes to giving Christmas gifts within a small group?
Should group leaders give gifts to their group members? Should group members give gifts to their group leaders? Should group members give gifts to each other? If one person brings in a gift for everyone, does that mean that everyone else should go out and get some gifts? Is it appropriate to give a Christmas present to certain people in your small group, but not others?
In all my years of leading small groups, these are questions that I have never figured out. So please help me.
And if you do give Christmas gifts within your small group, let us know some good gift ideas that have worked in the past. (And when I say "good," you should read "inexpensive.")
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:02 AM on December 9, 2009 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)
December 3, 2009
Video of the Week: Flying Solo
Here's a funny promo video that could be useful in preparation for January.
This video was produced by Central Christian Church, and can be purchased at Worship House Media.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 8:00 AM on December 3, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
November 25, 2009
Question of the Week: Turkey Day
Here's a very tough decision!
We'll keep things light for this edition of Question of the Week:
If you could only choose one side dish to accompany your turkey tomorrow, what would it be? Mashed potatoes? Cranberry sauce? Creamed-corn casserole? Some kind of green bean mixture?
For me, it's a pretty tough choice between corn-bread stuffing and crescent rolls, but I think I would have to go with the stuffing.
You?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 1:24 PM on November 25, 2009 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
November 20, 2009
Friday Flashback: Pictures of Multiplication
Which of these images best describes your experience with producing new small groups?
I've been working this week on a downloadable training resources that will (Lord willing) help churches successfully multiply their small groups. As I've been reading and reviewing a lot of material on the subject, I've come up with two interesting observations. (They are interesting to me, at least.)
First, there are plenty of churches, coaches, and group leaders who do not want to multiply their small groups. This is usually due to a bad experience, or multiple bad experiences, and they would prefer their groups to stay together for long periods of time and grow deep, deep roots.
Second, there are three images that keep popping up whenever people write about multiplying small groups, and I've tried to visualize them above. One is the idea of "birthing." Another is "dividing," and this is usually accompanied by an explanation of cellular mitosis and meiosis (my 6th grade science teacher would be proud that I still remember those terms). And the final image is the idea of "splitting," which usually comes to mind for those who have had negative experiences.
Now, there's no way that we can come up with a consensus on which image is best or most appropriate for actual ministry. But I'm curious how you respond to these images. Have you had an experience in the past that is well represented by one of these pictures? Is there a different image you would use to describe small-group multiplication?
If something comes to mind, don't be shy! We want to hear your thoughts, so please take a moment and type them out.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 8:00 AM on November 20, 2009 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
November 19, 2009
Video of the Week: Small Group of One
Here's another funny "commercial" for groups. Again, could your church pull this off?
The following video is a preview from the good people at Worship House Media. Thoughts?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 2:52 PM on November 19, 2009 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
November 18, 2009
Question of the Week: BuzzWords and Jargon
Which "Christian" phrase would you eliminate if you could?
I'm going to take things a little broader for today's Question of the Week. Specifically, I'm wondering this:
If you could go back and time and eliminate the origin of any Christian buzzword or jargon, which one would you choose?
Below are some examples of the kind of thing I'm talking about. If you have an opinion (good or bad) regarding any of these phrases, I'd love for you to post a quick note about it in the Comments section. I'd also love for you to let me know which words and phrases I've missed.
Buzzwords
Jargon Phrases
Continue reading Question of the Week: BuzzWords and Jargon...
posted by Sam O'Neal at 3:05 PM on November 18, 2009 | Comments (11) | Trackbacks (0)
November 12, 2009
Video of the Week: Mac vs. PC Parody
Here's a quick and funny promo video that any church can pull off.
Here's a good example of a church doing a parody of a popular commercial series. (Actually, this is probably a parody of Community Christian Church's Christian vs. Christ-follower videos, which are a parody of the Mac vs. PC commercials.)
In any case, this is short, funny, and effective. Don't you think?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 2:20 PM on November 12, 2009 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
November 6, 2009
Friday Flashback: The Wink and the Gun
An embarassing memory from my formative years...
I just read Reid Smith's post again on The Perfect Welcome, and I had a weird flashback. (If you haven't read Reid's post, you'll want to do that before continuing here).
Anyway, I was thinking about greeting people and I remembered that, back in high school, I went through a phrase where I constantly used "the wink and the gun" to say hello to people.
If you aren't familiar with "the wink and the gun," this guy does a pretty good demonstration:
I usually went with the "single hand" version, but you get the idea. Whenever I saw someone coming down the hall at school or church, or even at home, I always broke out the wink and the gun. It was some kind of weird, juvenile instinct. And now I look back and I think people must have busted out laughing as soon as I walked away. Oh well.
What about you? What are some other gestures or habits that might not work very well when it comes to greeting people in your small group?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 2:50 PM on November 6, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
November 5, 2009
Video of the Week: Sorie
This week's video looks at one group's efforts to make a difference in a young boy's life.
This week's video comes via the blog run by Alan Danielson, which is appropriately called AlanDanielson.TV. Alan is a regular contributor to SmallGroups.com, a social media guru, a Star Wars nut, and an all-around good guy.
I'll let the video speak for itself for the most part, but you should know that it focuses on one small group's effort to make a difference in the life of a boy living across the world in Sierra Leone.
Here you go. (Alan says that if you can watch this without crying, you don't have a heart...)
posted by Sam O'Neal at 10:54 AM on November 5, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
November 4, 2009
Question of the Week: Sickness
What should you do if a group member shows up sick?
It's time for our first Question of the Week!
If someone arrives to your group meeting who is obviously sick, what should you do?
I hope to have other people beside myself give the first answer to these questions more often than not, but I didn't have much time this week, so you're stuck with my opinion first. And that is: recommend politely that they head back home. Thank them for their dedication to your group and willingness to learn "no matter what," but be firm about sending them on their way.
This is true in the age of Swine Flu, but really, this is what should always happen when someone shows up at a group with more than the sniffles. Especially if there are children present in the home.
What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Are there exceptions that need to be made? Is there a way to define when a person is "too sick to participate"?
I'd especially love to hear from some of you who have experienced this in recent months. What did you do?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 3:05 PM on November 4, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
October 29, 2009
Video of the Week
God's Pies: A funny and sobering look at how we divide our resources
Last week I promised that we would be rolling out some new features for the blog in the coming month, and here's the first one: I'm going to regularly troll through the Internet to find a Video of the Week.
Some of these videos will be professionally produced, others will be off the cuff from amateurs and churches. And they will run the gamut from funny to moving to encouraging to shaming. Whatever I can find that I think will have benefit for small-group leaders!
Here's the first one, from Worship House Media. It's supposed to be a look at financial resources, but I think it does just as well speaking about our time—or our total allocation of resources in general. Enjoy!
posted by Sam O'Neal at 4:25 PM on October 29, 2009 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
October 24, 2009
Participant Reaction from Group Life
Here's a quick video clip from Traci
posted by Sam O'Neal at 9:53 AM on October 24, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
October 19, 2009
Are Small Groups Just for White People?
An interview from Leadership Journal raises some interesting questions
I came across an interesting interview in the recent issue of Leadership Journal. The subjects of the interview were from River City Community Church—a multi-ethnic ministry located in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. Leadership talked with Daniel Hill, who founded the ministry, along with several key leaders of the church.
Here's a brief excerpt of their conversation:
What kind of person is attracted to River City?
Hill: Most of our new people are white. But there's a revolving door with the white community here. They have a romantic notion of being part of a multi-ethnic church, so many of them get frustrated and leave when they realize how difficult it is to erase their assumptions about the way church is supposed to be.What assumptions do white people carry into the church?
Arloa Sutter (pastor of community life): When I came I said, "Let's just start small groups! Everyone wants to be in a group, right?" The fact is small groups aren't as important to other ethnicities as they are to white people.Small groups are a white church thing?
Hill: White people rely on small groups to connect. Other ethnicities form community more organically, more relationally. Immigrant communities find fellowship within extended families. In the city a lot of community happens on the front porch or sidewalk. So non-whites aren't as eager to set up structures and systems like small groups.Carlos Ruiz (coordinator of community groups): I think whites really value efficiency.
Antoine Taylor (director of Sunday morning ministries): And releasing that value is really hard for a lot of them. They perceive other ways of operating as inefficient or disorganized.
Jennifer Idoma-Motzko (elder): They say it's not the right way to do church. And I respond bluntly by saying, "You mean it's not the white way to do church."
Continue reading Are Small Groups Just for White People? ...
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:47 AM on October 19, 2009 | Comments (30) | Trackbacks (0)
October 14, 2009
Where Two or Three are Gathered...
Is Jesus' presence more significant in bigger gatherings than smaller gatherings?
While reading through some online newsletters, I happened across an article that really made me think. The article was by Chip Brogden, and was titled: “Gathering: But Not for the Better!” Here’s an excerpt from the article:
“Jesus made it clear that ‘where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there I am in the midst of them’ (Matthew 18:20). Just two or three! I thank and praise God that Jesus did not say, ‘Where two or three THOUSAND are gathered together, there I am.’ He did not say, ‘Where two or three HUNDRED are gathered together, there I am.’ And He did not say, ‘Where two or three DOZEN are gathered together, there I am.’
Jesus also did not say where the two or three had to be gathered together. He did not specify a church building or a living room meeting. And He did not say how many times a week they had to be gathered, or if the gatherings had to be structured or unstructured, open or closed, inside or outside. By establishing His Presence in the midst of a group so small as two or three, Jesus repudiates our fascination with large numbers. Anyone can gather a crowd if you tell them what they want to hear.
May I say that a large group has no more of the presence of Jesus than a small group. The numbers are irrelevant. Either Jesus is in the midst, or He is not. If Jesus is not in the midst of us then having a large group of people will not compensate for Him not being there. I would rather sit on the living room floor with three people and have Jesus in the midst than sit in a service with three thousand people where Jesus is nowhere to be found. Of course, Jesus can sometimes be found in large groups of people, but as my wife says, He tends to get lost in the crowd.”
I think most of us would say Jesus presence in our midst in small gatherings is just as significant as in large gatherings. However, this is one of those truths that most of us accept intellectually, but struggle with in application. Why do I say that?
Continue reading Where Two or Three are Gathered......
posted by Dan Lentz at 12:44 PM on October 14, 2009 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)
September 25, 2009
Need a Getaway?
Your small group could win a weekend retreat courtesy of LifeWay Resources.
I just wanted to make sure everyone is aware of a new contest from our friends over at LifeWay. It's a photo contest, and the idea is pretty simple—you take a picture of your small group "doing life together" and then post it on LifeWay's Facebook wall.
Winners of the contest will receive new small-group study guides, and the grand prize is a 3-day/2-night retreat for your entire small group to either Ridgecrest, North Carolina or Glorietta, New Mexico. (And the LifeWay folks aren't being cheap, either. The prize includes transportation, lodging, and meals.)
The contest is a promotional event around a new group of study guides that LifeWay is releasing called "Small Group Life." You can learn more about those guides and the contest by going to www.lifeway.com/sgl.
And here's the Facebook page.
I just received a copy of the first Small Group Life "episode." It looks interesting after a skim, so you may see a review over on SmallGroups.com in the next month or so.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:34 AM on September 25, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
September 1, 2009
A Picture of Authenticity
Why revealing our true selves is both necessary and terrifying
I feel a little bit like Jay Leno writing this blog post, but I think it still has a worthwhile lesson (aside from being hilarious).
So here's what happened. I am a raving fan of the Chicago Bears, and a couple months ago I was reading an article about a charity event that was being run by one of the Bears' defensive players, Charles "Peanut" Tillman. Peanut is a good guy, and every year he holds a celebrity flag football game to raise money for chronically ill children.
This year the event is being sponsored by Meijer, which is great. It's good to see pillars of the community come together like that—especially for such a great cause.
But then I came across an article from an internet news outlet describing the event. The article started out okay—detailing who Charles Tillman was and how his event has run in the past, then talking about Meijer as a sponsor. But I soon noticed that the author had forgot to delete his manuscript notes from the final copy. For example, when he mentioned the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation, there was a note next to it that said "IS THIS THE RIGHT TITLE?"
Things still wouldn't have been so bad if the author hadn't included the following note after talking about why Tillman started the foundation: "QUOTE FROM A MEIJER PERSON WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT......OR I CAN MAKE IT UP."
Ouch. (If you want to see the actual web page, click on the image to the right.)
And that's a pretty good object lesson about why authenticity is necessary for small groups, but also extremely frightening. Nothing transformational will happen in your group unless people take off their masks—unless they reveal their manuscript notes, so to speak. But doing so takes tremendous courage, because we all know deep down inside that we are hypocrites and frauds in one area of life or another.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 4:27 PM on September 1, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
August 14, 2009
Caption Contest: The Winners!
These winning captions are mouthfuls of fun...
All right, folks, it's time to announce the winners of our first ever Small-Groups Caption Contest. But before I do, let me just say thanks to everyone who contributed. This was very, very fun!
Runner Ups
Now for the runner ups. Several entries demonstrated a lot of skill and knowledge of our website, and several were pretty funny, too. But I liked the following the best. We'll reward each entrant with a free download to SmallGroups.com in appreciate for their efforts.
Here they are:
Now for the winner!
Tom Benton is the winner of a one-year subscription to SmallGroups.com. Here's what he wrote: "Featured download: new method now available for making your small group smaller!"
That just tickled me for some reason. :) Congrats Tom, and thank you again to everyone who participated.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 9:07 AM on August 14, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
August 4, 2009
How Does Your Group's "Garden" Grow?
A reality check for small-group leaders
Now that summer is in full swing and I am spending a lot of time in our yard, I realized that I like my garden much more from inside the house than from the outside. Through the window, I can see the colorful flowers, green bushes, and lovely trees. But up close, it is another story altogether.
Our yard, which gets little attention during winter months, has serious weeds, overgrown plants, un-killable bamboo shoots, and crabgrass masquerading as real grass. So now I am faced with a choice: 1) go back inside, ignore, and pretend the ugly stuff doesn't exist; or 2) start pulling, pruning, and working hard toward the beautiful garden I know it can be.
I think our small groups present a similar challenge. Sometimes we prefer the illusion of having a nice, superficial, seemingly-smooth group more than the up-close reality of a messy, authentic, transformational community that God calls us to be. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "He who loves his dream of a community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his personal intentions may be ever so honest and earnest and sacrificial."
So, how will we know if we are living our false "dream" group or really experiencing God-breathed biblical community? Well, take a deep breath, spend some time with God, and be honest about what you see in the "garden" of your group.
To get started, ask yourself these questions:
Continue reading How Does Your Group's "Garden" Grow?...
posted by Sam O'Neal at 4:39 PM on August 4, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
July 23, 2009
Caption Contest!!!
Write a quick caption for this photo and you could win a free SmallGroups.com membership.
If you noticed that blog updates were a little light last week, that's because I was on vacation with my family in St. Augustine, Floriday. And as you can see, we paid a visit to the local Alligator Farm.
Yes, that's really me with a 14-foot gator named Goose—no Photoshop editing or dubious enhancements. And this photo presents you with an opportunity to win a free membership to SmallGroups.com.
All you have to do is think of a caption to go with the picture. It can be funny, sublime, snarky, deep, or pensive—whatever floats your particular boat. Just post the caption as a comment below, and in two weeks my crack team will vote to determine a winner.
Good luck!
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:45 AM on July 23, 2009 | Comments (75) | Trackbacks (0)
July 20, 2009
Small Group Topics
A plan for a whole year and beyond
Ever caught yourself in that dilemma where your group members are looking at each other and asking, "What is our group going to do next?" Truthfully, I get a little embarrassed when my group gets into that situation. I feel like, as a leader, I should have done a better job helping my group chart a course based on members' growth and our mission. But sometimes I have to admit that I just don't know what we should do next. For that reason, it's nice to have something to fall back on that I don't have to figure out ahead of time.
I recently looked at a resource that I think will be helpful. It's called Adult Edification Topics for Small Groups. Each notebook contains 52 relevant small-group agendas on a variety of topics, and material to conduct an entire small-group meeting. Also included with every session are: icebreakers, Scripture references, some leader teaching helps and discussion questions, as well as a tool to help review your group's unique vision, goals, and guidelines. The printed notebook also comes with a CD that contains a digital version of the printed notebook so you can get on your computer and tweak or modify each group session to fit your needs and then print it out.
The lesson/scripture topics vary, but are designed to give you a broad and balanced approach to spiritual growth over the course of a year. So, if your group meets every week, the notebook contains a year's worth of small group agendas that's part of an overall coordinated plan for your group's growth. And, if you get all the way through the first year's worth of topics, there are currently 9 volumes of notebooks available. That's 9 years worth of small group agendas already laid out and ready to go!
Continue reading Small Group Topics...
posted by Dan Lentz at 9:34 AM on July 20, 2009 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
July 10, 2009
Church to the People (part 2)
A church’s goal to get groups into the world
As I described in my last blog post, our local church is re-purposing our Sunday worship and small group gatherings over the summer and taking "church to the people" through a series of missional activities.
The process of turning an individual, small group, or entire church from being internally focused to externally focused is a matter of changing values, casting vision, and doing lots of training.
As far as resources we've used in developing values, vision casting and training, here are a variety of things we have found helpful:
New Hope Oahu – This church in Hawaii has been a great resource and inspiration for taking church to the people. See a clip from pastor Wayne Cordeiro recent conference below:
Shapevine - A gathering place of missional (church to the people) resources including online training, networking, and resources. We've cherry picked several different helpful resources from this site.
Continue reading Church to the People (part 2)...
posted by Dan Lentz at 9:24 AM on July 10, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
June 29, 2009
Church to the People (part 1)
A church’s goal to get groups into the world
My local community of Christ-followers, since starting over 8 years ago, has always had the decentralization of discipleship and evangelism through home groups at the center of our strategy. However, we are taking that to a new level this summer.
We have a weekend worship gathering as most churches do, but we have decided to make that gathering a training ground for reaching the world. Here's a quote from one of our recent weekend teachings: "There are a lot of churches out there that are really good at attracting people to Sunday morning service or to some program. Thank God for those churches, but we have to be honest and admit even those churches fall way short. There are still way more people who will never come close to a church building on Sunday morning. So our goal is not to attract people to our Sunday morning service. It's to attract people to Christ, by going to the people, going 'out there' and loving people."
The week after this talk, we took our entire Sunday morning crowd (kids and adults alike) and organized them into a "grocery sack" assembly line. We acquired a large quantity of fresh produce and filled grocery bags with the produce and a simple message of Christ's love. Once the sacks were filled, we sent our people out in groups to deliver these grocery bags to specific neighborhoods in our community. It was a great morning and there was some great chatter on the local news online discussion groups from our town.
Continue reading Church to the People (part 1)...
posted by Dan Lentz at 3:18 PM on June 29, 2009 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
June 24, 2009
Update on "Uh Oh"
The rest of the story about the California pastor forced to shut down his small group.
A couple weeks ago I posted a small blurb about a California pastor who was being harrassed into shutting down his small group by a county official. The upshot was the pastor had to stop hosting the group meeting at his home, or else pay thousands of dollars to secure a permit.
Now, our friends at Your Church have produced a quick video on the topic featuring Rich Hammar. If you're not familiar with Rich, just know that he is "the man" when it comes to church law.
Rich gives us the rest of the story and explains whether the same thing could happen to your group. It's worth the four minutes.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 1:39 PM on June 24, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
June 22, 2009
Space Age Relationships (part 2)
The importance of intentional relational training
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:
Continue reading Space Age Relationships (part 2)...
posted by Dan Lentz at 1:11 PM on June 22, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
June 18, 2009
Space Age Relationships (part 1)
You can never get enough training
I'm sort of a space buff. I love looking and learning about God's creation, and have a couple of telescopes that help me do that (which I don't get out as often as I would like). I also keep up on a few astronomy websites and take note when Shuttles are being readied for launch, as one is right now.
As part of that passion, I have paid some attention to NASA's astronaut training program. Astronauts live and work in small groups to accomplish the objectives of the particular mission to which they are assigned. Astronauts also train to live in close "community" with one another in the living quarters of relatively small space vehicles. I have found there are some useful parallels with what NASA is doing and what the church can do regarding relational training. I've even borrowed some ideas from astronaut training to incorporate into small-group leadership training, and I wanted to highlight some of these concepts in a couple of blog posts.
First, no matter how well you think things are going in your small group community, ongoing training should never become secondary. You always need to work toward deeper unity and oneness. Check out an interesting quote from a NASA article about astronaut training:
Continue reading Space Age Relationships (part 1)...
posted by Dan Lentz at 1:03 PM on June 18, 2009 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
May 28, 2009
Uh Oh
This might get a little scary...
I found an interesting story while trolling online this morning. Interesting and scary, that is. It seems a San Diego pastor and his wife have been ordered by County officials to stop conducting a weekly small-group Bible study in their home.
According to the story, the couple has been regularly accosted by a county official asking questions like, "Do you have a regular meeting in your home?" "Do you pray?" and "Do you say Amen?" According to the official, the small group violates several county regulations and requires a permit to continue—a permit that costs tens of thousands of dollars.
Anyway, here's the link to the full story. Thankfully, the pastor and his wife are fighting back, and I haven't seen any evidence of this kind of thing elsewhere. But it does make the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up a little bit, you know?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:14 AM on May 28, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
May 4, 2009
What Fires Your Jets About Leading a Small Group?
Reminding ourselves of what's great about leading a small group can give us new energy.
I love leading a small group. I really do! But let's face it - we all get a little weary of our responsibilities by this time of year. If we've been leading a group since September, there are days when we wish it would hurry up and end for the summer. It gets tiring to be in charge of a group of people.
So I like to remind myself of why I took on this responsibility in the first place. Some of the reasons I love to lead a group are:
Continue reading What Fires Your Jets About Leading a Small Group?...
posted by Sam O'Neal at 10:43 AM on May 4, 2009 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
April 28, 2009
Free Membership Time
We want to hear your story, and we want to reward you for telling us.
Okay, if you have been paying attention to this blog for any amount of time, you have heard me talk about our YouTube channel. This was designed to be a way for people to share their stories about small-group life with others in a new and interesting way. This was also supposed to be a way for us to give away a few free memberships to SmallGroups.com.
Well, there has not been much sharing so far. In fact, there has been none outside of my co-workers. And there have been no free memberships given away—not yet.
But we are not giving up! Below you will see the video that introduces our "question of the month" for April. The original idea was to select five people at random who participated and give them free memberships to SmallGroups.com. But since no-one has participated, and the deadline of May 2 is drawing close, I'll change things up a bit.
The first five people to upload a video and send us a link will get a free membership to SmallGroups.com. Here's the question you'll be answering:
To be one of the first five, all you have to do is record yourself answering that question. You can use an expensive video camera or your cell phone—it doesn't matter. Then, you just need to upload that video to YouTube. Once it's there, click the "send video" button and send it to us at "inspiringcommunity." Or you can just e-mail the link to me at "smallgroups at christianitytoday.com".
It's easy, and the first five videos will receive a free membership. Let's see what you can do!
posted by Sam O'Neal at 10:03 AM on April 28, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
April 27, 2009
Commitment as a Small Group Health Factor
Small group attendance can be measured and used to identify groups that are in trouble
While at the NEXT 2009 Saddleback Small Groups Conference in Atlanta, I had the chance to talk to Boyd Pelley of ChurchTeams.com about measurements that help predict small group health. If you would like to hear my conversation with Boyd, click below:
According to Boyd, the "Aha" in all of this is the simple but often overlooked fact that group attendance, and the consistency of group attendance, is a big deal as it relates to group health. Groups that experience sporadic attendance, particularly when most of your group members attend 50% of the time or less, are groups that may be in trouble when it comes to spiritual health.
Continue reading Commitment as a Small Group Health Factor...
posted by Dan Lentz at 12:53 PM on April 27, 2009 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
April 24, 2009
On site at the NEXT 2009 Saddleback Small Groups Conference
Reporting LIVE from Victory Church in Norcross, GA
Here are some images from the NEXT 2009 Conference (Atlanta). I just took these pictures of the main session, workshop, and even the SmallGroups.com booth that I skipped out of for a few minutes to give you an update.
While I'm no where to be found in these shots, there are a several hundred folks here taking in a variety of training and round table discussion opportunities. Last hour I sat around a table with fellow small group ministry practitioners as we discussed what was working and what was not working well in the area of small group outreach and small group coaching, among other things.
Continue reading On site at the NEXT 2009 Saddleback Small Groups Conference...
posted by Dan Lentz at 12:58 PM on April 24, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
April 18, 2009
The Wink and the Gun
An embarassing memory from my formative years...
I just read Reid Smith's post again on The Perfect Welcome, and I had a weird flashback. (If you haven't read Reid's post, you'll want to do that before continuing here).
Anyway, I was thinking about greeting people and I remembered that, back in high school, I went through a phrase where I constantly used "the wink and the gun" to say hello to people.
If you aren't familiar with "the wink and the gun," this guy does a pretty good demonstration:
I usually went with the "single hand" version, but you get the idea. Whenever I saw someone coming down the hall at school or church, or even at home, I always broke out the wink and the gun. It was some kind of weird, juvenile instinct. And now I look back and I think people must have busted out laughing as soon as I walked away. Oh well.
What about you? What are some other gestures or habits that might not work very well when it comes to greeting people in your small group?
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:05 AM on April 18, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
March 20, 2009
Pictures of Multiplication
Which of these images best describes your experience with producing new small groups?
I've been working this week on a downloadable training resources that will (Lord willing) help churches successfully multiply their small groups. As I've been reading and reviewing a lot of material on the subject, I've come up with two interesting observations. (They are interesting to me, at least.)
First, there are plenty of churches, coaches, and group leaders who do not want to multiply their small groups. This is usually due to a bad experience, or multiple bad experiences, and they would prefer their groups to stay together for long periods of time and grow deep, deep roots.
Second, there are three images that keep popping up whenever people write about multiplying small groups, and I've tried to visualize them above. One is the idea of "birthing." Another is "dividing," and this is usually accompanied by an explanation of cellular mitosis and meiosis (my 6th grade science teacher would be proud that I still remember those terms). And the final image is the idea of "splitting," which usually comes to mind for those who have had negative experiences.
Now, there's no way that we can come up with a consensus on which image is best or most appropriate for actual ministry. But I'm curious how you respond to these images. Have you had an experience in the past that is well represented by one of these pictures? Is there a different image you would use to describe small-group multiplication?
If something comes to mind, don't be shy! We want to hear your thoughts, so please take a moment and type them out.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 10:59 AM on March 20, 2009 | Comments (7) | Trackbacks (0)
March 9, 2009
The Man Who Would Not Talk
How do you draw out the people in your group who prefer to remain silent?
One of my goals for this blog is that it become a connecting point to other ministries and conversations out in the ether that are focused on small groups. To help with that, we will be expanding the "Blogs we're watching" sidebar in the coming weeks (it's located on the left navigation bar if you don't already see it).
Our newest addition is The Gypsy Road, a blog run by the good people at Serendipity (now a ministry of Lifeway Publishers). I've developed a bit of a relationship with Rick Howerton and Phil Davis over at Lifeway, and they are good people who genuinely care about the ministry of small groups. Of course, one of the benefits of reading other people's blogs is that there is plenty of opportunity to steal borrow creative ideas. You've probably heard of Joaquin Phoenix's bizarre interview on the David Letterman show several weeks ago. If not, here's a recap:
Continue reading The Man Who Would Not Talk...
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:24 AM on March 9, 2009 | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0)
February 25, 2009
What Could Have Been...
Here's a belated look at what was happening at the Saddleback Small Groups Conference.
As I mentioned before, I filmed a small "video introduction" to the Saddleback Campus while I was attending the small groups conference. Due to technical difficulties, I wasn't able to post the video to this blog last week when the conference was happening. But now that I'm back in my cozy cube at the SmallGroups.com headquarters, those technical troubles have been solved.
So here you go:
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:04 AM on February 25, 2009 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)
February 20, 2009
Lunch with a Legend
A very cool story from one of the pioneers of today's small-group ministry
I just got back from a story-telling lunch with Lyman Coleman. I think the best word to describe it would be inspirational. If you're not familiar with Lyman's story, it is worth doing a little research to find out. (And I'll see if I can get a chat with him on video sometime this afternoon--no promises.)
But Lyman told one story that I think everyone involved with small groups needs to hear.
Continue reading Lunch with a Legend...
posted by Sam O'Neal at 3:33 PM on February 20, 2009 | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0)
Hello from Saddleback!
A first look at the Saddleback Small Groups conference
When I left the SmallGroups.com headquarters in Chicago, IL, it was 20 degrees outside and snowing. Now look at me! I'm at the Saddleback Small Groups Conference in San Diego, California, and as you can see from the photo, we've got palm trees and waterfalls. I like it.
Continue reading Hello from Saddleback!...
posted by Sam O'Neal at 11:51 AM on February 20, 2009 | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0)
January 26, 2009
Introducing Sam O'Neal
Say hello to one of our Small-Group Dynamics Editorial Advisors.
Sam O'Neal is the Managing Editor of SmallGroups.com and SmallGroupDynamics.com. Sam oversees the planning and coordination of all content featured on the site and this blog.
Sam has a passion for seeing discipleship and full-bodied Christian education done right in the local church - especially in the context of small-group communities. He has been married to a wonderful woman named Jessica for over five years, and he thoroughly enjoys their young son, Daniel.
Sam is also a rabid fan of the Chicago Bears.
You can contact Sam by clicking here.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 2:04 PM on January 26, 2009 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
Introducing JoHannah Reardon
Say hello to one of our Small-Group Dynamics Editorial Advisors.
JoHannah Reardon is the associate editor for ChristianBibleStudies.com, an online Bible study site where over 125,000 leaders, students, and teachers come to learn and apply God's Word. JoHannah says, "I receive hundreds of e-mails from Bible students from around the world, giving me a good idea of the global spiritual climate. Christians everywhere feel a need to connect over God's Word, and our site helps their spiritual formation."
Besides writing, editing, and assigning Bible studies, JoHannah has ghostwritten two books, written content for the Couples' Devotional Bible, and has been published in several magazines. She also speaks at writer's conferences across the nation.
JoHannah is a pastor's wife, the mother of three, and a grandmother of two.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 1:56 PM on January 26, 2009 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
December 23, 2008
Introducing Dan Lentz
Say hello to one of our Small-Group Dynamics Editorial Advisors
Dan Lentz is Director of the Small-Group Network -- a network of small-group leaders, churches, small-group resource providers, and other Christian organizations originally brought together at SmallGroups.com to provide an online place for training and support for group leaders and directors.
Over the years, Dan been has been a church planter, small-groups pastor, and has served in a variety of roles within small-groups ministries. He is also author of Let's Get Started: How to Begin Your Small-Groups Ministry.
Dan's family small group consists of his wife, Kim, and their three children: Sam, Katie, and Grace.
You can contact Dan by clicking here.
posted by Sam O'Neal at 10:55 AM on December 23, 2008 | Comments (4) | Trackbacks (0)
