By Allen Gallaway
Question of the Month: How do you handle group members who don't contribute because they feel that others in the group are more spiritual?
Let them know that everyone is always ignorant in some areas and gifted in others. This is the value of the body of Christ. If you are a leader, that doesn't mean you are an expert. If you are a member, that doesn't mean you don't have anything to contribute. It means that God will use people with other gifts to accentuate the purpose and the mission statement of the group.
It might also be helpful to develop team roles for each member of the group. Group members assist the group in whatever area they are interested or have expertise in. We recommend five primary roles for every small group, and it's best if more than one person shares each position. Here are the teams:
Fellowship Team— hosts social events or group activities)
Discipleship Team— ensures every person in the group has a simple plan and spiritual partner
Ministry Team— ensures that each person finds a group role or a purpose team responsibility)
Evangelism Team— coordinates the group prayer and praise list of non-Christian friends and family members
Worship Team— maintains the weekly group prayer and praise list or journal, or lead a brief worship time using the worship songs on the companion DVD to each Lifetogether curriculum
GETTING CONNECTED
Are you looking for a group connection? Would you like to HOST a new group? Take the first step by filling out our Group Life Interest Form. This form helps you answer some of the basic questions about getting involved in a group – or starting a new group. Pick up a Group Life Interest Form at the Welcome Center or check us out on the web. www.fccnapa.org - Group Life. Want to ask a question? Email groups@fccnapa.org or call 253-7222 ext.244.
LOOKING FOR GROUP RESOURCES?
Stop by our church library and check out all the individual and group resources available. The Library is a ministry helping people grow (discipleship) through a variety of resources. The library offers fiction, non-fiction, Bible study, videos, music and more. Take time to stop by and review the resources available for your continued walk with Christ.
COACH’S CORNER
CreatingTeamPlayers
5 ways to get everyone committed to contributing to your group
When it comes to getting everyone to participate in your small group, it's important that you—their leader—know your level of openness is the primary factor in setting the tone for the group's involvement and openness.
Along with that, here are 5 ways to get your small group members to participate in group life:
1. When you ask the first question, you should answer it first. When you're done, simply ask, "How about somebody else?"
2. Don't rush responses, but learn to enjoy silence. Wait patiently with roaming eye contact. You might count to 7 or say, "I can wait longer than you!"
3. As soon as someone says anything, affirm their response, whether it is a great answer or a one-word response. Make it safe for people to share their thoughts.
4. Ask for volunteers to read the Bible passage or a paragraph from a book. But don't put anyone on the spot unless you know they don't mind reading.
5. Pass the baton to another member to host the group next time. This will scare his or her socks off but grow his or her faith as a result.
Remember, God's dream for each of your group members is that over time each will grow to shepherd other people. The start they often need is simply reading in the group; then down the road they might facilitate a circle of three or four people for prayer. Eventually, Lord willing, some of them will go on to leading a group or mentoring a new believer
eed some coaching assistance? Contact a Group Life Coach to talk about Group needs, challenges and opportunities – 253-7222 ext.244.
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