Try this idea to get your group talking about the importance of "mixing it up" -- both in terms of communication and in getting group members to use the gifts God's given them. You'll need all the ingredients necessary to make pizza together.

Prepare your dough ahead of time. Preheat the oven. Give each person a small foil pan or piece of heavy aluminum foil. Then, dig into the dough... literally! (It's a good idea to have everyone wash their hands first.) As everyone rolls dough to personal preference, discuss:

• How is our small-group experience like sharing dough and rolling pizza crust?

Lead your group in prayer before going any further. Next, add the sauce. As everyone covers the pizza, discuss:

• How are pizza sauce and prayer similar? What role does prayer play in our group?

Sprinkle a little bit of cheese on the sauce. Discuss:

• How is cheese like or unlike communication in our group?

It's time for toppings! Offer a variety, so everyone can reflect personal style and preference. Discuss:

• How are the varieties of toppings like people in our small group? How do the different "toppings" each of bring to the group affect the entire group? Give examples.

Top it all off with more cheese. Continue to discuss the importance of communication in small groups. Then, bake your pizzas and enjoy your small group time together!

Susan Lawrence is a Women's Ministry Consultant for Group for Women and coordinates Women's Ministries in central Illinois. Her first Bible study, Pure Purpose, came out this past April. http://purepurposebook.wordpress