Hungry... Full... or Just Right?Have you ever been hungry? Okay, that's probably a dumb question. But think about how hunger affects you. When I'm hungry, I'm irritable, and I have difficulty focusing on anything but my hunger… and what and when I'll eat next. Now, consider when... Likes [2]Comments [0] TAGS: small group health, small group leadership
Moving From Patterns to PracticesHave you ever envisioned what it looks like for a small group to bear the weight of spiritual friendships? What carries a small group experience from week to week without crumbling under the weight of conflict, pain… in short, people ? Sustainability... Likes [1]Comments [0] TAGS: small group health, practices
Keep It CleanSmall groups are messy. People show up late, forget important dates (or food!) and refuse to be flexible. They say inconsiderate things, get offended, and hold grudges. They're not open enough, too open, or unpredictable. Small groups are messy...... Likes [29]Comments [3] TAGS: small group health, conflict, forgiveness
The Importance of Good QuestionsWe love a great discussion, and we suspect you do, too — even if you’re not used to having it during a small-group session. And as with any great discussion, you’re not always sure where it’s headed. That’s the wonder of it. But lack of direction can... Likes [2]Comments [1] TAGS: leadership, small group health
Nobody's Perfect: When Things Don't Work OutLet’s get right to it: There are times when you’ll have to “fire” a volunteer. Even when you do everything right, complete all due diligence, and are sure you’ve got the right person… well, nobody’s perfect. Not you, and not the people you recruit.... Likes [0]Comments [0] TAGS: leadership, small group health
Just Take the Picture!Recently I was trying to take a picture of a group. As I fiddled with my lens, adjusted my lighting, waited for the spectators in the background to move, and so forth, one of the adults finally growled at me, “Just take the picture!” How dare he? I... Likes [0]Comments [0] TAGS: leadership, small group health
What Makes Groups Grow – A LotI recently surveyed more than 1,000 small-group leaders and Sunday-school teachers, asking them what helps their groups to grow. In my first two articles, we discussed factors that mattered very little (less than 10% difference between groups that... Likes [7]Comments [0] TAGS: leadership, small group health