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
You're the One That I Want, Part 1: The Back StoryYes, the title to this article is to be sung to that peppy little tune from “Grease.” You remember that classic ending, with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John cavorting around the end-of-school carnival. They’re both so happy to have finally agreed... Likes [0]Comments [0] TAGS: leadership, recruiting
What Makes Groups Grow MostI 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 (http://www.smallgroupministry.com/dbUpdate.asp?Type=Article&ID=755 and... Likes [0]Comments [0] TAGS: leadership, multiplying
You're the One That I Want, Part 2: The AskIn my last article [http://www.smallgroupministry.com/dbUpdate.asp?Type=Article&ID=835], we looked at what it takes to create a compelling “back story” before recruiting volunteers for your small-group ministry. It’s important to define first what you... Likes [0]Comments [0] TAGS: leadership, recruiting
"No" Means... Well, What DOES It Mean?Hearing people say “no” is part of the process of inviting people to serve in ministry. They’re not saying no to you, but to the opportunity to serve. Try to keep this perspective, since the more people you invite, the more you’ll hear that word! When... Likes [0]Comments [0] TAGS: leadership, recruiting
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
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 [3]Comments [1] TAGS: leadership, small group health