Archived Coaching Tip:
Small group member covenant August 26, 2008
- Small_group_member_covenant_for_fall_2008.doc
Small group troubleshooting tips August 26, 2008
- Small_group_troubleshooting_tips.doc
Small group registration starting January 02, 2008
It’s that time again! Small group registration will be ongoing at New Life from August 17 through mid-September, with groups starting the second week of September.
If you have any questions or comments, please email Brad Stanhope at brad@newlifechurch.com.
How to spot a potential leader October 03, 2007
Here are eight ways to spot a potential leader, from Fred Smith Sr., a columnist for Leadership Journal who died in August:
1. Do I see a constructive spirit of discontent? The person who observes “there’s got to be a better way to do this” is probably a leader. People locked inside the status quo are not leaders.
2. Do they offer practical ideas? Leaders seem to be able to identify which ideas are practical and which aren’t.
3. Is anybody listening? When leaders speak, people listen. If nobody listens to them, they’re not giving leadership.
4. Does anyone respect them? If people respect a person, they’ll follow that person.
5. Can they create or catch vision? When they talk to people about the future, do their hearers’ eyes light up? A person who doesn’t feel the thrill of the challenge is not a potential leader.
6. Do they show a willingness to take responsibility? Potential leaders accept the pressure of responsibility. They sense that the joy of contributing to other people is what leadership is all about.
7. Do they finish the job? The person who grabs hold of a problem and won’t let go, like a dog with a bone, usually has leadership potential.
8. Are they tough-minded? No one can lead without being criticized or without facing discouragement.
Common small group issues September 19, 2007
Here is a list of common small group problems and how to handle them:
The constant talker
1. Ask “what does someone else think?”
2. Use body language (turn toward) to address other people.
3. Direct other questions to people by name.
4. Privately talk with the person and ask them to help get others involved.
The non-talker
1. Ask easier questions
2. Direct easy questions to them.
3. Privately ask a few others in the group to help draw them out.
4. Express public and private appreciation for their involvement – but don’t overdo it.
A group member reaches an obviously wrong conclusion
1. Ask “what does anyone else think?”
2. Redirect them to a Biblical passage that leads to a correct conclusion.
3. Speak with them one-on-one if needed.
4. Don’t overreact.
The group drifts into tangents
1. Be flexible – maybe the issue needs to be discussed even if not relevant.
2. Don’t be afraid to directly bring the group back on topic.
3. Agree to discuss topic later.
A question is raised that you can’t answer
1. Be honest – tell the group you don’t know.
2. Research the question – call staff if necessary – and come back next week.
A controversial question is raised
1. Set ground rules before the discussion.
2. Acknowledge that Christians have differences on some issues.
3. Affirm that Scripture must substantiate viewpoints.
4. Recognize that you won’t settle the issue forever with one discussion.
5. Focus on common ground.