Small Groups Matter

New research from LifeWay reveals how important small groups are to the life of the church:

"A new study from LifeWay Research found that those who are not involved in a group are missing out on one of the most effective tools for Christian growth … Virtually every pastor (97 percent) says groups are an important part of their church, yet less than half (42 percent) have a 'well-defined' approach to group ministry."

The report continues,

"Churchgoers who belong to a group are more likely to go to church at least four times a month (79 percent), and to read the Bible daily (28 percent). … Being in a group also impacts people's daily lives. Group members feel closer to God (69 percent), understand the Bible better (74 percent), trust God more (66 percent), and become more loving in their relationships (48 percent)."

Aaron Earls concludes the report summary:

"New groups create a level playing field for those previously involved and those joining a group for the first time. They bring in new members and reproduce new leaders. When churches stop bringing in new members and reproducing new leaders, they have begun a slide to the death of the congregation."

Tips for Using Video Bible Studies

About once a year I use video bible studies to lead the group.  Below are some tips I recommend for your next video bible study.

1. Pick your study carefully. Don't pick the most popular study.  Pick the one that fits your group the best. Try to find one that is less than 20 minutes per session.
2. Prepare.  Watch the video at least twice before your study.  Have questions prepared ahead of time.
3. Take notes.  Provide pens and paper for your group to jot down questions or comments as they watch.
4. Don't be afraid to hit pause.  Sometimes it warrants a time to pause the video and ask, "Do you agree with what he just said?"  It may spark a lively discussion.  Discussion should always take priority over finishing the video.
5. Ask, "What did you think?" This question opens the floor for discussion, engages everyone, and let's you know where to lead next.
6. Don't forget about application.  Also pose the question, "How would this play out in your life?"

Free Bible Study on Money and the Christian (6 sessions)

God wants to free us from money's bondage and help us put it in its proper place. You can download the entire bible study at the link below.
http://www.smallgroups.com/downloads/biblestudy/christianity-today-bible-studies/cc14.html

Good Questions Show Good Listening

According to Robert L. Montgomery, author of Listening Made Easy, the ten most common characteristics of a good listener are:

1. Looks at me while I'm speaking.
2. Questions me to clarify what I'm saying.
3. Shows concern by asking questions about my feelings.
4. Repeats some things I say.
5. Doesn't rush me.
6. Is poised and emotionally controlled.
7. Responds with a nod of the head, a smile, or a frown.
8. Pays close attention.
9. Doesn't interrupt me.
10. Keeps on the subject until I've finished my thoughts.

 

 

Which signs of a good listener do you demonstrate well? Which need improvement?

How Long Should Your Group Meetings Last?

Did you know that the length of your small group meeting greatly impacts the number of people that join your group?  So, how long do you normally meet on a small group night/day?  Is the length  of your meeting to short or too long? And what is that secret time frame?

After surveying 1,140 small group leaders in 47 different U.S. churches, the answer may surprise you.

http://www.smallgroups.com/articles/2013/how-long-should-your-group-meetings-last.html

Welcome Leaders!

Welcome to the first Ginger Creek Small Group Leaders blog (I think!).  This is the place where I hope you will visit to become a better small group leader AND to share your wisdom with other leaders.  We can all learn from one another and I hope this can be the beginning for more interaction among all our small group leaders.  Please feel free to post articles, questions, best practices, great resources, struggles, and any other valuable information that would benefit our group leaders. Working TOGETHER can improve our small groups at Ginger Creek Community Church.