small group principles

From Ian Prichard, key principles for leading a small group.

1. There are five essential parts to a successful small group.
• Worship – worshipping God is central to all we do and key to what we stand for. It builds unity and brings healing; releases faith and ushers in the presence of the Lord.
• Application of the Bible - we are interested in more than just getting Bible knowledge. We want to know how the truth is going to make a difference in daily life.
• Sharing of Life - there is nothing like a life-centered testimony to motivate and encourage the group, or to illustrate what is being taught. When a person shares with the group, he/she feels more a part of the group.
• Ministry – we’re looking for changed lives – i.e., lives transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Time for ministry is essential to the live of our groups.
• Outreach/Evangelism – having an open hand to others adds dynamism, purpose, and vision to the group.
2. Participation is the key to success.
• The goal of the leader is not to be the authority or the teacher, but to be the facilitators or guide.
• The arrangement of people will make a difference in the way people participate. The best is a circle with only one empty chair.
• Rule - don't pressure anyone to pray, read, or speak. Help even the most timid person to see that they also have something to offer.
• Pose questions in such a way that they engage discussion.
• Involve as many different people as possible in the meeting.
3. Bring the group into the presence of God.
• Set aside times (or occasionally most of the meeting) for prayer.
• In closing, respond to the teaching and help each other make application of it in our lives. Minister to one another. Encourage the use of spiritual gifts.
4. Respond lovingly to a need expressed ... Immediately. There is something very unloving about letting a person hang, when they have just shared a deep concern of their life. Love does not respond tomorrow, but immediately.
• How to Teach People to Share Their Needs. - James 5:16
• Admit your faults one to another.
• Pray for each other.
• Become a healing fellowship.
• Teach People by Example. The Leader opens up and shares areas of his own life and requests prayer.
• Other Ways a Group Can Respond to a Member's Needs.
• Sometimes a chair can be placed in the middle of the circle while the people gather around the individual and lay their hands on the person.
• One on one ministry.
• Practical help.
• Ongoing prayer (make them the group prayer “target” for the week).
5. The bible is our authority and guidebook. We believe the Word of God contains everything necessary for our salvation and Christian walk, so we can be successful in every area of our lives.
6. Encourage everyone in the group.
• Each person must be made to feel that his/her ideas and questions are important.
• Dialogue is what we are after. However, the group is not a therapy session and the Leader is not a psychologist. People with deep emotional problems must be referred to competent council.
7. Do not allow excessive doctrinal discussion that is divisive or argumentative. Sometimes people would rather discuss doctrinal differences than to give attention to what really needs to happen in their own lives.
8. Practice mutual edification. (Romans 14.19) An small group is to be a team, helping each other be everything they can be for God. We want to help build healthy self-esteem in one another.
9. Lead in love.
• John 13.34 “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another.”
• Love, acceptance, and forgiveness are a way of life.
10. "Follow-up" of members between meetings is essential. Those who are absent are called and encouraged. New people are called in friendship and invited to participate. Regular members are called and given words of appreciation.
11. New members brought into the group will keep it alive and growing. We want our groups to have an empty chair at each meeting for the new person who will come next week to sit in. New people will help keep a group from becoming ingrown and too comfortable.
12. Handle problem people away from the group on a one-on-one basis.
• A disturbed person cannot be allowed to become the center of attention in the group. The Leader must lead, making it clear that they are loved, but "no dumping is permitted."
• EGR, which stand for Extra Grace Required, people will kill the group so you’ve got to have a system for handling them quickly.
13. Do not allow anyone to confess the faults of others. If this happens, the Leader must lead by reminding the group of this principle.
14. Do not allow anyone to do all of the talking. If this situation persists, perhaps a statement is needed such as, "Thank you for your comments, now let's hear what someone else has to say." Or, "Let's continue with our topic of discussion."
15. Be tuned in spiritually yourself. The Holy Spirit will be hindered if the Leader is spiritually indifferent or troubled with personal sins that have not been confessed. Be a Spirit filled Christian.
16. Be constantly learning. Leaders are not expected to know all of the answers, but they do need to be learners. Good learners make the best Leaders.
17. Maintain a relaxed spirit in the group.
• If the Leader is honest and open, he need not be afraid to discuss or consider other points of view. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead ultimately to truth.
• It is a tremendous asset when a Leader accepts himself as a person of worth and can reach out to encourage others.
• A good Leader learns to be shock proof: not judgmental, harsh, or overly opinionated - not overly reactive when someone says something that goes against the grain.
• Creating a loving atmosphere, the Holy Spirit will do His work.
18. A good sense of humor is a valuable asset. (Proverbs 17.22)
• Releases tension.
• Relaxes our bodies.
• Rests our spirits.
• Renews our hearts.
• Reorients our life perspective.
19. When you have a personal need, ask your group for help. We never outgrow our need for the help of other Christians. The best Leaders are those who keep admitting that they need the help of others.
20. When you have problems or need help, quickly go to your Cluster leader. All of us are learning none of us have arrived. There are times when we will need help. We don’t have all the answers. Only the foolish individual acts like he does.
21. Remember ... It is Christ who does the leading, not us. A good Leader is a good follower of Christ. No more, no less.