http://sower.bethel-church.org The Small Group Leader Community at Bethel Church Fri, 16 May 2008 20:37:31 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Bethel's Annual Business Meeting is on Sunday night, June 1 at 6:00 p.m. (childcare provided), and of course, there will be the usual voting of the annual budget, elders up for renewal, and the changes to the church constitution (meeting this Sunday at 5:00 to comment on these, if you ... http://sower.bethel-church.org/sower/2008/05/16/members-unite/ Mary Spanner has been on staff at Bethel for 10 years (and then a few others as a volunteer leader), being the one who most focuses on the church giving a warm welcome to guests. She has revised cookie bag materials (that are delivered to first-timers), made countless phone calls ... http://sower.bethel-church.org/sower/2008/05/16/something-about-mary-spanner/ Pastor Dave talked about some signs that we have allowed the darkness into our lives and have become consumers rather than suppliers, who are full of light. Let's ask the Spirit to expunge any of these so that we lead in the Spirit: 1. Lost sensitivity/compassion (coolness towards God)  2. Life is ... http://sower.bethel-church.org/sower/2008/05/14/remember-sunday/ A variety of GROW group leaders tell us how they plan to wrap up their year purposely: Count my blessings: will remember one of our members, a new believer who joined the group and admitted he was struggling, but several weeks later shared how the fellowship, prayers, confession, and support from ... http://sower.bethel-church.org/sower/2008/05/13/grow-group-leaders-talk-about-finishing-strong/ (from Discipleship Journal magazine) Quick tips for increasing the value of the Bible in your small group: Begin your time in Scripture with a prayer that reminds you of what you're reading (e.g. "Lord, this is Your Word, and we are Your people. Open our ears to hear what You want to ... http://sower.bethel-church.org/sower/2008/05/07/reverence-for-his-word-in-your-group-and-other-tips/ – an article from LifeTogether.com 5 ways to get everyone committed to contributing to your group   When you ask the first question, you should answer it first. When you're done, simply ask, "How about somebody else?" Don't ... http://sower.bethel-church.org/sower/2008/04/30/creating-team-players/ A spattering of leaders, both new and veteran, give us a peek into their hearts and their small group ministry. Enjoy reading about Steve/Debbie Gatherer,  Gilbert/Winnie Chan (co-leading with Terry/Brenda Smith), Eric/Lisa Nilson, and Blaine/Rachal Carr. 1.      How long have you been leading a small group, and what was the determining ... http://sower.bethel-church.org/sower/2008/04/29/meet-some-of-your-fellow-shepherds/ As this small group year goes into the home stretch, Bethel's leadership wants to celebrate you with an appreciation dinner, wants to inspire you with the Bethel vision for the fall, and wants to hear from you as to how you and your group have pursued Jesus more deeply in ... http://sower.bethel-church.org/sower/2008/04/25/leadership-briefing-may-18/ Ask your group to think about 3 rules that they absolutely live by and refuse to break for anyone, anytime. After you have given them a few minutes, ask them to share their rules. Then have a discussion about why it is difficult or easy to come up with 3 ... http://sower.bethel-church.org/sower/2008/04/23/icebreaker-idea/ To be an effective leader, you have to value people. All your people--especially the ones that make the facilities look great--even if you don't see them at work. We think our Bethel custodial team rocks and want to highlight their behind-the-scenes service. Melody Hall, Micah Stewart, and Marilyn Hoover ... http://sower.bethel-church.org/sower/2008/04/15/behind-the-scenes-glorifying-god/