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What’s it Like in the Trenches of Small Group Leadership?
By Paul | February 27, 2007
I threw a few questions at veteran leaders Don/Char Paddock from Second Wind, and David Stone and Allan Tuan of Resonate. Here’s their view from the ground level:
1. How long have you been a small group leader, and what is unique about your small group this year?
D/C P: We’ve been leaders for five seasons. Before that we were assistant leaders for one year.
D: Since September 2006, co-leader in 2005
A: We’ve been leading care groups for 4 years. One thing we love about our group (and we hope it’s not unique) is the tenacity and commitment of the members. We spun off two groups last year and those who remained part of New Life had to go through some heartbreak as we adjusted to care group nights without some of our closest buds. Nevertheless, the Lord blesses and we’ve enjoyed watching new members come to the group and old members step up in new ways
2.What’s something you tried to lead your group toward this year, but it didn’t work as well as you’d hoped?
D/C P: We can’t think of anything this year, but three years ago we did a study from Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. We tried to spend enough time with it so we could really learn from it. However, it ended up bogging down the group. Any studies we’ve done since then have been short, usually not more that four weeks or so.
D: Was hoping to lead the group in multiple acts of service; we had one in the fall
A: We have tried to lead our group toward a missional mindset - go outside of the church and witness by word and deed. I wouldn’t say it hasn’t worked well, but we realized that KIDS change everything. Finding time to do it all is hard. So, we had to adjust our expectations and seize opportunities as individuals wherever/whenever we could. Maybe that was God’s doing! The “let’s do it as a group and do it often” model doesn’t work as well anymore.
3. What’s something you tried to lead your group toward this year, and it seems to be going well?
D/C P: We just finished Just Walk Across the Room, and everyone likes the idea of working on their story so they can be better prepared when the Holy Spirit gives them opportunities to spread the Gospel message.
D: reading more Scripture
A: We knew that with the big changes resulting from spinning off “daughter groups,” this was going to be a year about regrouping and regrowing. We have loved watching the group relationships change and strengthen as we build steam and become comfortable with the new dynamics. Our members love the Lord and love each other - praise God!
4. How do you stay united and refreshed as a couple in small group leadership?
D/C P: We pray together, and make an effort to stay in contact throughout the week with our members.
A: Boundaries are important. We try to maintain balance between our commitment to our group and our time/energy for one another and as individuals. This is hard for us as we often need, or want, to spend as much time as we can with New Lifers - our friends. But, we’d probably push each other and our members onto their bottoms (picture Elaine from Seinfeld…two extended hands, palms forward, the other persons chest) if we did not take time away to enjoy our own family and hobbies/interests. We thank God VERY often for our co-leaders and members, who help carry the load.
5. How can the rest of us leaders be praying for you as a leader?
D/C P: I think this is a universal prayer request: That we can raise up leaders so more people can enjoy the blessings of being in, or leading, a small group.
D: pray that I remain in step with the Holy Spirit
A: Pray that we continue growing deep in the Lord, that we would see Jesus more clearly. To know Him is to love Him.
Topics: Inspire |
March 5th, 2007 at 10:12 am
I appreciate all three of you and how you contribute to making disciples at Bethel. Keep up the good work.
Dave H