Building a Church of Small Groups, Bill Donahue and Russ Robinson.
Community is bodies in a circle but, those bodies must face one another. Bodies in a circle doesn’t work if you have souls turned away.
Connect truth with life and life with truth.
Tell the last 10%--that’s the hard truth.
Manage group conflict:
1. If it happens in group, process it in group
2. Leaders is responsible for process, not outcomes
3. Validate the conflict
4. Conflict need not be resolved at the meeting
5. Process conflict with trust and confidentiality
Navigating breakdown:
1. Start soon. Don’t wait 2 weeks.
2. Meet face to face. No emails.
3. Affirm the relationship.
4. Make observations, not accusations.
5. Get the facts.
6. Promote resolution.
Leading is based on discipling—intentional shepherding. Built on 5 g’s:
1. Grace
2. Growth
3. Groups
4. Gifts
5. Good shepherdship
Leaders are not counselors. They are shepherds and work for mutual growth in group. Leaders are to gather (invite current and potential members into community); during meetings this means building intimacy; between meetings this means build friendships and seek new ones. Leaders are to develop (take each person the next step in spiritual growth); during meetings this means create a place where truth meets life; between meetings this means shepherd members and develop apprentice leaders. Leaders are to serve (complete ministry tasks); during meetings this means plan and prepare for strategic serving opportunities; between meetings this means serve personally outside the group or serve together as a group.
When working w/new leaders, emphasize: role of leader-shepherd, invite people to the group, lead a discussion, guide prayer, promote safety, build a team, cast a vision, form a covenant.
P142 gives good example of training meeting.
Advocate open groups. Allow unconnected and new people to choose between new and open groups.
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