07.02.09
GroupWords - Small Group Challenges and Solutions
“Small Group Challenges and Solutions”
GroupWords
July 2, 2009
Dear Small Groups,
Even the best of Small Groups have challenges. But if the members of a group are committed to each other and to the overall mission of the Small Group ministry, difficulties can be solved. Here are some common Small Group challenges along with some suggested solutions:
- SYMPTOM — Members come late.
UNDERLYING ISSUE — The group may be in the habit of starting late.
SUGGESTED APPROACH — Set a definite time. Communicate that time, and begin promptly regardless of who and how many are there.
- SYMPTOM — Group members don’t contribute or participate.
UNDERLYING ISSUE — The questions might sound too personal or difficult. There could be a lack of trust or affirmation. There might be a few dominant members.
SUGGESTED APPROACH — Go around the circle with each person answering. Allow more time for members to think and answer. Communicate that silence is OK, that it means people are thinking. Affirm the contributions and answers that you receive.
- SYMPTOM — There is an overly talkative member.
UNDERLYING ISSUE — Perhaps this person is very outgoing, doesn’t like silence, or reaches a conclusion too quickly.
SUGGESTED APPROACH — Talk to this member privately about giving others time to respond. Ask for their help in drawing others out. Discuss the value of silence.
- SYMPTOM — There is a member who is “always right.”
UNDERLYING ISSUE — They might be covering for their fear of not being right. They may feel that they have nothing to learn from others. They may find it difficult to “rethink.”
SUGGESTED APPROACH — Affirm their comments, but clearly acknowledge and encourage other viewpoints. Avoid debating in the group setting.
- SYMPTOM — The group sharing is superficial.
UNDERLYING ISSUE — Perhaps the application is not specific enough.
SUGGESTED APPROACH — As a leader, set the example of open sharing. Ask the groups for more specific examples. Follow general questions with deeper follow-up questions.
- SYMPTOM — The group has become ingrown.
UNDERLYING ISSUE — They may not have a clear purpose. Perhaps they are afraid of the change new members might bring.
SUGGESTED APPROACH — Review the over-all purpose of a small group ministry – to provide an entry-point for new and hurting members, who could easily get lost in a large church.
Don’t misunderstand the difficulties and challenges of your small group. They only verify that your group is made of real people. Small groups are like marriages and families – they often need counseling. Small groups are like sports – even a good team needs advice and a coach.
Because of a Cross,
Bob Chisholm