03.04.07
Small Group Plan - March 4, 2007
“Break the 80/20 Rule”
Involvement
Small Group Plan
March 4, 2007
Dear Small Group Leader,
How would the 80/20 rule play out in our church today?
Is it God’s plan for 80% of the compassion to be shown by 20% of the body? Is it God’s will for 80% of the praying to be done by 20% of the body? Is it God’s plan for 80% of the encouraging relationships to be confined to 20% of the fellowship? Is it God’s intention that 80% of the outreach be done by 20% of his disciples?
Rather than adapt the 80/20 rule from business to faith, let’s decide to do something better. Let’s dump the whole thing and create a new rule – a 100/100 rule!
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· Someone explain/describe the 80/20 rule? What is it? How does it work?
· How does it work in a business setting?
· How would it show itself in a church setting?
· What are its strengths and weaknesses?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
Focused Faith challenges the 80/20 rule …
Hebrews 11:1-2
1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
· How does “Faith” challenge the “80/20 Rule”?
· Where is the real strength of faith found – in the determination of the faithful or in the object of their faith? Explain.
certain Hope confronts the 80/20 rule …
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
· Where does hope begin? Define “the God of hope.”
· How does hope fill us with “all joy and peace”?
· What does it mean to “trust in him?” How is trust related to hope?
· If hope doesn’t “overflow” is it really hope? Explain.
strong Love replaces the 80/20 rule …
1 John 4:7-12
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
· Count the word “love.” What does it mean in this text?
· How is God love (vs. 8 )?
· What does love do (Vs. 9-10)?
· Why does love oppose the “80/20 rule”?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· What keeps people from being more involved in their church family?
· What has helped you to become more involved?
· Was there a “turning point” experience, and “Ah ha” moment?
· Which has opened more doors for you – faith, hope, or love? Explain.
· What would a 100/100 rule look like?
· What advice would you give to someone standing on the border of active involvement?
Close by asking God to show more of us His plan and our passion.