Rick Warren's Online Community for Pastors and Church Leaders
There are few other tasks in the family of God that surpass shepherding Jesus’ flock—which is what you as a leader are doing. As you prepare to lead—whether it is one session or an entire series—keep in mind that you are not alone. God knows everything about you, and he knew that you would be asked to lead your group.
It is …
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If you lead a small group study, you have a servant's heart. As a group leader, your desire is to develop this same heart in the members of your group.
How do you build a muscle? You build it by using it. Similarly, you need to build the servant's heart by working it.
One way to do this is by rotating leadership. Think about the …
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There are a few things I know about connecting unconnected people. And let me tell you something. While there are definitely exceptions to just about every rule…if you can think of examples counter to these five you are thinking of exceptions. Build your ministry off the rule and not the exception.
I’ve said many times that …
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The question has been asked, “Won’t small groups create cliques that will divide our Church?” Great question.
In Mark 3:13-19, Jesus is followed by a large crowd of people all vying for his attention. The Bible says that He healed many, before eventually pushing away from the crowd. (That’s right, even Jesus got away to rest …
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How to show your group that being a light in the world isn't so scary
Does the very thought of sharing your faith with an unbeliever make you sweat? If so, as a leader you understand exactly what the rest of your group feels regarding evangelism. There's nothing more important for a leader than empathy.
Because you know how they …
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There are two questions inherent in every small group ministry: How do you get people connected into new groups, and how do you sustain existing groups?” There are two crucial areas you need to consider in sustaining your Small Group Ministry. One is how you do infrastructure; not sexy, but needed if you have over ten groups in your …
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Everyone seems to look forward to the summer, except for small group leaders. Leaders dread watching everything they’ve built over the course of the year quickly evaporate with the heat of Summer. Most launch into those long, lazy days with the distant thought of how to rebuild or restart the whole group again in the Fall. But, summer …
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As Christ's disciples, we grow by doing something that stretches our faith: taking time alone with God, giving, and serving. As leaders, you need to nudge each person in you group to take on a small service role to help them grow as Christ's disciples.
Some group members will be scared, so you need to cast vision for them. Let them …
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Dividing Responsibilities Not Only Eases Your Leadership Burden, It Helps Your Group Members Grow
First Corinthians 12:7 says that God gives every believer spiritual gifts for the common good of the body. But if your small group is like most, it's led by just one person—you! Not that you're probably complaining, but that's a huge …
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I’m sure there are commandments beyond these. I could be wrong. I frequently am. But I believe these 10 commandments are at the very core of a small group ministry that changes communities:
Connect people in season and out. Unconnected people are one tough thing away from not being at your church. See also, What’s Your …
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