Loading...

Learning to Lead a Small Group - Lesson 0

You must log-in to view this content.

Preview - Learning to Lead a Small Group

What are small groups? Why do we have them? What does a healthy small group look like? What does the Bible have to say about the importance of small groups and what participation should look like?
Ron Pyle
Ron Pyle
Learning to Lead a Small Group
Lesson 0
Watching Now
Preview - Learning to Lead a Small Group
1. Introduction to Small Groups
2. Small Group Leadership
3. Keys to Healthy Small Groups
4. Contracting with Your Small Group
5. Stages of Group Life
6. Promoting Honest Sharing
7. Leading Good Discussions
8. Sources of Power in Relationships
9. Conflict Management

All Lessons
About
Class Resources
Transcript
  • 0. Preview - Learning to Lead a Small Group
    What are small groups? Why do we have them? What does a healthy small group look like? What does the Bible have to say about the importance of small groups and what participation should look like?
  • 1. Introduction to Small Groups
    In this lesson, you will learn the importance of small group theology, and it starts with an understanding of God's role in community. Dr. Ron Pyle explains that all of history is essentially a history of God's communal activity with humankind, starting with creation. God is the author and perfector of community, and God establishes its boundaries, identity, and future establishment of a new Jerusalem where God's people will dwell in community with one another and with God.
  • 2. Small Group Leadership

    What are qualities and skills you can cultivate in order to become an effective small group leader?

  • 3. Keys to Healthy Small Groups

    What are small groups? Why do we have them? What does a healthy small group look like? People support what they are part of creating. Plan your first meeting carefully. Different distances invite different types of communication. The behavior you want to sustain, make sure you enact the first time.

  • 4. Contracting with Your Small Group

    Crafting a mutually understood set of expectations about the purpose of your group and how you intend to accomplish that purpose is essential for people to know as they consider joining the group and as you structure and manage the interaction when you meet as a group. One important aspect of small group life is what Dr. Pyle describes as the, "grocery store" principle. Also, people support and participate in something that they perceive themselves as part of creating. 

  • 5. Stages of Group Life

    When forming a small group, the vision and process can be determined by leadership to individuals or determined by individuals to the leadership. In the first couple meetings of the group, you set expectations and orient people to the purpose of the group. The first meetings are critical in helping people reduce uncertainty about what it means to be a part of the group and giving them reasons to be attracted to the group. Each group determines what gives people interpersonal power in the group. An important trait of group success is for people to trust and value other members of the group. When the group concludes, take time to evaluate and celebrate. 

  • 6. Promoting Honest Sharing

    What are three interpersonal needs that are common to everyone? How do you model and promote sharing through disclosure? What are characteristics of the types of questions you can ask that will invite people in a group to share? 

  • 7. Leading Good Discussions

     What is the purpose of having a discussion in a small group meeting? What are some principles to follow in leading a discussion that is focused and invites participation from each member of the group? What does, "equalizing participation" mean? Why is it important? What activities and strategies can you use to accomplish it? Why are listening, empathy and confirmation important? How are they related? 

  • 8. Sources of Power in Relationships

    What is interpersonal conflct? What are the nature and common sources of conflict in ministry groups? What are sources of interpersonal power in relationships? What are some common misperceptions about power in relationships? 

  • 9. Conflict Management

    What are biblical passages that give you a model for managing interpersonal conflict? What are some practical strategies that you can use to manage interpersonal conflict in your personal life and in a group setting? 

What relationships are important to you? How do you develop trust? How can you share in a meaningful way with others? When you experience conflict in relationship, how can you manage it in a way that will grow your relationship? What does the Bible say about the importance and purpose of a small group?

Dr. Pyle leads you through the process from planning a small group, creating a contract, the beginning meetings, leading discussions, stages of group life and managing conflict. You will benefit from his training and experience as he gives you insights into the skills you will need and the commitments you can make to lead a group well. He will also give you insight into interpersonal communication dynamics in a group situation that will help you effectively guide and motivate the people in your group to share at a deep level.

Anytime there are people involved there are no guarantees, but there are few activities more rewarding than cultivating authentic relationships in a community of faith. This is class gives you the information and motivation you will need to get a good start and finish well. Don't miss this opportunity!

Downloads

Dr. Ron Pyle
Learning to Lead a Small Group
EM153-00
Preview - Learning to Lead a Small Group
Lesson Transcript

[00:00:00] My name is Ron File. For 33 years, I was privileged to teach in the Departments of Communication and Theology at Whitworth University. One of the courses I got to create and teach is small group ministry. That course and the teaching I do through biblical training is predicated on the fact that God has always existed in community and we being made in God's image exist to be in community as well. Throughout the history of faith. One of the ways that God has grown individuals and communities is through small groups. So I'm excited to talk with you in these nine lessons about some of the most important principles of small group life. Over the course of nine sessions, we'll take up topics such as how you start small groups. The qualities and behaviors of effective small group leaders. The predictable life stages through which groups move. How you promote intimacy in your group by personal sharing. How you lead discussion and how you manage conflict in groups. Here's my heart's desire. I want God's kingdom to be built. And I want you to be equipped to be effective leaders and group members. Welcome to our class.