It’s that time of year again.
The leaves are beginning to change. Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte has arrived. School bells are ringing. And small groups are in full swing.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been asking YOU to answer some of the dirty-dog-difficult questions of small group leaders on Facebook. With such an incredible online community, we’re inviting you to weigh in on some of the toughest Bible study problems.
Don’t agree with the advice offered? Add your own insights in the comments, below.
I have a member who says she wants to be part of the small group, but lacks commitment and consistency. How should I best respond?
“Ownership in the group is vital. Let them know they are important to the group by assigning a task… Reading the opening question or prayer. Ask them to pick someone else in the group to encourage.” –Shirley B.
“Keep on. They are there. And moving in the right direction. Give love and smiles.” –Melissa L.
“You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make ’em drink. I encourage them to keep on keeping on. Don’t give up. If you befallen behind, don’t try catch up (you own the study book, you can always go back and finish what u missed after the class is over). Keep coming. I tell them that their input is important and what they learn matters.” –Jennifer T.
I have one small group member who won’t yield to the majority of the group regarding schedule and child care. How should I respond to him?
“Challenge them to be exceptional rather than to be the exception.” –Brendan P.
“Go with the majority. Place her in another group at another time or place that might meet her needs better. Remember her in your prayers.” –Judy H.
“The leader sets the tone, schedule, and parameters. I attended a small group where the leader promptly started at 7, whether you were there or not, no waiting. Seek out groups to fit your needs, not show up and expect others to change for you.” –Annette B.
“Remember, there may be a good reason behind the objection like the conviction of the Holy Spirit.” –Diane H.
“Odds are there are many more areas of their life that are unyielded as well. Begin the group with a fun game, so the rest of the group won’t notice his late arrival. He may feel an urge to arrive on time to participate. If he is creative challenge him to be the leader of this on time activity letting him know you are depending on him and the group is as well. This person is probably in need of coming alongside and discipling.” –Jodie V.
“I believe whether it’s a sin issue or not, do what Matthew 18 says to do: Confront privately if they won’t listen bring it before the group. Or find a solution as we are all in different seasons and there is nothing wrong with grace and mercy.” –Jennifer A.
We are two weeks in to our latest study, but people don’t like the curriculum we’ve selected? Should we continue? Stop? Pick another? Push through?
“Push through allowing Holy Spirit to speak, move, and challenge.” –Lisa M.
“If you’ve only been in the study one week then give it time and see what happens. If it’s been longer than three weeks, ask the group.” –S.L. B.
“If I feel God led me to do it then I push through it.” –Gina D.
“Address the concerns immediately. Discuss the concerns individually one on one. Change direction, but continue with study.” –Deborah H.
“We press on with the study! It’s hard as leaders when the same ones complain yet never offer suggestions, go with the majority.” –Nesha V.
“It’s okay to dump a study if it truly isn’t working to build or encourage a group. Have alternatives & back up plan always!” –Brendan P.
Our group is a mixed bag of new believers, unbelievers, and veteran Christians. How can we ensure the new believers and seekers don’t feel excluded or choose material that is over their heads while still challenging the life-long Christians?
“The small group should meet the needs of all members by encouragingly open dialogue, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to speak and be respectful of where each member is in their faith journey.” –Jennifer F.
“Ask a few seasoned believers to attend the small group with the intended purpose of making the newbies feel a part. Tell those to bring up questions a new believer or seeker might have, so discussion can happen without the newbies having to be the question-askers. Ask those same ones to seek out those newbies at services, invite them to coffee, etc.” –Patricia P.
“Slow the study down. As a leader for many years I felt like a good review for long time believers was always good as well as helped the new ones or seekers. I also emailed answers to questions during the week I thought might be tough or that someone might have a question about before meeting as a group.” –Carol H.
As small groups around the world meet together, let’s lift the members and leaders up in prayer. May God lead, guide, speak, and move in and through them.
Do you need advice about a situation in your small group or Bible study?
Ask it in the comments below.
Don’t agree with advice offered above, or want to offer your own two cents?
Leave a comment below.
