A place where group leaders can gain tips, tools, and insights into leading and discipling their small groups.
Episodes
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
In this episode of the Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast, host Chris Short is joined by Real Life Ministries Post Falls Groups Team Leader Fred Bosse', and Shannon Kay - Real Life Ministries Post Falls Women's Team Leader. They are talking today about some of the things that can (unintentionally) ruin a small group. The three specific things they discuss are:
- Focus only on Content
- Focus only on Relationship
- Fear and Avoid Conflict
Our focus is creating small groups where people grow in spiritual maturity in relationship. That means both relationship and Biblical content need to be present. Relationship is the bridge of trust that allows us to move towards seeing lives change.
The key word is intentionality. Our small group "event" needs to be balanced with both relational time and deep discussion.
One of the things that causes relationships to struggle and trust to be lost is unresolved conflict. This can ruin the whole dynamic of a group. We can't avoid conflict because where there are people it will happen, but we can make sure to the best of our ability that we work through it and resolve it.
Fred and Shannon share some great tips and examples of how to avoid these things that can ruin a group, and to work towards building a relational group that is growing in spiritual maturity.
Some of the resources mentioned in this episode:
Guidelines for Small Group Discussion
The Real Life Discipleship Training Manual
The Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders
Wednesday Feb 02, 2022
Wednesday Feb 02, 2022
In this episode of the Real Life Group Leadership Podcast, host Chris Short welcomes Bill Krause - Real Life Family Pastor and Sara Short - Women's Leader at the Post Falls Campus. Their discussion is centered on how you, as a Small Group Leader, can help encourage and strengthen the marriages of those in your group. Both Bill and Sara bring a wealth of experience to the topic, and they each have a unique perspective that will give you different tools to put into play right away as you shepherd your group.
Some of the things they address are:
- What kind of impact do small groups have on marriages?
- What impact does serving in ministry have on a marriage?
- How can a small group strengthen the marriages of it’s members?
- What part does the leader play?
- What happens if group members are not transparent about their marriage struggles? How can you as a leader dig a little deeper?
- What are you asking from me as a leader? Am I expected to be a marriage counselor?
- How should group leaders respond in a reactive situation?
- What do you do if a member expects you to take on their problems for them?
RESOURCES:
We want to encourage all of you as leaders to take advantage of our classes on marriage that are available. We want our leaders marriages to be the healthiest - you are only going to lead as healthy as you are.
You can check out the current classes by clicking below: https://www.reallifeministries.com/classes
You can download the Marriage Scripture Prayer Cards Bill mentions here: Marriage Scriptures Prayer Cards
You can find videos and studies on marriage on Right Now Media at the link below. (Remember - if you are a member of Real Life Ministries you can utilize this platform for free.)
Click below to download your free copy of the eBook Built To Last, written by Chris and Sara Short and the Real Life Marriage Team.
You can download a transcript of this episode HERE
Tuesday Jan 04, 2022
Tuesday Jan 04, 2022
Episode Notes:
In this episode host Chris Short is joined by Cory Speer, and Evan Meske, who have a combined 30 years of small group leadership experience and have helped, coached and given direction to group leaders on this topic dozens of times.
In this episode they are addressing two common challenges that often arise for small group leaders - What do you do when you have a group member who tends to dominate the discussion time, or conversely, one who never contributes to the discussion?
At Real Life Ministries, we believe Small Groups are very important not only to the spiritual growth and health of our church members, they are important to the very mission of our church and the great commission of Jesus – making Biblical disciples. Our small groups are meant to be an environment where relationships can grow, and in order to do that we need to get to know each other. Everyone’s story is important.
Some of the things covered in this episode:
- How do I manage the tension in the group as an Intentional Leader?
- Why is structure within the group important?
- Setting the culture in the group – safe environment.
- Confrontation: Inside and outside the group.
- The people aren’t the problem – they are the goal
Some of the tips shared deal with:
- Small Group Guidelines
- Invite someone else into the conversation
- Seating arrangement
- Eye Contact from the Leader – how you engage the room.
They close out the episode sharing some next steps for growth and resources for you as a group leader.
Here are a couple of quotes from the episode:
“Remember the people aren’t the problem we are trying to solve – they are actually the goal. The problem we are trying to solve is Intentional Leadership.” Evan Meske
“The challenge Group Leaders face is this: How do I take a group of people and give them opportunity to share, with me and with one another, so that we can know where people are at and meet them there and help them grow?” Evan Meske
Thank you so much for joining us for the podcast – we hope you feel encouraged, energized and better equipped to lead your group. We want you to know that we are grateful for the investment you make each week as you reach the world for Jesus and Make Biblical disciples in relational environments.
Download Small Group Discussion Guidelines
You can find more resources at realliferesources.org
Is there something specific you would like to see on this podcast? Have a question or comment? We would love to hear from you!
Email us @ realforlife@realifeministries.com