Small Group Leaders Training

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Contents1. Crucial Elements2. Where Are You Headed3. Cul.tivating Camaraderie4. Developing Relationships5. Asking Good Questions6. Top 10 Discussion Problems (Part 1)7. Top 10 Discussion Problems (Part 2)8. Qualities of a Leader9. Heart of a Leader10. Designing a Small Group11. Moving from Getting to Giving12. Spiritual Multiplication!!!13. Overcoming Fear14. The River Model

1. Quality Biblical ContentCentral to the Christian faith is the belief that God has revealed Himself to us in His Word. The Bible is the means by which we learn about God and His desires for our lives. Small groups which foster growth in Christ, must go to God’s Word to discover how to experience God’s life changing power.

2. CommunityCommunity is the sense within the group that members are a team, bonded together as friends and commit-ted to each other’s well being and growth. This doesn’t happen all at once, but healthy, growing groups have an increasing sense of community. The leader can help facilitate this, but community is not primarily a leader-ship issue. Rather it’s a oneness that becomes apparent when individuals come to value others in the group.

3. Self-Discovered LearningAs a leader your role is to stimulate group members to discover biblical truths for themselves. Leaders don’t need to know all the answers, but they need to know

CrucialElements

Small Group Leaders Training #1

QualityBiblicalContent

OutwardImpactCommunity

Progressive Life Change

Self-Discovered

LearningThe Spirit-

Filled Leader

Although groups may include a variety of members, personalities and people from a wide range of back-grounds, there are some elements which characterise every effective Christian small group. The following diagram illustrates the three values, and five elements that you will need to incorporate into your small group.

enough to guide the group to the answers. They also need to be skilled in asking good questions to draw group members into a lively discussion.

4. Progressive Life ChangeSuccessful small groups ultimately help bring about changes in the member’s lives. The goal is to apply what is being learned through the power of the Holy Spirit. Many groups settle for a good discussion, think-ing this is the goal. If a group stops short of being a catalyst for life change, is has fallen short of all God intends for the group.

5. Outward ImpactA small group needs an outlet to put into practice what they are learning. As the group reaches out to others at least two things happen: the group is strengthened and more lives are changed. Seeking to make an impact is a difficult step for many groups because it’s safer to become ingrown. But virtually all groups need to take the key step of turning the focus of the group from “getting” to “giving”.

Before you begin your group, ask yourself these questions:

In order to answer these questions you will need to know the “Present State” of your group.

Assessing their needs?It’s critical to know the needs of those in your group. If you offer content that misses the needs of your group members, they will have little desire to return. For example, if most of your group aren’t sure they’re Christians, it’s doubtful they’ll enjoy a group lesson on reaching the world for Christ. They probably won’t come back.

Note: Many so called “Felt Needs” are also real needs. You will find it helpful to realise that people have needs that they are aware of (Felt needs) and other needs that perhaps they can’t identify (real needs).

Here are four ways you can help determine the needs of those in your group:

First, PRAYPray for insight and wisdom. Ask God for sensitivity to the needs of your group.

Second, OBSERVEBegin by observing as much as you can about your group mem-bers. You can learn plenty from just watching their actions.

Third, ASKAlthough you may learn a good deal from observing those in your group, your best source of information about their needs will come from asking them. This is especially true when you begin to lead a group. Your observations aren’t always as helpful and accurate as what you can learn directly from group members. When you are with group members, try asking them a few infor-mal questions:

Fourth, take a SURVEY...Choose questions that are appropriate for your group, and indicate that you will use their answers to help in your plan-ning. Don’t assume you know the struggles and questions of group members.

Where are you headed?

Small Group Leaders Training #2

Question?WHY am I leading this group?

WHERE do I want it to go?

HOW do I plan to get there?

For example: People have needs to belong and be accepted. These are usually considered felt needs.

Felt NeedsFor example: People have a need for a deeper relationship with God and forgiveness. These are usually considered real needs.

Real Needs

Initial Observations• Are they comfortable talking about

being a Christian?

• What do you observe about their relationships with Christians and non-Christians? Their roommates?

• How do they interact with others? Are they shy? Outgoing? Overbearing? Controlling?

• Are they involved in a church? A Christian group?

• What can you observe about their walk with the Lord?

• Do they seem hesitant to be involved in a small group? If so, why?

• What kind of Bible do they bring? Does it look like it’s ever been used?

• Why do you have an interest in Bible study?

• Have you been involved in a church before? What was it like?

• What is your spiritual background?

• What would you like to get out of this Bible study?

Get to know your group

Small Group Leaders Training #3The year is 2020. The group gathering in your home is not just any group- it’s your old pals from your small group in university. It’s been only 15 years but a few kids and a few pounds (and less hair) sure have changed how everyone looks. But their hearts are the same. Each one continues to walk with God, and remember the good old days.

What do you think will be the topic of conversation? Do you think that someone might recall, “I remember lesson five on God’s Word. What a great lesson!”?

Initially the leader is the key ingredient to building cohesiveness amongst group members. If you wait for the group to come together on its own, it usually won’t. You will often need to take steps to create the kind of atmosphere in which committed relationships can flourish. Here are six ways you can help create a sense of community and build camaraderie among group members

1. Be an involved and caring leader.Group members catch and model the attitude of the leader. If the leader is interested in everyone in the group, looks forward to being with them, and genu-inely cares about helping the group learn and grow, the members will pick up on his or her attitude. It’s contagious.

2. Plan “Group Time” for mem-bers to catch up with each other.In the initial stages of a group, an icebreaker is a good way to let people share experiences from their lives We will share ideas for good ice-breakers in the next session.

3. Maximise group interaction.Prepare questions which help the group interact with each other and God’s word. Provide opportunities for the members to state their observations and thoughts about what they’re learning from the Bible. As group members interact with each other, it will help facilitate self discovered learning.

4. Show tangible concern for your group.At the end of the group you could ask if anyone has a need for which they would like the group to pray. When people begin to share about their lives, it draws the group together. As group members pray for one another their concern grows. (Note: Young believers might be hesitant and feel apprehensive at first, but a group will likely pray more as it’s members grow and feel more comfortable with one another.

5. Do something together outside of the normal meeting time.Group activities are great for building unity in the group. Even something as simple as going for an ice-cream or watching a video can help a group bond together. Involving a group in some kind of outreach can also unify a group.

6. Do activities with individual group members.As group members become more comfortable with you outside of the group, they’ll be more open and honest inside the group. In addition to looking at ice-breakers, we will share ideas for building relationships with you group members outside of group, in the next session.

Cultivating Camaraderie

15 years later most people will not remember specific lessons, but most will likely remember the relationships in the group.

Don’t bet on it!

Relationships are the glue that hold small groups together. If they happen, the group not only survives, but flourishes. If they don’t the group will be short lived.

Ways a leader can demonstrate a caring heart

• Pay Attention. People want to know they are being listened to when they’re speaking. Don’t look ahead in your lesson or stare out the window.

• Be Responsive. Don’t just nod and go to the next person. Instead compliment the person or ask a follow-up question to show your interest.

• Value Other’s Opinions. Everyone’s input and opinions have value. Don’t judge what they share and avoid giving pat answers or quick fixes to their problems.

• Encourage Interaction by asking for their input. What do you think? Do they agree? Disagree? Does anyone else have input?

• Be Real with your group. Laugh with them, share your struggles and victories, and share your life and love for the Lord. Let them be your friends.

• Maintain confidentiality. If someone shares something confidentially, honour their request and don’t share it outside of the group. Ask the rest of the group to do the same.

• Work Through Conflict. Tension in a group discussion is inevitable. Agree to work through any disagreements. You may have to act as a mediator to make sure all points have been heard.

Developing Relationships

Small Group Leaders Training #4

1. Best/WorstEach person shares their best and worst moments from the previous week. Try to steer your group away from coursework. It can get boring to hear “My best was an A in calculus and my worst was a D in biology.” This icebreaker is an easy one to use at first and gives you good feedback concerning their life at the moment. Some veteran groups do this every week. Their best and worsts will become more honest.

2. Most UniqueGo around the group and have each person share some-thing that makes them different from anyone in the group, like “I am one of 10 kids”, or “I can play 8 musi-cal instruments”.

3. Two Truths and a LieHave each person make three statements about them-selves: two truths and a lie. The group tries to guess which statement is a lie.

4. Personal Scavenger HuntTake five minutes to find the following items in your wallet or purse. Something that ...

Creative Icebreakers:Getting to know each otherIcebreakers encourage people to get to know each other. Here are some suggested icebreakers. The first few are the easiest

and most helpful for a beginning group. The later ideas are useful for building relationships in groups that have been together for a while.

• You’ve had a long time.• You’re proud of.• Reveals a lot about you.• Reminds you of a fun time.• Concerns or worries you.

5. Get to Know You Questions• What do you do for fun?• What would be your ideal holiday?• What was the most memorable activity you did with your family or as a child?

• What quality do you appreciate most in a friend?• What is one characteristic you received from your parents that you want to keep?

• What is a good thing happening in your life right now?

• If you knew you couldn’t fail and money was no object, what would you like to do in the next five years?

• What would you like said at your funeral?

6. Chart Your LifeThinking back as far as your can, draw a line graph, to represent your whole life. Consider the high points, the low points, moments of inspiration, moments of despair, levelling off times, and where you are now. After you’ve drawn it, share what it means to you with the group.Developing

RelationshipsIf you want to be an effective small group leader, you need to know that your job doesn’t stop after the group meeting is over. The small group meeting is a structured, time-limited activity that’s focused primarily on learning and applying God’s Word. A sense of belonging and com-munity can be developed but it has limits. Involvement with members outside the official small group sessions is crucial for significant relationships to develop. There are several roles you may play as you make friends with those in your group.

Foremost, be sure that you are a Friend to them, some-one with whom they feel they can be themselves and enjoy. You must therefore make sure you are not con-descending or aloof. Initiate with them and enjoy being with them.

Secondly, you may play the older Sister/Brother. Older sisters and brothers look out for the younger sib-lings. Younger siblings also tend to come to older broth-ers and sisters for advice. This is a relationship you can’t force, just like you can’t get a younger brother to do what you want him to do.

You will also play the role of a Coach at times. A coach instructs, but also cheers on his team. Everyone needs a little encouragement. A pat on the back or communicat-ing respect when they make decisions will go far.

40 Ways to Build RelationshipsGive them a call just to talk.

Kidnap them for a coke, ice cream or take a walk when you know they are in the midst of heavy studying.

Drop by with some cookies.

Do laundry together.

Go to church.

Grab lunch or dinner together.

Drop by for a brief unscheduled visit.

Go shopping together.

Walk to lectures.

Play sports.

Send a note or card to tell them you’re praying for a test they are having or concern they have shared.

Play a not too brutal practical joke on them.

Run errands.

Share Christ with someone.

Ask for their help on anything, such as studies, a ride, advice.

Exercise.

Have dinner at your place.

Ask them if there is anything you could pray about for them.

Go to a movie.

Attend a concert.

Go to the pub.

Rent a video.

Go on a summer project.

Do something special for another person in the group.

Join the same club/society.

Go hiking.

Study together.

Go to a conference together.

Cook something.

Go on a double date.

Take them to your hometown.

Write them a letter.

Call them during holidays.

Take a bike-trip.

Lay out in the sun/rain!

Go camping.

Work on a project.

Make a video.

Order a pizza after studying.

Have a video marathon.

Asking Good Questions?

Small Group Leaders Training #5

Advantages of Asking Questions

• Good questions make people think. When people think they learn.

• Questions help you know whether the group is grasp-ing the content. Without feedback you’ll never

know what your group is learning?

• Questions keep the group interesting?

• Questions can cause group members to learn more together than they would have one their own.

• Questions enable the leader to focus and direct the discussion.

• Group interaction helps relationships to develop within the group, which in turn helps learning and

application.

ClosedQuestions that are

obvious and imply the answer expected by

the leader.

“Paul says we are to rejoice in

everything, doesn t̓ he?”

Questions like this are not valuable

for discussion, and actually stifle group

interaction.

LimitingQuestions that limit the number of “cor-rect” answers to a

particular question.

“What three motivations does Paul mention in this pas-sage?”

These ques-tions aren’t very valuable for open discussion, but are

useful to summarise a point, direct the

conversation, or get the group back on

track.

OpenQuestions which al-low group members to share any answer or relevant thoughts they may have on the

subject or passage being studied.

“What truth stands out

to you in the passage?”

Very valuable for group discussion. This kind of ques-tion stimulates

thought and discus-sion, because there

are no right or wrong answers.

Type Example UseThree Types of Questions

LaunchingOpen questions that are used to launch a

discussion.

“What are some nega-tive ways

other peoples words have hurt you?”

Useful for setting the tone of the dis-cussion and drawing the group members into a discussion of

the topic.

Guiding/ ClarifyingQuestions that help guide your group to

accumulate facts, de-fine, clarify, explain

or compare/contrast.

“What are some things that James says about

the tongue in this verse?”

Useful to bring a group back to a

subject when it has gone on a tangent.

Valuable to the leader by making group members

think about a spe-cific issue.

Follow-upQuestions that draw the rest of the group into discussion after a

member has an-swered a question, or expressed an opinion.

“Good obser-vation. What do the rest of you think?”

Excellent for get-ting the whole

group involved in a discussion.

SummarisingQuestions that draw the rest of the group into discussion after a

member has an-swered a question, or expressed an opinion.

“How would you sum-

marise what Paul says about love

in these verses?”

Helps the group synthesise what they have been

discussing and gives insight into their understanding of

the lesson.

ApplyingQuestions that spe-

cifically help the rest of the group apply

the principles learned from the passage.

“What are some ways

that you can demonstrate

love this week?”

Crucial in helping the group members process the content from the lesson and

apply it to his or her life.

ReverseQuestions the leader

uses to revert a question back to the person who asked it.

“That s̓ a good ques-tion, Mark.

What do you think?”

Helpful in making group members

think through their questions, rather

than expecting the leader to give all

the answers.

RelayQuestions asked of

the leader which are relayed to the group or a specific individu-

al in the group.

“That s̓ a good ques-tion Sarah.

What do you think, Sonya?”

Allows a group to work through an

issue, rather than depend on the

leader for answers to all the questions. Can also be used to get a specific group member involved.

Type Example UseSeven Uses of Questions

Top Ten Discussion Problems

Small Group Leaders Training #6

Dead Silence

• If the question was good, relax. People just need time to think.

• If the question wasn’t good, or just seemed to miss the point, ask one of the backup questions you’ve

prepared to rephrase the question.

• Whatever you do, don’t fill the silence with preach-ing!

• Choose learning activities directed towards their needs.

• Encourage them with your non-verbal communica-tion.

• Encourage them with your verbal feedback.

• Call on individuals who look like they have some-thing to say.

A Wrong Answer

• Use discernment. Determine if it’s a wrong answer or just a perspective different from yours.

• Be gracious and gentle. Don’t get flustered.

• Redirect the question to another individual or to the rest of the group. Say something like “Does anyone

else have a different perspective or anything to add?”

• Refer the group back to the passage and use ques-tions to guide them to discover the truths in it.

• If it’s an off the wall response, say something like, “That’s an interesting thought. How did you come

to that conclusion?” Lead them to the truth gently.

• Use wisdom in determining which errors to handle in a group setting.

• Exclude inappropriate answers when summarising.

Disastrous Distractions

• Ask whoever’s room it is, if they can let the answer-ing machine get the phone, or if they would be

willing to unplug it.

• If all else fails, meet somewhere that’s less distract-ing.

• Whatever the interruption, don’t loose your pa-tience.

• If necessary, put a sign on the door.

The Difficult Question

• Admit you don’t have the answer, but tell them you’ll look into it.

• Ask them why or what they want to know.

• It could be a great question for them to research and bring back to the group.

Leader Answering All the Questions

• Direct another question to a specific person in the group. “Judy, what are some things Paul says about

love in this passage?”

• Reverse the question back to the person who asked it. “That’s a good question, Steve. What do you

think?”

• Relay the question back to the whole group. “That’s a good question. What do you all think?”

1My group is totally silent after I ask

a question. It’s as if these guys have taken a vow of silence.

2The biggest problem I have is when

someone gives the wrong answer. I just kind of sit there with a nervous smile and go “Uh... Err... Umm.”

3Every week in the middle of group

some distraction always comes up. Usu-ally the phone rings, someone comes in for a book, or everyone wants to leave early for a TV show.

4The other day one of the guys asked

me if Christ was going to come before the tribulation. I’ve read Revelation, but I’m not a Bible scholar.

5My Group members are always ask-

ing me what I think. Then I end up telling them, and I feel like I do all the talking.

Part 1

Top Ten Discussion Problems

Small Group Leaders Training #7

Can’t Finish the Lesson

This might happen for a couple of reasons.

• If the basic problem is that they like to talk and share too much at the beginning of the group:

Set some guidelines from the start. Let them know that there will be some times to share, play and get to know each other. But the central purpose of your weekly time together is to spend time learning from God and His Word.Be careful with icebreakers. Keep them moving and don’t let them eat up a lot of time, unless you’ve al-ready allocated a large block of time for one.

• If the basic problem is spending too long on each question:

Try to pace yourself. Prioritise your lesson. Allot a spe-cific amount of time to spend on each section. This will help you know when to move on.Don’t be afraid to say, “This is good, but we need to move on.”Encourage brief answers, so more people will have time to speak.

The Non-Stop Talker

• Direct your question to other members in the group. “Let’s hear from some of you who haven’t had a

chance to say anything yet.”

• Sit next to the talkative person and minimise eye contact.

• Ask for the talkers help in drawing out the quieter members in the group, or privately ask him to keep

his answers to a minimum.

The Silent Member

• Ask direct but low risk questions a shy person could answer comfortably. “Tracy, I’d be interested in

your thoughts on this.”

• Sit where you can maintain good eye-contact with those who seem reluctant to speak out.

• Give positive feedback when the shy person does respond to encourage further responsiveness.

Going Off On Tangents

• Try and be diplomatic and reflect an accepting at-titude.

• Use a good question to put the discussion back on track.

• Say something like, “That’s an interesting topic, but since today we’re focusing on prayer, let’s talk

about that.”

• Jokingly say, “Well speaking of our identity in Christ...” when the tangent is far removed from the

actual topic.

Disagreements and Conflict

• Don’t let disagreements rattle you. Often they aid learning.

• If two people disagree on a certain point, it may be profitable to talk about the two opinions. Say

something like, “This is good. It means both of you are thinking. Let’s look at both of your ideas and see if we can sort out what the Bible says.” If disagreement persists you might want to suggest that they continue the discussion after the group.

• If it’s a matter of personal preference, it’s some-times better just to move on.

• If two group members regularly bicker, you might need to talk about it with each of them. Problems

won’t just go away.

6All the women in my group have

such a good time that I can’t get through the lesson.

7I really like Dan, but he just talks

and talks and talks. The other guys try to say something, and Dan interrupts them. Or it’s like a ping pong match- they say something; then he says some-thing. He dominates the group. Just once I’d like to see the other guys talk

without a return volley.

8Whenever I’m with Tracy alone she’s

a chatterbox, but get her in a group, and it’s hard to get her to say a thing.

9I don’t know how the guys did it, but

we started off talking about prayer, and before long we were talking about cars. These guys seem to have the spiritual gift of tangents.

10These two women can’t agree on

anything, whether it’s about guys or which of the Gospels tells the most complete story of Jesus. They’re going to kill each other by the end of term.

Part 2

Qualities of a Leader

Small Group Leaders Training #8

Leading a group can be frightening if you focus on the millions of things that could go wrong. Don’t worry. God takes pleasure in using people who don’t have all the answers, but who are in the process of learning. The Bible is full of stories of how God used imperfect people to accomplish His great purpose.

What does it take then? Perfection is not required. If it were, none of us could lead a small group. But all small group lead-ers need to be in the process of developing certain qualities:

Four Essential Qualities1. Godly CharacterThe character of a group leader is crucial. It’s inevitable that members in your group will look up to you as a spiritual role model. You know you’re not perfect, so take off the pressure and don’t even pretend to be perfect. Be real and model an eager desire to grow in your own walk with the Lord. You have the same needs as those in your group: the need to be in God’s Word, the need to confess your sins, and the need to daily seek to glorify God with your life.

PERSONAL PROGRESS is the key. No one would ever lead a group if they waited until their character is perfectly Godly. On the other hand, if a leader is living in disobedience to the Lord, it will be difficult for those in the group to learn to walk with the Lord. Jesus taught, “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. He did not say, will be like his teaching. It’s sobering, but true. Your life will have great influence on the people in your group. They are watching you to see your personal commitment to walk with the Lord.

2. CompassionCompassion is emotion turned into action. Sympathy causes us to feel for others, compassion causes us to do something about it. As Jesus viewed large crowds, He “had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”. Jesus willingly gave His life for the lost, harassed and helpless- following through on His compassion.

As a small group leader you need compassion for others. You need to truly care about people and be actively involved in giving to them. It’s been said, “People don’t care until they know you care”. It’s true. Giving and caring for people in your group is one of the greatest privileges and responsibilities of leadership. It’s the key to the success of any group.

3. CompetenceCompetence involves two issues. First, as you depend on the Lord to use you, He makes you adequate, Paul set forth faith-fulness, not giftedness as the prerequisite for those who are to teach others in 2 Timothy 2:2. God is looking for men and women who fear Him and walk humbly before Him. These are “competent” group leaders. Second, you are also responsible to develop leadership skills. These skills will develop over time, and these sessions are a great place to start, but nothing takes the place of actually learning as you go.

4. CommitmentLeading a group takes time, emotional energy and effort. Just like anything else worth doing, there is a cost involved. Sometimes you’ll flourish, and you’ll think this is the greatest thing you’ve ever done. At other times you might wonder how you ever got to be captain of this sinking ship. Commitment will keep you trusting the Lord and sticking it out. Just think even Paul wrote:

Everybody left Paul but Luke. Paul knew what it was like to stick it out! Some indi-viduals in your group might disappoint you, hurt your feelings or totally blow you off. It’s tough being involved with people be-cause they are fickle and sinful (as you are sometimes). But they’re worth it.

If you’re wondering about your qualifications to lead, you’re not alone. Leading a group for the first time can be intimidating. What if someone asks a question I can’t answer? (They will.) What if someone knows more than I do? (They might.) What if the groups clams up... or simple falls apart completely? (It happens sometimes.)

1 Timothy 4:12&15“Don’t let anyone look down on your be-cause you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in faith and in purity.”

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.”

2 Timothy 4:10-11“Demas, because he has loved the world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me.”

People are God’s ultimate concern. When Jesus returns, He will not come back for libraries, cars or the Grand Can-yon. He will come back for people. He said His purpose was to “seek and to save that which was lost”. His heart for people is so contagious that those who follow Him become “fishers of men”. As a small group leader you have the great privilege of being involved with that which is dear-est to God- people.

In Summary

Small Group Leaders Training #9

As a leader you need to take care of your heart. You cannot lead with a de-feated heart. Your heart is the most important aspect of being a leader, and it is also the most attacked. Here are five ways you can nurture your heart.

1. HAVING A HEART

2. KEEPING YOUR HEART • By walking in the light -1 John 1:7

• Don’t succumb to leadership degenerative disease -Titus 1:7

• Play for the audience of one -Ephesians 6:5-6

3. NOT LOSING HEART • It’s a don’t loose heart type of ministry -II Cor 4:1

• What’s discouraging: lack of response; you’re wearing out -II Cor 4:3, 8

• What’s encouraging: the gospel multiplies; you’re growing up -II Cor 4:15, 17

4. GROWING YOUR HEART • There’s a time element in maturity -Hebrews 5:12

• The world needs rested leaders -Mark 6:31

• By being inwardly renewed -II Cor 4:16

5. SHOWING YOUR HEART • II Cor 6:3-13 Paul’s Outburst

• II Cor 6:13 Reciprocal Response

Question?What does it mean to “Have a heart”?

Why is it so important?

Heart of a Leader

Prov 4:23Above all else, guard your heart for it is the well-spring of life.

Question?What does it mean to “walk in the light”?

What things do you do to renew yourselves?Here are four ideas

• Setting aside Thinking time each week.

• Reading books that refresh your heart.

• Listening to music.

• Hanging out with friends

PraySpend a few minutes praying for one-anothers hearts.

Small Group Leaders Training #10Designing a Small Group

Capture the Interest

“This is my world.”

Visualise the Principle“This is the difference it

makes!”

Explore the Word

“This is the answer!”

Expose the Need

“This is my need.”

Design the Application“This is what I will do!”

How can I build bridges from their world to this topic/study? Where does this topic intersect the

students world?

How can I help the student recognise and feel the need addressed in this lesson? What needs does

this student feel in regard to this issue?

What does God’s Word say about this need? What key principle applies to this need?

How does the principle from Scripture apply to the student’s needs? How will this principle, if applied,

make a difference in a students life?

How can the student specifically apply the principle learned in this lesson?

Be PreparedApplying all the principles that we have learned so far, whilst leading your group through a bible study can be a bit of a handful. Preparing good small group sessions enables you to concentrate on these principles. Most leaders settle for focusing on the content and hoping that it helps the group members. The result is a group that gives the leader a chance to share his opinions, whilst the members listen attentively. The following model is designed to help you turn good content into an interactive, life changing small group session.

Many small groups study the Word and provide strength and encouragement for the members to walk with God. This is how it should be. But sadly, often groups never turn the corner from “getting” to “giving”. They never exist for anything beyond the group itself. This isn’t how it’s supposed to be.

It’s important for leaders to be committed to helping those in their group learn and care for those outside the group. Learning to turn the corner from getting to giving is a difficult step for many Christians, because it’s far safer to stay within the confines of the group. However, someone cannot love God without caring for others:

When a group works together to give to others, there are many benefits. Other people have their needs met by hearing the Good News. Also, The group itself grows closer together, and its compassion for others deepens. Perhaps, greatest of all, they get more excited about Jesus.

There are two key steps to help your group get involved in giving:

1. Help them See.

2. Give them opportunities to meet needs.

Small Group Leaders Training #11

Jesus told a story about people who are too preoccupied, calloused or scared to help others. We know this story as the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In this story a foreigner goes out of his way to help a total stranger. Jesus didn’t tell his parable as a reminder to trav-el safely, carry a mobile phone, and join the AA. Rather, he told it to illustrate the care we should have for other people. It ends with these words, “Go and do likewise”.

Moving from Getting to Giving

Question?Why do many groups fail to move from getting to giving?

1 John 4:7-11“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love”

First help them develop biblical convictions about the needs of people. When group members view their family and friends through the values of society, they may not see their spiritual needs, so they lack any motivation to help. An attractive popular student who doesn’t know Christ is rarely viewed as “harassed and helpless” and “lost” as the Bible describes this person.

Your group will benefit be studying the passages in the Bible describing the needs of those who don’t know Christ. (eg Ro-mans 1:18-3:20, Eph 2:1-3, Rev 20:11-15 and 2 Thes 1:50-10).

Second, help your group develop a heart for others by studying passages which reveal God’s heart for people. (Eg. Matthew 9:35-38, Luke 15, Romans 5:6-8, Luke 13:31-34, Mark 1:40-45 and Luke 19:1-9.)

Third, expose your group to the needs of people. Use ex-amples from everyday experiences, such as articles in the University paper, news events, etc. One way that you can do this is to take surveys around campus. Have each person take as many surveys as possible, and then compile a list of the top ten needs on campus. This will give them a glimpse into the hearts and minds of other students.

Forth, hold a focus group. Ask ten or so students to get together for pizza to give you honest feedback on how they think and feel about Christianity. The goal of this time is not to answer their questions about Christianity, but to honestly listen to what they are thinking and feeling. This may also lead to your group developing some relationships with non-Christians.

One of the best ways to expose your group to needs around them is to give them opportunities to give to others. Remem-ber to consider the maturity of your group. If you expect too much from a group too fast, they’ll be reluctant to do anything.

As a leader set an example by sharing your own heart and convictions concerning reaching out to others. Just like many other issues in life, compassion for others is often caught from others. Take individuals with you while you do ministry and they will often come back personally motivated to do the same.

Question?What activities can you challenge your group to do, to meet the needs of others?

Small Group Leaders Training #12

To be multiplying spiritually involves three kinds of activity:

1. Win (Evangelism)Taking the initiative to tell others the good news, both in casual day-to-day contacts and in organised evangelism. We are seeking to WIN others to Christ.

2. Build (Follow-up and Disicpleship)Helping Christians grow in their faith, whether on a per-sonal level, through leading a small group, or teaching and training in a formal way. We all have a part to play in BUILDing other Christians.

3. Send (Helping others become witnesses for Christ)Being involved with others in telling the good news, passing on what we have learned so that they too might be equipped to be multiplying Spiritually.

My Network of Relationships:

Spiritual Multiplication

Win

Send Build

2 Timothy 2:1-2“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard in the presence of many witnesses en-trust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others”

DiscussWhat does the Great Commission ask of you?

John 20:21“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Question?What opportunities are there for you and your group to be involved in winning, building and sending?

My Family& Relatives At Church

Coursemates

Flatmates

Other

In Leisure Activities

My Big Three:

1.

2.

3.

2 Chronicles 14:8-11“Asa had an army of three hundred thousand men from Judah, equipped with large shields and with spears, an two hundred and eighty thousand from Benjamin, armed with small shields and with bows. All these were brave fighting men.

Zerah the Cushite marched out against them with a vast army and three hundred chariots, and came as far as Mareshah. Asa went out to meet him, and they took up battle positions in the Valley of Zaphethah near Mareshah.

Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord there is no-one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you.”

Small Group Leaders Training #13

When it comes to talking to non-Christians about Jesus, everyone experi-ences some level of fear. “What if they reject me?” (They might), “What if they ask a question that I don’t know the answer to?” (They could). We are going to look at the story of King Asa, an Old Testament king, to help us overcome our fear in evangelism.

Overcoming Fear in Evangelism

Question?What is your greatest HOPE in evangelism?Why would you want to share your faith?

Question?What is your FEAR hope in evangelism?What prevents you talking to your friends about Jesus?

The word “vast” literally translates as “thousands upon thousands”. We are led to believe that King Asa was vastly outnumbered. This was no small feud.

King Asa’s reaction is incredible. Instead of giving up and legging it, or trying to convince himself that his army can win this battle, he turns in faith to God. Let’s take a look at his prayer in more detail.

“There’s no-one like you to help the powerless against the mighty”

Powerless is not the word I would use to describe 580,000 brave fighting men. But King Asa knew he was outnumbered realised that they could not win that battle in their own strength.

“Help us, O Lord, for we rely on you...”King Asa realised that the real battle was not be-tween them and the Cushites. It was between God and the enemy. God is fully able to win that battle.

“...and in your name we havecome against this vast army”

The reason for this confrontation was that Asa’s men stood in God’s name. They tore down the idols to false gods (2 Chron 14:2). When we stand in God’s name we always come into Spiritual conflict. And when we do, it is God’s responsibility to defeat the enemy, and not ours

“Do not let man prevail against you”I might have prayed, “Do not let man prevail against us!”. King Asa had the faith to give the battle to God, and let him win it.

ApplicationMany of us can identify with King Asa’s fear. Especially when it comes to evangelism. There are two kinds of fear that people have about evangelism. This first is that our friends might re-ject us, that it might jeopardise the relationship. There’s not much you can about that. It doesn’t happen as often as Satan would like us to believe, but it could happen, and we do have to weight things up, and surrender even our friendship for the sake of the lost.

The other kind of fear is that we don’t think we are up to the job. We might answer a question incorrectly. We might misrep-resent Christ in some way. We do not have a right to own this fear. It is not our responsibility to have all the right answers.

God did not choose us for this mission because of our amaz-ing skills and abilities in saving the lost. There is not one thing that any of us can do to save the lost.

We are utterly dependant on God to bring about new life in peoples heart. It is God’s job to use our mumbling words, our foolishness, to bring about new life in our friends. Our only Job

is to stand in His name; to put ourselves on the battle field.

Question?How would you feel if you were in King Asa’s sandals?

Question?What does it mean for us to stand in His name?

The River Model Turning Lost Students into

Multiplying Disciples of Christ

The Bigger Picture“Go and make disciples of all nations...” Jesus’ last word to us, give us the reason why we are still here. As a student movement we are to “Turn lost students into multiplying disciples of Christ”. The River Model illustrates this vision.

On the left river bank, we have lost students with little or no contact with Christianity. On the right we have fully fledged multiplying disciples of Christ. These people are active in evangelism and are also encouraging other Christians in their walk and witness.

In the middle of the river there is an island. This rep-resents the point of salvation. This is both an exciting and dangerous place. Many people get stuck here. They receive Christ into their hearts as Saviour and Lord, but fail to go any further.

Our job is to throw enough stepping stones into the river so that the lost can cross all the way across the river.

Note:- There is also a vertical dimension to this diagram. A stepping stone that reaches out to a large number of people should be drawn tall (e.g. poster campaign), and an exclu-sive stepping stone should be drawn short.

Question?What stepping stones already exist on your campus? Sketch them onto the above diagram.

Where are the largest gaps?

Question?How can your group help people cross this river?

What can you do to encourage your group members to grow from being disciples of Christ to multiplying disciples of Christ?

LostStudents

Multiplying Disciples of

Christ

Small Group Leaders Training #14

Brainstorm Spend some time brainstorming ideas for what your groups can do to help lost students cross this river.

Our top four ideas:1.

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