I’m in the process of reading Mark Batterson’s new book, Primal. Very early on in the book, Batterson deals with the trouble that numbers bring – especially large numbers. They numb us. The reason is that numbers lack names and faces. Numbers have no story. Think about it in the context of the fallout of the relief effort in Haiti. When the earthquake initially occurred, all we heard about were the supposed numbers of people affected by the quake. The numbers moved some folks to action. However, when we began to see the pictures of 3 – 5 people, or watch the viral videos of the rescue of individuals from rubble, or see a family in the street in shock and completely lost as to what to do next, millions were moved to action.
Small Group world thrives on the idea that every number (person) has a story. We know that we can not only never hear that story, but also never become part of that story, unless those large numbers connect with a small group. Because that is true, we as small group leaders promote, register, call, e-mail, and have lunch with anyone that expresses a desire to join our group. Then we find ourselves in the moment most of us experienced this past Sunday night – sitting in our living room with 10 – 15 people we don’t know, a hint of awkwardness in the air, and volumes of stories yet to be told.
Over the next several weeks, we’ll hear those stories in passing conversations and pointed questions. A couple of weeks ago, there was a blog post regarding our (Small Groups Team) desire to see 1,000 new people connected to a group in 2010. Again we are at the place where a large number is numbing because of a lack of a story. But consider this as you are getting to know your new group: every time you hear and become a part of a new story in the process of getting to know your group, there are over a thousand other stories like that one waiting to be told. So what can we do?
1. Look for those in your group, even in the early going, that show signs of being potential leaders. We’ll need lots of them to hear all those new stories.
2. Talk with your Small Group Coach regularly about what it going on in your group.
3. Pray that God would change the lives of those in your group during your weeks together. Pray for them by name.
4. Begin planning the service opportunity your group will participate in. It is a great way to build bonds quickly in your group.
God has invited us to be a part of what He is doing in the lives of those not-quite-familiar faces in our groups. What a tremendous thing!
-Mike Watson
January 28 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
If you lead a small group for any length of time, eventually conflict will emerge in your group. Do you feel confident in your ability to navigate these messy issues? Too often I’ve seen groups allow unresolved conflict end their group rather than working through it in a healthy manner.
Conflict is inevitable whether it be at home, work, in our social circles…or in our groups. As a small group leader, I’d like to suggest a great opportunity for you to grow in your leadership skills in dealing with this sometimes volatile issue.
This Sunday, January 24, at 11 a.m. in room E112, we are beginning an 8-week group on this subject matter. For more information and/or to register for “The Peacemaker – Resolving Conflict Biblically” click this link: Register Here. You’ll benefit for years to come.
-Steve Campbell
P.S. Another great group for any leader is “Becoming a Life Coach” which begins Tuesday, January 26, at 6 pm.
January 18 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
“When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.” – Mark 6:34 (L3 Journal Bible Reading for Jan. 6)
It was great being with so many of our small group leaders Sunday night at The Auditorium. I was once again filled with gratitude as I looked across the room and saw how many of you have given your time and energy to shepherd those looking to grow spiritually at Pinelake. Thank you again.
As way of reminder to those who attended, and as an update for those who weren’t able to attend, I want to begin a series of blog posts over the next 10 days highlighting several of the key ideas from the evening.
1000 in 2010
While there are many exciting things happening in our ministry, we have become increasing burdened by the fact that more people are not experiencing biblical community at Pinelake. Only 35-40% of our adult congregation is in a group at any given time. The burden is not about making our charts and graphs look good. The burden is for what Mark 6:34 describes as “sheep without a shepherd.” (i.e. Those who are disconnected from small group community and are getting limited discipleship.)
In 2010, we would like to go to the next level. We are asking God for 1000 NEW participants in our ministry. The short-term group strategy is designed to minimize some of the barriers to group participation but even it will not be enough to generate the levels of involvement we are trusting God for. We are asking you to carry this burden with us.
Practically, what can you do?
1. Pray for a spiritual thirst in our congregation that would result in people seeking a relational small group community.
2. Invite people in your sphere of influence to join a group…ideally, your group. Participation in small groups will increase more through your influence and excitement than through our brochures and announcements.
3. Cast vision within your group for the need for leader and/or group multiplication so that others can experience the same benefits of community that you currently experience. Pray especially for new women’s small group leaders.
4. Embrace the missional living lifestyle: To adopt the posture, thinking, behaviors, and practices of a missionary in order to engage others with the gospel message.
5. Share frequently about what God is doing in your small group. These are “Yea God” stories. God will get the glory, and I believe others will be inspired to seek the benefits of grouplife.
If you have additional thoughts, I would love to hear from you.
Praying as we begin a new year together,
Steve Campbell – Small Groups Pastor/Team Leader
January 13 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Leaders,
We had a fantastic fall in the small group ministry. I heard more stories about God’s work in groups than in any of the past 8 years I’ve been associated with small groups. In addition, we had over 400 people experience a small group for the first time. Thank you for fulfilling the critical role of a small group leader as we engage in the work of discipleship. You all have done a fantastic job of creating environments conducive to helping people take their next step of spiritual growth.
As we prepare to kickoff a new round of groups, we would like to have a gathering with all of our small group leaders on Sunday, January 10, from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. to celebrate 2009 and look forward to 2010. Our theme is Celebrating GroupLife…Learn. Live. Lead. We’ve rented The Auditorium Restaurant in the Fondren District (622 Duling Ave) to serve as our venue. If you’ve not been to The Auditorium, it’s a renovated school that will provide a great environment for our event. For more information and a map, visit http://www.theauditoriumrestaurant.com/.
If your group had planned to meet on the 10th, please consider having another member lead the group on that evening and plan to join us at The Auditorium. So we can make adequate preparation, please RSVP to sue.treadwell@pinelake.org by Monday, January 4, at noon. Please reserve childcare (if needed) by clicking http://www.pinelake.org/forms/childcare.html.
Looking forward to celebrating with you on the 10th.
Happy New Year!
Steve Campbell
December 29 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
We grow through both events and through a process. It seems in our busy day, most of us get events. I’m not sure we appreciate the process that God uses. The events are fun. The process can be gritty.
One of my favorite writers, Dallas Willard, draws a distinction between the two. The event encourages decisions. The process encourages development. The event motivates people. The process matures people. The event is a calendar issue. The process is a consistency issue. The event is usually about a big group. The process is usually about a small group.
People come to our church with a desire to grow. We need a vital blend of events and processes to build our people. We grow through significant events and safe environments.
I’m grateful to our group leaders who are involved in the process.
The process is gritty. It’s not clean and clear and neat and tidy—like an event can be. But, it’s worth it.
Robert Green
December 10 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
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