Have you been in groups where the prayer requests took more than half the meeting, so the group didn’t finish discussing the lesson for the week? Did you write down all the requests only to get home and feel overwhelmed by all the needs?
Music can inspire your small group meeting and be a way to lead your group to prayer. Sometimes, a simple acapella hymn led by one of our group members is enough to set the tone. Other times, ending our session with a music video by one of the many talented Christian worship leaders allows us to have a moment of quiet, individual worship and prayer.
In school and in church, you’ve heard great teachers, mediocre teachers, and some downright awful ones. What made the great ones stand out from the crowd?
Most likely, the memorable ones used stories to connect with your life in ways that were personal, engaging, and relevant. Jesus did that. He taught with stories called “parables,” and those stories were drawn from real, everyday situations. His stories were engaging, and they allowed Him to apply deep spiritual truths to everyone. Young or old, male or female, educated or simple, everyone could relate to His stories and understand His life-changing words.
Here are some practical ways we can follow Jesus’ example as we use stories to teach important lessons in our small groups
Successful small groups create a safe environment for members to share what God is doing in our lives. But beware—sharing gets easier as we get to know one another, and then the conversation can easily take a turn for the worse. Here is a list of what NOT to discuss in your small group.
Many years ago, I was invited to a networking event, and I was seated at a dinner table with three other women from a similar line of work. We spent the entire evening in very pleasant dinner conversation, and when we finished our meals, we parted ways with promises to meet again for future dinners.
Several weeks later, I met one of the women at a business function, and she looked at me blankly, as though we’d never met. I introduced myself again to her, but couldn’t find a hint of recollection in her face.
I don’t always remember names myself, but that experience showed me how important it is pay attention and learn the names of the people we meet.
Unfolding His Word