By Trish Thompson, Ministry Pastor of Groups
The below small group leader training caught my eye because I often hear that Bible study can’t be fun. The pastor being interviewed refutes the idea because fun is necessary to build relationships.
When I talk with members and potential leaders, their initial thought of a small group is the gathering of people for Bible education. Individuals feel ill equipped to lead because they don’t know enough about the Bible. Others won’t join the conversation for fear their lack of knowledge will single them out. This is the wrong approach according to James Grogan, Executive Teaching Pastor at Eastlake Church. He says “The goal of our gatherings should be relationship, not information.” He further explains that “relationships are the pipeline to discipleship.” Being connected with others and living out Biblical principles is how transformation occurs. It is the combination of information with application.
Fun is an essential part of relationships. You may recognize the statement “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” A group that only studies together would likewise be dull. Grogan encourages his small groups to have a balance of fun and study to better build relationships. COTHA member Nelda de Hoyos listened to the training and endorsed the concept. She said, “As a leader of teachers in my position in the schools, I always included fun along with any training that I gave. The goal was for everyone to relax with each other, so that they would be open to learning, then to get them in groups to reflect on how the learning could be relative to the teaching environment.”
I enjoy the camaraderie in my group. Tomorrow we are poolside as we talk about James and Being a Doer of The Word. Looking to connect with others and God, call me for information on small groups gathering this summer.
http://www.smallgroupnetwork.com/are-your-small-groups-fun-should-they-be/
The below small group leader training caught my eye because I often hear that Bible study can’t be fun. The pastor being interviewed refutes the idea because fun is necessary to build relationships.
When I talk with members and potential leaders, their initial thought of a small group is the gathering of people for Bible education. Individuals feel ill equipped to lead because they don’t know enough about the Bible. Others won’t join the conversation for fear their lack of knowledge will single them out. This is the wrong approach according to James Grogan, Executive Teaching Pastor at Eastlake Church. He says “The goal of our gatherings should be relationship, not information.” He further explains that “relationships are the pipeline to discipleship.” Being connected with others and living out Biblical principles is how transformation occurs. It is the combination of information with application.
Fun is an essential part of relationships. You may recognize the statement “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” A group that only studies together would likewise be dull. Grogan encourages his small groups to have a balance of fun and study to better build relationships. COTHA member Nelda de Hoyos listened to the training and endorsed the concept. She said, “As a leader of teachers in my position in the schools, I always included fun along with any training that I gave. The goal was for everyone to relax with each other, so that they would be open to learning, then to get them in groups to reflect on how the learning could be relative to the teaching environment.”
I enjoy the camaraderie in my group. Tomorrow we are poolside as we talk about James and Being a Doer of The Word. Looking to connect with others and God, call me for information on small groups gathering this summer.
http://www.smallgroupnetwork.com/are-your-small-groups-fun-should-they-be/
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