Leading an Evangelistic Small Group: The Ultimate Hiking Adventure

1. Leading an Evangelistic Small Group: The Ultimate Hiking Adventure Anne Schneider Upper Northeast Divisional Field Director

2. The Adventure of Leading an Evangelistic Bible Study • Don’t hike it alone! The Power of the Small Group experience: • To progressively change lives- transformative! • Effective groups draw strength & support from each other spiritually. • Community happens when members form a team & bond with each other; committed to each others well-being & growth.

3. Passing the Hiker’s Test 2. Four Qualities for the Small Group Leader: • Character – role model of a Christian. (Col. 3:1-17; Matt. 22:34-40 & Eph. 4:17-5:21) • Compassion-emotion turned to action! (Matt. 9:33-38 & 1 Thes. 2:1-12) • Competence – depending on the Lord; He will make you adequate & ready. (2 Tim. 2:2) • Commitment – takes time & effort. There is a cost involved.

4. Hitting the Trail 3. Creating the right environment: • Meet in an informal accessible location that fosters warmth. • Set the meeting time so that all can come. • Pick a spot where you can control distractions. • Refreshments help to warm the group up. • Bring extra Bibles in readable translations.

5. Maneuvering around the Obstacles Along the Way Top Ten Discussion Problems: • Dead silence • A Wrong Answer • Disastrous Distractions • The Difficult Question • Can’t Finish the Lesson • The Non-Stop Talker • The Silent Member • Going off on Tangents • Disagreement & Conflict • Leader Answering all the Questions

6. Top Ten Discussion Problems Addressed • Dead Silence If the question was good, relax…people may need time to think. If you cannot tell, ask: “Does what I am asking make sense?” You may need to rephrase the question or use a back up question. * Use open ended questions vs. closed or limiting ones.

7. Prepare for Various Conditions The Wrong Answer Be gracious & gentle. Don’t get flustered. Redirect the question by asking: “Does anyone else have a different perspective or anything to add?” Disastrous Distractions Smart phones, TV, children, barking dogs, etc. Whatever the interruption…pray & realize there is a spiritual battle raging too.

8. Be ready • The Difficult Question Admit that you don’t have the answer, but will look into it. Ask them why they want to know…it may be something they are slightly curious about. You don’t want to put lots of time into researching an answer if one isn’t really that interested in knowing. Also, you may want to have them research the answer & bring it back to the group. They will learn more this way!

9. Anything can happen… • Cannot Finish the Lesson If the women in your group like to talk & joke around too much, set some guidelines at the beginning. If the issue is that they spend too much time on a question…try to pace yourself & prioritize each question. Encourage brief answers so everyone can share. • The Non-Stop Talker Direct questions to other members in the group. Sit next to the talkative person to minimize eye contact. If the problem persists, then ask the talkative person’s help in aiding the quiet ones to share more. If necessary talk to them in private.

10. …and it will. • Tangents Use a good question to put the discussion back on track. Try to be diplomatic & reflect an accepting attitude. Say, “That’s an interesting topic, but since today’s study is focusing on_________, let’s talk about that. If we have time later we can come back to this topic. • Disagreements & Conflict Don’t let these rattle you. Often they aid learning. You can say: “Let’s look at both of your ideas and see what the Bible says.” If disagreement persists…move on. If bickering continues…talk with them privately.

11. You will grow as you Lead! • Leader Answering all the Questions If group members are always asking you what you think…then end by telling them that you feel like you are doing all the talking. You want them to discover for themselves. Direct another question to a specific person in the group. For example: “Mary, what are some things Paul says about love in this passage?” Reverse the question back to the woman who asked. “That’s a good question, Karen. What do you think?” Relay the question back to the group. “That’s a good question. What do you all think?”