August 2010

School teachers know that it’s no use trying to enforce the rules if they aren’t posted. So, in many classrooms, you will see the teachers’ rules prominently displayed. These guidelines bring order to the group and clarify the teachers’ expectations for their class.

Likewise, every Small Group in church should have a vision and/or certain expectations from its members. You might think of these as “ground rules” that everyone should follow. Without these rules, the group will be unfocused, and attendees may even have competing agendas.

A few years ago, Serendipity House published suggested ground rules for small groups. These are expectations that would help almost any small group become (or stay) healthy. You can adopt these or make up some of your own:

PARTICIPATION: Small Group is not a spectator sport. Everyone participates.

HONESTY: Small groups are imperfect groups for imperfect people in an imperfect church.

RESPECT: Differences of opinion are honored, and “dumb” questions are encouraged.

MISSION: Small groups are always open to new people, and newcomers are welcome.

CONFIDENTIALITY: Anything said in the room stays in the room.

ATTENDANCE: Small Group meetings are given priority – except in case of emergency.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Small Group members are free to share each week on their spiritual walk with Christ.

Incidentally, I've been a fan of Serendipity Bibles since being called into the ministry sixteen years ago. Serendipity Bibles have all kinds of questions for discussion that can help anybody facilitate a great learning experience. I’ve often said that if I can come up with 10 good questions, I can lead any group in a terrific Bible study for at least an hour.

I have a stack of Serendipity New Testaments in my office and, if you don’t have one, I’d love to give you one free of charge. The notes are moderately academic and application-based. The majority of the discussion questions on every page are timeless and will help deliver a great Bible study. I use at least one question a week in preparing for my Wed. night (Small Group) adult Bible study. It helps to set the tone so that, with God, we can learn from each other.

In the next Small Group blog, I’ll be sharing with you how our Small Group structure at Fort Johnson will be changing a little bit next year. If you’re looking for a new challenge, wanting to narrow your discipleship focus, or even feeling burnt out, help is on the way!