Successful small groups have good leaders

So they keep on working at it

Successful small groups don't just happen. They are successful for many reasons, but a critical factor is the quality of the leadership of the group. And while leaders are busy supporting their groups, St Paul's took time to support more than 20 small group leaders with a well attended study and supper on June 20.

Pastor Greg led discussion on the theme of St Paul's vision of In Christ we gather, grow, and go. The specific topic was how to make a small group Bible study interesting, relevant, and rewarding.

He first of all asked the group what makes a good Bible study, and it was agreed that people, preparation, and leadership were critical factors, with relevance, openness and trust, respect, and sharing also being important (having good red wine was also mentioned).

When the group looked at what makes a difficult Bible study, most of the factors were the opposite to the above points.

Small Group Leaders

After looking at some tips and techniques to specifically support leaders in their group work, Pastor Greg then looked at four simple ways to have a Bible study that was meaningful, relevant and rewarding. The four methods are:

WOSP (WOrd Share and Prayer)

With this technique, each member of the group reads the same Bible passage and then writes down their insights from the text. The next step is to reflect on how this text applies to your own life, family, small group, etc. The final stage is to consider what prayer requests you have for your self and others as a consequence of your reflections. Then share with your group what opened up for you.

'African' Bible Study

Read through a Bible passage and ask what word or phrase seems to have the most significance or meaning for you and why? Read the passage a second time, and have people share how this passage speaks to their present life. Read the passage a third time and ask what this passage might be calling you to do or change. Read the passage a final time with pauses to allow people to express their prayers.

'Voices of the Story' Bible Study

Read a passage and identify the characters portrayed. Ask participants to select a character and consider the passage from that character's perspective. Share what insights you have as to what the character may have seen, heard, experienced and felt. Then reflect on what can be learnt from the character.

'In your own words' Bible Study

After reading a passage, write a short summary, then share your summaries. Talk about the common elements and differences. Have each person ask and share how the summary speaks into their lives, and how it challenges or comforts them?

If your leader introduces one of these Bible study methods to your group, be supportive of both your leader and the study. Judging by the meaningful and lively discussion we had in my group when using one of these techniques, St Paul's small group ministry could be headed for a new level of richness and vitality.

If you do not belong to a small group and would like to be in one, please contact Cathy Beaton. If you have any stories from your small group you would like to share, please feel free to contact me to discuss.

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Stuart Gray