In my previous two blog entries, I shared the first fourteen of the twenty tips for life-changing small group leadership from Michael Zigarelli‘s book, Freedom from Busyness (pages 74-82). Here is the final third of Zigarelli’s list (in all capitals) with my commentary:
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ASK FOR PEOPLE’S OPINIONS. The issue here is the need to get everyone involved. Uninvolved participants are less likely to grow as much or to stay connected to the group. Draw people in. Small groups can benefit from the positive accountability built into their size. Some individuals need a little time to think before responding. Don’t rush. Wait. Listen. Care. Watch what God does.
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FRAME QUESTIONS USING “WHY” AND “HOW.” Avoid questions requiring only yes/no or one-word answers. Lead the group to think, to apply, to learn. Learn to stretch your group and to get them talking more by reframing your questions using these two words.
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PERMIT SILENCE AFTER YOU ASK A QUESTION. My father-in-law had trouble here. He was teaching a group of men and could not get them to talk. But when I questioned him about his methodology, he would ask questions and when there was no immediate answer, he would answer the questions himself. Because he wanted more participation, I suggested he wait until there was a response–since Americans are uncomfortable with silence. This led his class to become too talkative some Sundays–a problem he could handle.
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STAY WITH FRUITFUL CONVERSATION, EVEN IF IT’S TAKING TOO MUCH TIME. The key word here is “fruitful.” Don’t chase rabbits, but if the conversation is dealing with God’s Word and life in a way that is leading toward life-change, that is what you are trying to accomplish. The goal is not to finish a set of questions or cover a set of verses. The goal is for the group to meet God in Bible study in such a way that they are changed. Some of our plans may take longer than we anticipate and be worth every minute!
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USE A BOARD OR EASEL IF APPROPRIATE. Today, 60% of individuals are visual learners. Some people tend to see key phrases written that lead them to think more deeply and respond. Written responses can be affirming and clarifying.
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SUMMARIZE KEY POINTS. Or better yet, lead the group to do so. This allows them to assimilate and apply the learning. This can lead to commitments. Nevertheless, it is a key method of retention and clarification. The best lessons begin with review of where last week’s session led the group, and they end with summarizing where the group has journeyed with God during this session.
I’d encourage you to read the full article mentioned above. Strive to be great small group leaders. Pray. Ask God to show you where you need to start. And give God your busyness. Make plans and take steps to be revolutionary!
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