In my previous post, I mentioned that I liked Michael Zigarelli‘s book that came out a couple of years ago entitled Freedom from Busyness published by LifeWay. Besides the title (which is so relevant today), I mentioned I liked the audio CD and the brief small group leader guide that are provided.
Last time, I listed the twenty tips and challenged you to evaluate your small group leadership in each category. This time I want to take a brief look at the first third of his twenty tips for life-changing small group leadership (pages 74-82). Then, in my next two blog entries, I will address the rest of the twenty tips. Here is Zigarelli’s list (in all capitals) with my commentary:
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IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU. It is much easier to prepare a lesson to to make yourself look good than it is to focus on God. Ideally, a group Bible study leader should be a guide leading interested explorers to encounter God in His Word for themselves. The guide must get as much out of the way as possible to allow God to speak through the passage and experience. The leader should be more concerned with learning than with teaching and more with group participation than personal contribution.
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OPERATE IN GOD’S STRENGTH. It is much easier to get busy and try to operate in our own strength. Operating in His strength requires prayer and working on an ongoing relationship. It requires seeking His leadership as you lead by word and example. It requires prayer before and during your study. It requires prayer for His presence, power, and leadership during the session. It recognizes where two or three are gathered in His name that He is in their midst.
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OPERATE IN JOY. Bible study should be fun! If you view studying God’s Word as fun, the group is more likely to do the same. Count it a joy to study and pray. Count it a joy to prepare and share. Share the joys of Bible study you discovered. Allow your great attitude to become infectious!
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ENCOURAGE ACCOUNTABILITY. It is probably less effective when it is demanded. Work out ways to encourage it. Spiritual progress is important. We all need affirmation and corrective encouragement to stay on course. Accountability can help us to check on progress. We benefit from loving reminders. Pair off. Pray together. Model accountability yourself.
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PREPARATION, PREPARATION, PREPARATION. Start early. Bible study begins with a time of prayerful preparation. Prepare as if Jesus were going to show up in your group meeting (because He will if you gather in His name). Prepare not to be an expert but to be a great group guide to an encounter with God. If you work to have an encounter with God in His Word in advance of serving as a guide for the same passage, the experience will be much more meaningful for everyone involved.
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MODEL THE WAY. There is no substitute. Group members/attenders know the difference. Be confessional. Be transparent. Be real. Allow group members to realize that you struggle with life, issues, and even sin. Your involvement in the session, accountability, and group leadership can lead others to do the same. Don’t just talk about it. Do it! Model it!
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CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR SHARING. This can be established with a group covenant, but your example and leadership is important. When you admit your challenges and struggles, it makes it easier for others to do the same. But they need to know that you and the group will accept them if they do the same. You may ask for volunteers in advance at times. And you may remind the group about the importance of keeping all conversation confidential. Last week on the small group Bible study tour, Rick Howerton shared a truth that applies here: if you affirm participants early, such as during an icebreaker, they will be more likely to share later. Try it this week!
Which of the seven will require more work for you? Pray. Focus. Take small steps forward. Don’t be a mediocre small group leader. Be revolutionary!
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