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The Simplest Way to Grow Your Love of the Bible – Michael Kelley

Here is an expression that, even if you don’t use it, I believe will resonate with you if you’re a Christian: I want, to want… “Wanting to want” means this: It means that as Christians, we are to have a different value system than that of the world. We are to value things that, in the eyes of the world, might often look like a waste of time. We are to make eternal kingdom investments rather than spending our time, finances, and emotional energy on earthly things.

3 Things for Christian Parents to Remember When Their Kids Play Sports – LifeWay Men

Here we are again – another season starting up. For our family, it’s basketball. I suppose it could be any number of other sports for you and your kid especially with year round travel leagues and all. Because the season is starting up, it’s time for me to remind myself of a few things. The reason I need to be reminded is because I see the tendency in myself to be “that dad.”

Answering 5 Questions about Starting a Bible Study – LifeWay Women’s Ministry

Starting a Bible study group can be intimidating. If you’re considering starting a small group Bible study, you probably have many questions swirling around in your head, like: What Bible study or Bible passage should I choose? Whom should I invite to participate? Can I even lead a Bible study? What preparations need to take place? Does my pastor need to know? Let’s tackle these questions one at a time to give you confidence in what God has called you to do!

3 Ways Not to Use Social Media in Your Church – LifeWay Leadership

Social media is an extremely useful tool. The way that you utilize social media personally will greatly differ from the ways that you use social media for your church, ministry, or job.

3 Questions to Test Your Ambition – Eric Geiger

C.S. Lewis gave a graduation commencement speech to graduates at Kings College at the University of London. The students were graduating from a prestigious school with their whole lives in front of them, and Lewis talked to them about their ambitions. He knew many of them would land a great job and long to be in the inner circle of wherever they worked. Lewis called it “the inner ringer.” He warned them that their desire to be in the “inner ring” is like peeling back the layers of an onion. In the end there is nothing left. When you get to the place you thought would satisfy you, you realize there is another ring. There is always going to be another ring. Lewis said this: “As long as you are governed by that desire you will never get what you want. You are trying to peel an onion: if you succeed, there will be nothing left… The quest for the inner ring will break you unless you break it.”

 

Group Answers Podcast

Group Answers Episode 118: Steve Gladen on Group Trends

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On this episode of Group Answers, Chris and Brian talk with Steve Gladen about current trends in small groups.

Steve Gladen (M Div., Fuller Theological Seminary) has been Executive Pastor of Small Groups at Saddleback Church since 1998 and serves as an elder of the church. He oversees the strategic launch and spiritual development of more than 7,000 adult small groups on multiple campuses. He is the author of Small Groups with Purpose, which has been translated into eleven languages, and Planning Small Groups with Purpose. He has a driving passion to see each church attendee connected to a qualified shepherd and become an integral part of their church body, living purposefully for Christ. Steve and his wife, Lisa, have been married for nearly 30 years, have two children, Erika and Ethan, and reside in Orange County, California. Learn more at www.stevegladen.com.

Questions:

  • You host a lot of conferences and spend time with a ton of churches, what are some of the group trends that you are seeing out there?
  • What counsel would you give a church planter establishing a groups ministry?
  • What are the most significant challenges you’re seeing in group ministry today?
  • Saddleback has been successful with virtual, online groups, is that a viable strategy for most churches?
  • Who has been the most influential leader — your “go to” — throughout your ministry in the groups space?
  • What single decision from your time in leadership, if given the chance, would you change?

Quotes:

  • The economy of churches is relationship, relationship, relationship.
  • You build a church crowd to core.
  • You need a relationship and you need a responsibility.
  • The greatest value that distinguishes a group is that it fills the void that you feel spiritually.
  • It’s the content that brings people; they stay because of the community.
  • Your driving force has to be “change lives.”
  • You want to meet people where they’re at and take them to where you want them.
  • When God lays something on your heart, the toughest thing to do is be obedient to it.

This Episode’s Sponsor: You’ve probably heard about the movie OVERCOMER. But you may not know there are a few books and Bible studies inspired by the film. One is called Defined by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick, which is a book and Bible study based on insights from the Book of Ephesians. You can find these books and Bible studies at LifeWay.com/Overcomer.

The Group Answers Podcast is a weekly show designed to resource, train, and encourage small group leaders. Each episode considers current trends and resources as well as timeless truths and methods of discipleship. It is hosted by Brian Daniel, a Bible study and discipleship expert in LifeWay’s Groups Ministry, and Chris Surratt, the small group and discipleship specialist at LifeWay and author of Leading Small Groups.

Church Leadership

Something Needs to Change Simulcast

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“Does your life match what you profess to believe? If not, what needs to change?”

When David Platt took a trip to the Himalayan mountains, the staggering hardship he witnessed transformed the trajectory of his life. Now he’s inviting you on a similar mind-wrestling, life-altering trek through the Himalayas. On October 1, we’re releasing a Bible study that will help lead you to ask questions you might prefer to ignore. But can you? For Christians, ignorance of profound human need is not an option. Neither is indifference. It’s time to explore what it means to follow Jesus in a world of urgent physical and spiritual needs.

And you can start this exploration now with this free opportunity to join in for a simulcast with David Platt!

On Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00 PM CT / 7:00 PM ET, watch the live simulcast of the event taking place at McLean Bible Church in Washington D.C. David will share what the Lord has been working in his heart amid a world of such urgent physical and spiritual need and will interview people making a difference through their surrender to the Lord. 

What’s helped lead to this simulcast? David has been asking the why questions:

  • If the gospel is true and God really is good, then where is God amid extreme poverty and pain?
  • Where are the peace and protection of God for the oppressed and exploited in the world?
  • Is hell really a place and does it actually last forever?
  • If so, then why are so many people born into what seems like an earthly hell, only to move to an eternal one? How can that be fair?

Now, we all can ask the what now questions: 

  • Are we going to choose comfort, or are we going to choose the cross? 
  • Are we going to settle for maintenance, or are we going to sacrifice for mission? 
  • Will our lives be marked by indecisive minds or an undivided hearst? 

Don’t miss the simulcast for the change to be inspired, convicted, and encouraged as we dig into such concepts, seeking the Lord for our practical next steps of what needs to change.

Find out more about the simulcast and sign up to stay informed. If you’re in the D.C. area, you can attend the event in person for free.

And what’s even more? You can sample the Bible study that digs deeper into the gospel and difference-making lives in a world of urgent spiritual and physical needs by downloading two free sessions of the Bible study. 

 

Group Answers Podcast

Group Answers Episode 117: Student Groups

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On this episode of Group Answers, Chris and Brian talk with Karen Daniel about student groups.

Karen Daniel is a publishing team leader in LifeWay Students.

Suggested resource: Within Reach by Ben Trueblood

Questions:

  • What is unique about student groups?
  • What kind of questions are you asking as you develop a Bible study for teens?
  • Why do you think some churches struggle to have consistent student groups?
  • What are a couple of studies that have worked really well with students, and what made them different?

Quotes:

  • Any student minister has four to six years to reach a group of students.
  • Students are very eager to learn, and they are at a point in their lives where they are asking themselves, “What does God want me to do?”
  • We want to meet students where they are, and we want to resource student ministers so they’ve got everything that they need to develop their strategy.
  • The conversation around identity is going to be different for girls than it is for guys.
  • From Within Reach: Of the students who say no adults from their church invested in their lives while they were in high school, 88% dropped out of church after high school. Of those who say one or two adults invested in them, 72% dropped out after high school. Of those who say three or more adults invested in them, 58% dropped out after high school.

This Episode’s Sponsor: You’ve probably heard about the movie OVERCOMER. But you may not know there are a few books and Bible studies inspired by the film. One is called Defined by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick, which is a book and Bible study based on insights from the Book of Ephesians. You can find these books and Bible studies at LifeWay.com/Overcomer.

 

The Group Answers Podcast is a weekly show designed to resource, train, and encourage small group leaders. Each episode considers current trends and resources as well as timeless truths and methods of discipleship. It is hosted by Brian Daniel, a Bible study and discipleship expert in LifeWay’s Groups Ministry, and Chris Surratt, the small group and discipleship specialist at LifeWay and author of Leading Small Groups.

Group Answers Podcast

Group Answers Episode 116: Louie Giglio

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On this episode of Group Answers, Brian and Brandon talk to Pastor Louie Giglio about his new book and Bible study, Not Forsaken.

For more than 20 years, Louie and Shelley Giglio have shepherded the largest group of young people around the world through the Passion movement, a spiritual awakening that is changing the world. The movement grows stronger every year at the Giglio-led Passion Conference, a gathering tens-of-thousands of collegiate young people aged 18 to 25, who come together to learn, worship, and focus on what matters most. The author of multiple bestselling books including “Goliath Must Fall” and the forthcoming “Not Forsaken,” Louie is a pastor and acclaimed public speaker known for tackling life’s biggest questions with precision, warmth, and practicality – an approach that has also shaped his leadership of the Passion Conferences, Passion City Church, sixstepsrecords, the Passion Global Institute, and other branches of the Passion Movement’s inspired outreach. Louie and Shelley make their home in Atlanta, Georgia, where as teachers, mentors, and trusted allies, the Giglios lift the next generation of leaders up through all facets of Passion, equipping them with empathy, truth, and a hunger for justice. For more information, please visit LouieGiglio.com.

Questions:

• In “Not Forsaken,” you invite readers to understand the character of God in a life-changing way: as a perfect Father who wants you to live under the waterfall of His blessing. Can you tell us more about our Heavenly Father versus or earthly fathers?

• You mention that this message isn’t just for those who have “daddy issues” or a “father wound.” How can those who had positive relationships with their earthly dads benefit from this Bible study?

• You wrote “Not Forsaken” based on your own experiences with pain and healing. Can you share more about that and, if applicable, how community played a role?

• You’ve been around students for a sustained period of time and have seen the generations come and go. First, what should the current generation of church leaders know about the incoming generation church leaders? And second, what do you think group leaders should know about Millennials and Gen Z?

• Louie you’ve been in ministry for quite some time, significant time both as a pastor but also with Passion which has become a worldwide movement. What have you learned about community, its impact on us, its redemptive capacity, and how it is best expressed and perpetuated.

The Group Answers Podcast is a weekly show designed to resource, train, and encourage small group leaders. Each episode considers current trends and resources as well as timeless truths and methods of discipleship. It is hosted by Brian Daniel, a Bible study and discipleship expert in LifeWay’s Groups Ministry, and Chris Surratt, the small group and discipleship specialist at LifeWay and author of Leading Small Groups.

Group Answers Podcast

Group Answers Episode 115: The Enneagram & Small Groups Part 2

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On this episode of Group Answers, Chris and Brian are joined by Jenaye White to continue the discussion about how group leaders can use the principles of the Enneagram to better lead and understand their group members.

5-9 Enneagram Types from enneagraminstitute.com:

5 THE INVESTIGATOR

The Intense, Cerebral Type: Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated

Fives are alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent, innovative, and inventive, they can also become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with eccentricity, nihilism, and isolation. At their Best: visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way.

6 THE LOYALIST

The Committed, Security-Oriented Type: Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious

The committed, security-oriented type. Sixes are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent “troubleshooters,” they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become defensive, evasive, and anxious—running on stress while complaining about it. They can be cautious and indecisive, but also reactive, defiant and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion. At their Best: internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.

7 THE ENTHUSIAST

The Busy, Fun-Loving Type: Spontaneous, Versatile, Distractible, and Scattered

Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.

8 THE CHALLENGER

The Powerful, Dominating Type: Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational

Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be ego-centric and domineering. Eights feel they must control their environment, especially people, sometimes becoming confrontational and intimidating. Eights typically have problems with their tempers and with allowing themselves to be vulnerable. At their Best: self- mastering, they use their strength to improve others’ lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring.

9 THE PEACEMAKER

The Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type: Receptive, Reassuring, Agreeable, and Complacent

Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually creative, optimistic, and supportive, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent, simplifying problems and minimizing anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness. At their Best: indomitable and all-embracing, they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts.

This Episode’s Sponsor: With Ministry Grid’s library of over 3,000 training videos, it’s now simpler than ever to train every volunteer and leader in your church. And this is training you can trust. Each Ministry Gridvideo features an experienced ministry leader who has been where you are now. Learn how to get unlimited access for you and your church at MinistryGrid.com.

The Group Answers Podcast is a weekly show designed to resource, train, and encourage small group leaders. Each episode considers current trends and resources as well as timeless truths and methods of discipleship. It is hosted by Brian Daniel, a Bible study and discipleship expert in LifeWay’s Groups Ministry, and Chris Surratt, the small group and discipleship specialist at LifeWay and author of Leading Small Groups.

Church Leadership

How Can Smallgroup.com Help Us Kick-Off Our Fall Groups?

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by Tyler Quillet

As summer winds down and more groups begin to pick back up, it often leaves pastors and group leaders wondering what topic to study or what resources to use for their group time. I’d like to share with you a little bit about Smallgroup.com, both what it is and how you can use it, and also some specific series that we think will be a great kick-off to your fall!

First, what is Smallgroup.com? Smallgroup.com is an online Bible study resource. It contains an ever-growing customizable library of over 2,300 text and video-enhanced studies from all 66 books of the Bible.

With a membership to smallgroup.com, you can: 

  • Search a topic or passage to find the study you are looking for.
  • You can create a whole class or series based on any topic or text you’d like and make it your own.
  • Right there within smallgroup.com, you can further customize any existing study with your specific teaching points, language, illustrations, church information and logo.
  • You can align the content to your pastor’s sermon series in minutes.
  • If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can “request a study” as part of your subscription. The Custom Bible Study team at LifeWay will write it for you and upload it to the site.

Of particular interest to many group leaders is the ever-growing selection of popular video-enhanced studies from teachers like Priscilla Shirer, J.D. Greear, Beth Moore, David Platt, Matt Chandler, Lisa Harper, and many more. Through a membership to smallgroup.com, you can log in and stream these videos through any web-enabled device or through your Roku®, Amazon Fire®, or Apple TV® apps.

Smallgroup.com offers three subscription plans to suit every need:

  • Basic is $199/year and includes unlimited access to the entire Bible study library, the “Write your own” Bible study feature, downloadable study guides to share with group members, and streaming videos. This is perfect for a single group or a pastor!
  • Plus is $399/year and includes all the features of Basic plus the ability to email study guides and videos to an unlimited number of people, a groups management feature, smallgroup.com access for an unlimited number of group leaders, and 20% off all contracts with CustomBibleStudy.com. Every group in your church has access to just the right study for them!
  • Premium is $3,999/year. This subscription includes all of the above features, plus a fully custom experience year-round with your very own dedicated small group specialist. That means you’d have the services of someone on the Custom Bible Study team at LifeWay to whom you would send sermon outlines or study requests. Your dedicated specialist would then build or write your requested studies for you in your smallgroup.com account within five business days. Your specialist would also be available to manage your groups, leaders, and members and create discipleship pathways. This subscription plan offers 30% off all contracts with CustomBibleStudy.com.

If you are interested in checking out Smallgroup.com, but aren’t sure if you are ready to commit, go ahead and try our 30-day free trial. Just click the button on the front page and begin to explore all that Smallgroup.com has to offer you, your group leaders, and your entire church!

Let’s look at 4 newer series on Smallgroup.com to help us kick-off the fall:

Imago Dei 

This 6-session (Video-Enhanced) series examines the image of God biblically within the grand narrative of Scripture, relationally as it applies to ourselves and others, and missionally in our service to others and in our obedience to the Great Commission.

As You Go 

This series covers six passages in the book of Acts to explore what it means to live in a missional fashion.

Devoted  

This 6-session series sees that healthy churches and healthy Christians are marked by their focus on God, each other, and witnessing to the lost. We are all called to this same focus.

Love as Our Witness  

This 6-session series through 1 John explores our love for God and others in response to His great love for us.

With over 2,300 small group study guides and hundreds of series and video-enhanced studies, we are confident that you will find what you are looking for as you seek to point your groups to Jesus! We are praying for you as you enter into your fall groups!

Tyler Quillet is the Discipleship Strategist for the Custom Bible Study team at LifeWay Christian Resources. He lives in the Nashville, TN, area with his incredible wife, Cathie, and two boys, Cylas and Bowen. Tyler also speaks, writes, and coaches alongside Cathie as they pour into and love on the infertile community through Cathie’s “The Missing Peace Project”. Tyler previously spent 15 years as a pastor and is passionate about serving churches and pouring into church leaders in a variety of ways. 

 

Church Leadership

What Does The Bible Say About ______?

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by Will Johnston

“The Bible says that the wages of sin is death.”

“The Bible says Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.”

“The Bible says unless you repent, you will perish.”

“The Bible says…”

I sometimes cringe when I hear those words.  It’s not because I don’t believe the Bible. I do.

I cringe when Christians say them to people who don’t believe the Bible.  Think for a second about how you view religious texts you don’t believe. If someone were to quote the Koran to you, how would you respond?  Would your thought be, “Oh, wow. It was written in the Koran, so it must be true!”?

I’m guessing not.  You’d probably be skeptical.  You’d evaluate the statement against your own set of beliefs, but you wouldn’t be any more convinced of its truth just because it came from the Koran.  Quite the contrary, the fact that it came from the Koran might actually make you more skeptical.

So if we’re not convinced when someone quotes from a religious text we don’t believe is reliable, why would someone who doesn’t think the Bible is reliable be convinced when we quote from it?

So how do we use Scripture with people who aren’t convinced it’s true?

Well, first, we share our own experience and relate the Bible to our lives.

If I’m having a conversation with someone about a business deal, and they mention that they’re considering cutting corners to make more money, I could quote Proverbs 12:22, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”

Or, I could talk about how I try to run my business with integrity, and how that has worked out better for me in the long run. I might throw in that initially I acted with integrity because of what the Bible teaches, and I’ve continued because I’ve found that it works out better when I do.

The great part about the Bible isn’t just that it’s true. It’s that it works. When we follow what we find in the Bible, things do work better in the long run. And when we can show others how it has worked in our lives and keep the focus on the decisions we’ve made rather than using it to tell someone else what they should or shouldn’t do, people are usually a lot more receptive.

Second, we share Biblical teachings that will resonate with people.

If we catch a coworker lying to their boss, quoting Proverbs 12:22 will probably just make them feel judged and upset them.  It might be true, but it’s not helpful.

But if we’re having a conversation about homelessness in our community, and we talk about how Jesus told his followers to care for the poor (Matthew 25), the end result will likely be that people think of Jesus and people who follow Jesus as the kind of folks who care about those in need.

Or if we’re having a conversation about what to do when someone wrongs you, and we talk about how Jesus stressed the importance of forgiveness, perhaps we can help change the perception that Christians are judgmental and help them understand that we serve a God of second (and third and fourth and fifth) chances.

The goal isn’t to hide the more difficult to accept parts of the Bible, but those parts tend to make a lot more sense in context.  When we pull them out and present them as truth to someone who doesn’t know Jesus without the larger context, we often just put people off.

So, keep bringing the Bible into your conversations, but when people aren’t sure the Bible is true–and that may be some of the people in your small group–don’t just quote it at them, reference Biblical teachings in a way that helps them begin to see the Bible as both true and useful.

Will Johnston is the Director of Build Community at Eastside Community Church in Anaheim, California. Will graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in theology, did a two-and-a-half year stint on Capitol Hill, and then joined the staff of National Community Church in Washington D.C., where he oversaw small groups.
Church Leadership

How to Handle Conflict in Your Small Group

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by Reid Smith 

Conflict happens. You cannot always anticipate it, but you know it when you have stepped in it. The temptation is to avoid conflict, but that is a mistake! The key to handling conflict most of the time is to deal with it head-on and right away in love. Attempting to avoid conflict only invites more of it into a situation. Unaddressed tension festers into the kind of conflict that is harmful to group life. “Better is open rebuke than hidden love” (Proverbs 27:5). When group leaders address tension in its brewing stage, it can enrich everyone’s sense of belonging and togetherness. 

The most violated principle in handling conflict is Matthew 18:15, which says, “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.” The first thing believers are instructed to do when they have a problem with another person is to directly and privately address the matter with that person. People tumble into trouble, and disagreements escalate into tragic relational fissures when they skip this first step and gossip or stew in their feelings.

We must examine our own hearts before we go to deal with conflict. For example, our motivation is off if what we really want deep down is for the other person to see that we are right and apologize to us for the trouble they have caused. Rather, we want to ‘win over’ our brother or sister for the sake of the relationship…not to ‘win’ an argument for our ego’s sake. We will be better prepared to deal with conflict in healthy and productive ways if we ask ourselves these questions before speaking into tense situations:

  • Why am I upset? 
  • Is there anything I need to apologize for or let go of? What can I learn from this?
  • Why do I want to go to this person? What is my goal? What do I hope to see accomplished?
  • Do the outcomes I desire benefit me and the person I have a problem with? Would Jesus hope for the same outcome I desire?
  • How can both of us not just move on but grow together as a result of the conflict?

There is wisdom woven throughout the Scriptures on how to deal with conflict in ways that are healthy for individuals and groups. In the table below, you will find passages on how group leaders can “leverage” conflict to create an environment where biblical community can continue to grow:

 

Key Scriptures.  Applied to Conflict
1 Cor. 13:4 Go to God before going to another. If you are not being patient, kind, and thoughtful of the other, then you are not responding in love. Be sure your heart reflects love’s attributes before dealing with conflict. 
1 Cor. 13:5 Prayerfully offer up the offense and your response to the Lord and ask Him if the source of conflict is something you should release or respond to with truth in love. (Eph. 4:15)
Mt. 18:15-17 When you have a problem with somebody, first pray and then go immediately and directly to them to deal with it in private. Subsequently, only involve others if necessary for their sake and for complete healing.
James. 4:1-2 Use the questions above to evaluate your motives for conflict and get your heart right before speaking into a tense situation. (Prov. 15:28)
Phil. 2:4 Try to understand where the other person is coming from and what you can do to work toward a solution that results in mutual understanding and encouragement. (Rom. 14:19)
Eph. 4:15, 25 Continually hold on to truth and love as you speak to another person. We become off-balance the moment we let go of either one. 
Eph. 4:26-27 Be real and say everything you feel you need to say in love. Do not leave behind any scraps for the enemy.
Prov. 20:3;      2 Tim. 2:24 Be self-controlled in conflict. You can prevent conflict from devolving into quarreling and strife when you are mindful of your emotions and thoughtful of the other.
1 Pet. 3:8-9 The best “defense” is a strong offense of love. Resist the temptation to fire back at somebody who insults you. It is a credit to your strength when you find a way to stand your ground while responding in ways that show understanding and love. Humility and compassion help you to relate harmoniously with others.
2 Tim. 2:23 Spend your time and energy on the essentials of the faith and help people to stay focused on the person of Jesus Christ; it tends to be the non-essential doctrines that produce unproductive debates (Titus 1:9; 3:9).
2 Tim. 2:25-26 Be gentle in how you “instruct” others. By approaching and addressing people in gentleness and love, you will be more effective in leading them (and yourself!) into God’s truth and peace.
Jms. 1:19 Group participants will be better equipped to distinguish between constructive and unconstructive conflict as they take their time to listen and learn what others are communicating. It also enriches your group’s Bible study and discussion.
Jms. 5:16 Vulnerability and honesty are the greatest safeguards against unhealthy conflict. They strengthen the unity of the group and raise its level of compassion. 
Prov. 18:8 Gossip breeds destructive conflict and breaks down trust within the group. If somebody says something unsubstantiated or speculative about another person (even if they are “passing along” what they have heard from another), call it into question and move on. Don’t back down from contending for a transforming environment by snuffing out gossip. (2 Cor. 12:20; cf. 1 Tim. 5:19)
Mt. 12:25;   Prov. 6:16-19 Disagreement and discord can grow into divisiveness. The enemy is constantly at work to divide God’s people and like sin, the longer it goes unaddressed, the more powerful it becomes. Love can conquer anything that causes dissension.

Conflict is not something to rush into or to avoid. It can threaten to be a separator, but the Bible shows us how we can use it as a connector. It can be a “blessing in disguise” when we handle it with biblical wisdom. God, in His grace, gives us ways we can deal with conflict so that relationships grow in ways they would not have without it. In fact, conflict can be the very thing God uses to ‘draw out’ authenticity and empower people to be more real with each other. It can be the key that allows us to experience the wholeness and life that comes with biblical community (Acts 2:42-47).

Reid Smith has been equipping leaders in churches of all sizes and stages of growth for effective disciple-making since 1996. He currently serves as a Pastor of Groups at Christ Fellowship in Palm Beach County, FL and has been a contributing author for various publications, including LifeWay’s Ministry Grid. Learn more about how to start and multiply healthy groups throughout your church at www.reidsmith.org.

 

Group Answers Podcast

Group Answers Episode 114: The Enneagram & Small Groups Part 1

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On this episode of Group Answers, Chris and Brian are joined by Jenaye White to talk about how group leaders can use the principles of the Enneagram to better lead and understand their group members.

1-4 Enneagram Types from enneagraminstitute.com:

1 THE REFORMER

The Rational, Idealistic Type: Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled, and Perfectionistic

Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical and perfectionistic. They typically have problems with resentment and impatience. At their Best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic.

2 THE HELPER

The Caring, Interpersonal Type: Demonstrative, Generous, People-Pleasing, and Possessive

Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. At their Best: unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others.

3 THE ACHIEVER

The Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type: Adaptive, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious

Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, but can also be overly concerned with their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with workaholism and competitiveness. At their Best: self-accepting, authentic, everything they seem to be—role models who inspire others.

4 THE INDIVIDUALIST

The Sensitive, Withdrawn Type: Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental

Fours are self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are emotionally honest, creative, and personal, but can also be moody and self-conscious. Withholding themselves from others due to feeling vulnerable and defective, they can also feel disdainful and exempt from ordinary ways of living. They typically have problems with melancholy, self-indulgence, and self-pity. At their Best: inspired and highly creative, they are able to renew themselves and transform their experiences.

This Episode’s Sponsor: With Ministry Grid’s library of over 3,000 training videos, it’s now simpler than ever to train every volunteer and leader in your church. And this is training you can trust. Each Ministry Gridvideo features an experienced ministry leader who has been where you are now. Learn how to get unlimited access for you and your church at MinistryGrid.com.

The Group Answers Podcast is a weekly show designed to resource, train, and encourage small group leaders. Each episode considers current trends and resources as well as timeless truths and methods of discipleship. It is hosted by Brian Daniel, a Bible study and discipleship expert in LifeWay’s Groups Ministry, and Chris Surratt, the small group and discipleship specialist at LifeWay and author of Leading Small Groups.

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