Are YOU the Weakest Link?by Cheryl Shireman  The Small Group Network was created by Steve Gladen so that nobody doing Small Group Ministry ever has to stand alone. To accomplish this, we connect Small Group Pastors/Directors of North America to each other. Churches of various sizes and of various denominations are represented in the SGN. Our goal is to connect these leaders to each other so that they may build relationships and encourage one another through sharing resources and ideas. We do this through a variety of ways: this monthly newsletter, our new SGN website (www.smallgroupnetwork.com), conference calls, gatherings at small group conferences, webcasts (more on that soon!), and local huddles.
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by Rick Warren
 A lot of things can overwhelm us. Grief, guilt, grudges, worry, responsibilities, or circumstances. As the holidays approach, these factors are often multiplied. As a leader in ministry, with increased duties at the church combined with increased family responsibilities and functions, this can be a particularly tough time and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. This month we are going to begin looking at what to do when you are overwhelmed. We will begin by looking at the life of a young girl named Mary. Luke 1:26-30 (NLT) tells us, "God sent the angel Gabriel to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph. Gabriel appeared to her and said, 'Greetings, favored woman. The Lord is with you.'
[ Read full article] What are the Traits for Foundational Fellowship - Part II
by Steve Gladen
 Last month we discussed the first three traits for the foundation of fellowship in your small group. This month we continue looking at fellowship as a foundation to build the other biblical purposes in your group. Do your small groups possess these four qualities? Is courtesy happening in your groups? What is courtesy? As an action it is something done out of politeness or consideration for another person. We are taught this in kindergarten, but often lose this trait as we become adults. Love, listening, and respect are evidence that courtesy is being fostered in your groups. The ultimate act of courtesy is graciously allowing someone to express an opinion different than yours without feeling the need to react or feeling threatened by their actions or beliefs. This doesn't mean you agree with them, just that you don't feel the need to force your opinion upon them. Sometimes people say things to get a reaction or see if you will truly love them. Again, I want to stress, being courteous doesn't mean you...
by Steve Gladen  Without some guidance, groups can become unbalanced and focus only on fellowship. Help your groups become balanced and healthy by giving them a variety of suggestions on how they can balance the biblical purposes. Fellowship - Take a break between studies and play a version of The Newlywed Game. Make up questions, get fun little prizes for the winning couple, and have fun! Here are some questions to get you started: Wives: What is your husband's favorite vacation spot? Where was your first meal together? What is one thing your husband did recently to make you feel special? Husbands: What was the color of the outfit your wife wore yesterday? What would your wife say is your greatest area of growth in communicating - listening, talking, resolving, [ Read full article]
By Lance Witt
I just spent a couple days with two really good friends. The setting was perfect-a beautiful house in the mountains, fresh snow, a blazing fire, good food, and plenty of hot coffee. They left about an hour ago, and I'm staying behind for a couple of days to write and be with God.
The house is now empty, but my soul is full. Over the last forty-eight hours we laughed, reminisced, confessed, bantered, evaluated, dreamed, reflected, and planned. There was no posturing or pretense . . . we know each other way too well to play those games. The conversations were honest, rich, personal and stimulating.
And, I find myself wanting to loiter . . . to linger over the gift of these last two days.
Looking for a small group study? We feature new material every month.
Books, websites, and videos of interest to those directing small group ministries.
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