I’ve known today’s guest blogger for more years than either of us would care to admit. I first came across her material on small group leadership 20-some years ago when I was an editor at Standard Publishing, and we’ve partnered on several projects ever since. Today, Pat writes and speaks from her home base in California. She is the author …

Small Group Leadership TIPS of the past week as Tweeted, posted on the Small Group Leadership Facebook page, and posted on LinkedIn. *     *     *     *     *     *     * Monday, 2/1: Don’t use your group to promote your favorite candidate. But pray for our country and its leaders. Tuesday, 2/2: Keep growing in your faith and leadership skills. Read books, …

Small Group Leadership TIPS of the past week as Tweeted, posted on the Small Group Leadership Facebook page, and posted on LinkedIn. *     *     *     *     *     *     * Monday, 1/25: Ask a member to be the group timekeeper.They tactfully keep the group on track and watch the time. Tuesday, 1/26: Sometimes as a shepherd you must lead ppl out …

Small Group Leadership TIPS of the past 2 weeks as Tweeted, posted on the Small Group Leadership Facebook page, and posted on LinkedIn. (Last week I taught a one-week “intensive” Small Group Ministry and Discipleship seminary class at Cincinnati Christian University, and the week before that I was buried in preparing for it, so I’m catching up now!) *     *     …

Small Group Leadership TIPS of the past week as Tweeted, posted on the Small Group Leadership Facebook page, and posted on LinkedIn. *     *     *     *     *     *     * Monday, 12/28: Make God, not yourselves, the main character as you study his Word. #BibleStudy Tuesday, 12/29: Bible study = connecting God’s story to your stories. Don’t settle for either-or. #both-and …

Small Group Leadership TIPS of the past week as Tweeted, posted on the Small Group Leadership Facebook page, and posted on LinkedIn. *     *     *     *     *     *     * Monday, 12/21: Encourage every person in your group to pray every day for every other person in your group. #power Tuesday, 12/22: Call group members, especially those struggling thru this season. …

Small Group Leadership TIPS of the past week as Tweeted, posted on the Small Group Leadership Facebook page, and posted on LinkedIn. *     *     *     *     *     *     * Monday, 12/14: Pay attn and respond to ppl’s body language as well as verbal language. Study #kinesics. #facilitate Tuesday, 12/15: Use your own body language to get ppl involved. Lean fwd, …

Here are 24 icebreaker questions and activities I’ve written over the years that you can choose from. (Tip: save or print this for future use!) How are you “lighting up” your home for Christmas? Who is in charge of the lights and other decorations? Any special traditions? ❄   ❄   ❄ What are your expectations this Christmas? What are …

Small Group Leadership TIPS of the past week as Tweeted, posted on the Small Group Leadership Facebook page, and posted on LinkedIn. *     *     *     *     *     *     * Monday, 12/7: Use this season strategically to make a difference in the environment in which God has placed you. Tuesday, 12/8: Remember that nothing that happens in the world surprises God. …

For years I’ve been following Jim Egli. His books, blogs, and brotherly love have influenced my own views toward groups, discipleship, and ministry in general. I recently read a post Jim wrote that I believe could have a profound effect on churches, if it gets into the right hands. With Jim’s permission, I’m sharing here his “4 Reasons Why Every …