I need help?!
 
Is there an issue in your group? Are you stuck? Don’t know your next step?

Take a few days and pray. Ask God to give you wisdom and direction to resolve whatever issue there is.

Phone or email your Small Groups Director.

I have a difficult time coming up with ideas for Bible Study, where can I get help?
 
Sometimes it just feels like the creativity isn’t there. No one in the group has a strong opinion on direction and therefore it falls to you, the leader, to chart a course. This is where the group health evaluation comes in handy! If your group has filled it out, it will tell you where you are strong and where you are weak. Choose curriculum based on some areas of relative weakness.

Sometimes your group needs a re-charge. Plan to focus on a time of fun outside of a study for a week or two. Have a BBQ or potluck, go camping, play a game, have a night dedicated to prayer. Changing things up for a while can really catalyze ideas and direction.

We offer some possible yearly resource plans online as well. If your group would like this type of clear, long term direction, choose a resource plan that suits your group. These plans will walk your group through a variety of important areas of spiritual growth.

You can certainly give your Small Groups Director a call or send an email if you feel you need more help with direction.

I feel like we are going nowhere as a group, how can we fix this?

There could be a variety of reasons why you feel this way.

1. Your expectations of growth may be so high that it appears you are making no progress as a group, when possibly your group members feel things are going well. Growth doesn’t always occur overnight. As long as you have direction, keep heading that way and continue to pray for growth.
2. Your group may not be branching out enough. Some groups find a “sweet spot” and keep choosing material based on this area of strength. Branch out and choose material that addresses areas of weakness or areas that will be challenging.
3. You may want to take your group out for a service project. Sometimes neglecting this core area of spiritual life can negatively affect the group. This may also give the group renewed perspective and vigor.
4. You may want fill out a group health survey to assess strengths and weaknesses. This could help you to isolate an area that needs to be addressed.
5. Perhaps  the group just doesn't  have great chemistry. In this case, open up your group to new members and shake things up! Focus on knowing each other better, and building relationships.
6. It could simply be that the group has run its course. Groups don’t always last forever! There is a life cycle for each group, and it just may be that you have reached the end of your group’s cycle. Have open and honest discussion about this.

How can I learn how to be a more effective leader?
 
Attend small group ministry training events. This one is essential. Learn from other leaders, talk with other leaders and receive training on important small group leadership essentials.

Borrow small group leadership resources from our library. You can find summaries of the resources on the RockPointe website.

Call your Small Groups Director for coaching if you run into any issues, or have any questions!