Each week’s study has four components: READ – includes a story of a modern day hero; WATCH – review a clip from the film; STUDY – dig into passages of Joshua; & LIVE – put what you are studying into practice.

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

It’s that time of year again! Thankfully we haven’t had any snowstorms yet (except the freak October snow), and with the Christmas season comes a few tips in leading your small group well. Here are some ideas to integrate this month:

1. Reflect on Christ’s mission. While Christ’s birth is a cute story in our culture, we need to remind ourselves of why Jesus came and how His salvation has impacted each of us. (Romans 5:18 “Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.”)
2. Rest. Many of you have already decided to break for the holidays, but for those who haven’t, consider taking a few weeks off because of extra work in the office and traveling.
3. Celebrate together. Find a time to gather as a group to celebrate what God has done in your group this year. What have been the greatest memories? How has He answered prayer? What is one thing He taught you this year?

You should use this season of Christmas to intentionally lead your group in reflection, rest, and celebration. We hope you have a great season of gathering with friends and family, and we’ll be praying for you as you lead your group!

Proper boundaries in the context of a small group permit the leader to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually available equally to all group members. But when do you help your small group member and when do you refer them?

Consider some of the following situations; what would you do? A small group member calls you 4-5 times per week for advice. A member of your small group loses his or her job and asks if they can borrow money from you or the group. A small group member becomes disruptive or monopolizes the conversation in almost every weekly meeting.

If you lead a group long enough, you’ll eventually run into circumstances like this, and being prepared will help you to tactfully respond with grace and wisdom. Every situation is different but, generally speaking, consider these 3 guidelines:

1. Know yourself. All of us have different backgrounds and training, and you need to be aware of what is in your range of experience and abilities when leading others who are in need.
2. Discern the issue. Pray for guidance as you help someone. If you are comfortable in the situation, continue to help. If it is too much to handle, please refer.
3. Know who to refer. Inform your coach or staff contact if there is any issue that is overwhelming for you. Your coach and the staff are here to help in situations like that!

Sometimes, a small group leader refuses to set proper boundaries because it feels wrong. Consider the two most common misperceptions about boundaries:

Misperception #1: Setting boundaries is selfish.
Misperception #2: Setting boundaries hurts people.

Let’s begin by addressing the first misperception. Far from being selfish, setting boundaries is simply good stewardship of the relationships to which God entrusts to each person. This does not mean you’re neglectful or unloving, but without saying “No” at certain times, you will burn out.

The second misperception is a natural way of thinking, but we need to train ourselves to realize that most people are respectful of the leader’s time and commitments. The group just needs to know! Rather than hurting people, a leader who sets boundaries actually makes him or herself available in a healthy way. Proper boundaries create space where relationships – all relationships – can flourish.

Remember, we do not expect you to be equipped to deal with every potential problem raised within the group, such as drug addiction, major depression, domestic violence, etc. If an issue is above your ability or experience, please let us know immediately so we can help.

Over the next two months we will be discussing boundaries with small group ministry. Have you ever felt drained by the demands of the relationships in your small group? If so, you probably need to review proper boundaries in ministry.

What do we mean by boundaries? A boundary is a mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual marker that distinguishes one person from another. In a setting where broken people engage in authentic and honest community, a small group leader’s understanding of boundaries is essential. Without proper boundaries a small group leader may lose him or herself in the context of relationships, may begin to feel overly responsible for others, and may become resentful for the time and energy that these relationships consume.

Even Jesus had boundaries and knew when he needed to get away and “recharge” with God. Matthew 14 describes how Jesus, after feeding the crowd of thousands, withdrew to the mountain with God. He could have preached more sermons; he could have healed more people; rather, Jesus pulled away from the crowd.

Jesus had boundaries, and we need them, too. It might not be leaving a crowd on a mountainside, but to be effective leaders, we must implement boundaries. Next time we will answer why leaders fear having boundaries and how it negatively impacts their ministry.

What is the motive behind reproducing leaders? One motive is helping fellow believers embrace what God has called them to be as mature Christians.

What is maturity in Christ for those in your small group? How would you describe it? Maturity in Christ is more than simply having someone join your small group and assigning them to bring cookies or to open the night in prayer. Maturity in Christ is leading others into their full potential in their giftedness. Many Christians are on the sidelines in ministry, and whether their reasons appear legitimate or not, they need to be spurred on in their service to the Body. That can take on several different forms, and for some that next step of maturing in their faith is leading a new small group.

This is the very thing that Paul “struggled with all his energy” (v.29). Are you expending your energy to develop those in your small group to be mature in Christ and take on greater leadership? It’s easy to let them attend each week, but how are you coaching them to be greater vessels in the hands of God?

Here in Acts 9, the church is described as having exponential growth throughout the entire region. And when the whole church multiplies and grows, there is a demand for new leaders to step up and embrace what God has called them to do. Developing new leaders is essential to being a healthy church. Developing new leaders calls believers to be faithful stewards of the gifts God has given them. Developing new leaders needs to be the mindset of every small group leader if we are to reach new spheres of influence within Washington, D.C. It might be hard; it might be out of your comfort zone; it might challenge you more than what you “signed up for” as a small group leader. But new leaders need to be trained and released for ministry if the gospel is to have a multiplying work in our area.

So who in your group is ready to lead? Are they able to lead a new 8 week group? Or who are you preparing to take on new leadership? If no one, what is your one year game plan to develop a new leader by next fall? Continue praying for the new leader God wants you to develop for leadership, then let them lead.