04 Dec Answers to Key Questions | Part 1

PURPOSE:  Occasionally Small Group Leaders run into situations that they may not know how to deal with. Here, we will address some of those questions and hopefully provide you with the best possible answers.

Q. Should I invite non-believers or people outside our church to my group?

A. The answer to this is a resounding ‘yes’ with an exception. Those who don’t belong to a life-giving church are more than welcomed to join your group. Since we need to have influence on outsiders, we encourage you to invite those new to the faith or even skeptics to your group.  Eventually, they may come to church and prayerfully come to believe.  However, those who already belong to another church, should not join your group.  You should encourage them to remain in the church they are in, serve, tithe and get connected there.  You cannot get planted, connected and involved if you are attending two different churches.

Q. What are some suggestions for tracking answers to prayer?

A. There are some great ways to track answered prayer: one of my favorites is getting a jar and a bunch of stones (you can purchase or use what you have around the house) and every-time God answers a prayer, you place a stone in the jar. Another way is to keep a journal, have someone in your group be in charge of recording requests and praise. This also helps you develop others by entrusting them with a meaningful task. Another way is to set up a group text, Facebook page or use the email feature from your Planning Center group.  Each week, jot down the requests and text, Facebook or email the group with answers to prayers and reminders to pray.

Q. What do I do if someone in my group has a struggle that I am not equipped to help them with?

 A. As Small group leaders, we are facilitators not counselors. Don’t go it alone.  Contact your coach, briefly fill them in on the situation and they will provide you with counseling information depending on the nature of the situation.

Q. I have a group member who believes in things that are not in the Bible, and shares them during group time, how do I approach this person without making them feel inadequate?

A. Be honest but be gentle. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.  Not all members of your group are going to be at the same level in their walk.  Those newer believers that come from religious backgrounds may find it difficult to let go of some of their beliefs and traditions.  We must speak the truth but be kind and gentle in doing so. Challenge this person (give them an assignment if you will) to come back to the next meeting having scripture to back up their belief. Don’t be argumentative especially in front of the whole group but always directing them to the truth.

Q. What if members don’t agree on some things in the Bible; for instance, the end times?

A. First off, your conversations should be directed by the guide you receive. However, there are times when, perhaps in your fellowship time or when someone goes off on a bunny trail, that these things come up. The answer to this is: we don’t divide over non-essentials.  This is a non-essential.  In essentials unity; in non-essentials liberty; in all things love.”  It does not matter what a person believes about the end times; salvation is not based on that.  However, the way in which one is saved is essential, that has everything to do with salvation.  In short, you need to understand what is essential and what is not, but always speak the truth in love.

Q. What if one argues the Essentials?

A. As a Christian and as a leader, you know that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). That without shed blood there is no remission of sins (Hebrews 9:11-28). You can gently point out these scriptures to this person.  Being firm, that this is not a point that can be argued.  The Bible is clear on what salvation is and in Whom we must put our faith.

Q. What if I have a member that only shows up occasionally and my group is full? How long before I do not consider them part of the group anymore?

A. Since your group is full and that person is keeping you from opening it up to others, you should reach out to them a few times and if they still don’t respond or not show, I would remove them from the group on Planning Center and have your coach open the group back up. Simply let them know you want to make room for those who want to be in group and let them know you will help them find another group that fits their availability or direct them to the Kiosk in the lobby.