INTRODUCTION
So you want to be a small group leader, but are not sure what leading a small group is all about? If God has brought you to this point, it is evident that God has divinely orchestrated your life to begin leading a small group. Although it may seem impossible to do, God will be there every step of the way and will certainly provide you the amount of grace needed. Are you ready and willing to commit to seasons of servant leadership?
Although leading a small group demand the actions of commitment, faithfulness, and consistency to complete small group tasks; the most important action to remember is to take everything to God in prayer, as God is the source for every phase of small group development. Seeking God to provide for every area and aspect of small group growth, will provide an end result that will be God glorified. Please keep in mind that this instruction manual covers the surface of what is necessary to start a small group; however, purchasing the books from the bibliography will provide you with more detailed information on the entire process of leading a small group. Now you are wondering, how do you get started with small group leadership? The first half of this manual will explain what a small group is, will disclose biblical principles that founded small groups, and provide the motivational reasons for small group development. Ready to get started? On your mark, get set, go!
WHAT A SMALL GROUP IS
Andy Stanley describes a small group, “The small-group program is not an appendage; it is not a program we tacked onto an existing structure. The small group is part of our lifestyle.” This means, a small group is a small body of believers who make a conscious decision to live a Christian lifes...
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This essay will critically analyse and assess two specific group leadership theories that have been taught in the TL2087 module, it will then further Investigate and assess strategies for group leadership and management with the aim of meeting the given learning outcomes and specific needs of the group, in addition to that it will summarise the findings made and a conclusion will be drawn clearly outlining the key points highlighted in the essay.
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Leadership is a process whereby individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal (Northouse, 2013, p. 5).
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The book called Spiritual Leadership, by Henry and Richard Blackaby is about the being a leader. That the leader has a challenges that we have to face every day. It is also about being learn how to help other and lead them to the Lord.
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Through the process of this class I have been able to reflect and analyze how I am as a leader as well as a co-leader in a group setting. I believe throughout this process of being part of a group as a member and leader has help me further define the roles that I will play in group counseling in the future. The evolution that I am seeing are an abundance of growth in areas that I thought I was already comfortable in such as being an active listener and co-leading. I see that there are more to becoming a powerful leader and facilitator. There are various aspects of becoming a well rounded group leader as learning the skills to endure especially building your endurance. Also, being able to take risks, being competent and confidence in your ability to lead a group of any sorts. Moreover, I have found that my communication style has shifted especially learning about the process in which you communicate your informal introduction as well as the lingo that is being used as a counselor. Also, the way in which we approach each member of
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Group context: Leadership occurs in a group context. It takes place in groups and involves the process of influencing individuals in the group who have a common purpose.
After analyzing my fears regarding group leadership, I have become aware of the many different techniques that are used in helping future counselors develop the skills they need to become a competent group leaders. Although task, psycho-educational, counseling, and psychotherapy groups require a different individual leadership style, there is one thing that they all require of a leader, the competence to administer and conduct the group in a manner that will be beneficial for all its members.
To inspire and influence others, a leader must have many skills and abilities. As motivational speaker Jim Rohn, states, “ the challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” (2010) Moving an entire group of individuals toward a singular goal is a considerable undertaking. Without effective communication skills and a clear vision of what needs to be accomplished, one will feel like they are trying to herd cats rather than leading.