The Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast: Recent Episodes
reallifegroupsleadership
A place where group leaders can gain tips, tools, and insights into leading and discipling their small groups.
In this special bonus episode of the podcast, Chris Short - Executive Team Leader and Host engages in a candid conversation with North Campus staff members Cory Speer, Adult Discipleship Ministry Leader, and Shelly Reeves, Women’s Discipleship Leader.
Together, they dig into the dynamics of Situational Leadership within Small Groups, exploring real-life scenarios that often emerge unexpectedly, such as marriage or parenting struggles, blended family issues, adoption challenges, and addiction concerns.
These unanticipated “situational” occurrences demand real-time responses, and the way we lead through them can help create an environment where transparency and authenticity thrive.
Key Discussion Points:
The importance of creating a culture of transparency: Fostering an environment where members feel safe to share their emotions and seek support from one another, following the example set by Jesus.
Leading with transparency: Dispelling the myth of perfection by sharing personal struggles as leaders, encouraging others to open up about their own challenges.
Handling disruptions: Navigating encounters with spiritual infants or individuals not yet born again who may disrupt group dynamics due to their level of maturity.
Maintaining an atmosphere of grace and appropriateness: Ensuring that all members feel accepted and supported, avoiding shaming individuals for their vulnerabilities.
Being sensitive to topics that may need to be discussed in gender specific groups or one on one discussions.
Guiding young believers: Walking alongside spiritual newcomers, modeling the grace and love of Jesus while teaching them the principles of Christian living and demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit.
You can download the shownotes for this episode here: Situational Leadership
To watch all episodes of this Podcast, go to:
Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast
We have some great tools that our leadership have made available for you to use!
· Right Now Media: (The Netflix of Bible Studies)
Real Life has gifted our people with a free membership to this platform! Find out more at this link. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/user/reallifeministries
Real Life Resources: This digital library contains over 500 tools and resources to help both you personally and those in your group. Podcasts, videos, books, studies and much more at this link. https://realliferesources.org/
If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to email us at realforlife@reallifeministries.com.
In this bonus episode of our podcast, Chris Short, Fred Bosse' and Sara Short discuss the Biblical model of Complementarianism that we follow at Real Life Ministries.
Believing that both men and women are equally valuable, this model highlights how God has given each of us different strengths and viewpoints. When men and women work together in ministry, it shows a more complete picture of who God is and helps groups function better. Imagine a group led by both a man and a woman, bringing their unique perspectives to the table before, during, and after the group time. This mix of viewpoints helps the group grow and work together more effectively.
Some of the things they cover are:
- Recognizing that men and women are equally important.
- Understanding that each gender has its own strengths and ways of seeing things, given by God.
- Showing how teamwork between men and women in ministry paints a fuller picture of God.
- Explaining how having both male and female leaders can make group meetings more effective.
- Describing what it might look like to have a man and a woman leading a group together.
- Highlighting how this mix of perspectives helps the group develop and function well.
Download the show notes for this episode here: Episode Show Notes
To watch all episodes of this Podcast go to: Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast
In this bonus episode of the Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast, Chris Short, Executive Pastor at Real Life Ministries, chats with Jenna Fore, Women's Ministry Lead at our Hayden Campus and Christian Putman, Adult Discipleship Ministry Lead at our Cd'A Campus, about the session they did on Intentional Leadership at the annual Group Leaders Training.
In this conversation, they share some of their best tips and tools for leading a group with intentionality. Here are some of things they suggest a leader does in order to lead like Jesus and effectively navigate the challenges faced in a group
- Ask a lot of questions: Asking questions shows that you are interested in and invested in the individuals in your group. It helps create a sense of relationship and encourages self-discovery. Asking questions is a good way to be intentional to show your interest in someone, which can lead them to feel safe enough to be more open with their responses.
- Be intentional: Just like Jesus, be intentional in addressing problems and forming relationships within the group. Take the time to understand the needs and concerns of each individual and address them with care and compassion.
- Connect outside of the group: It is important to connect with your group members outside of the regular group meetings. This can be through one-on-one conversations, social events, or even simple check-ins. Building relationships outside of the group setting helps to strengthen the bond and trust within the group.
- Establish group guidelines: Set clear and intentional guidelines for the group. These guidelines should outline expectations, values, and boundaries for the group members. Having guidelines in place helps to create a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
- Be proactive and reactive: As a group leader, it is important to set the tone of the group by being proactive in addressing potential issues and creating a positive atmosphere. However, it is also crucial to be prepared for difficult conversations that may arise on the fly. Approach these conversations with trust, relationship, and respect, and be open to finding solutions together.
- Be vulnerable: Share your own struggles and challenges with the group. By being vulnerable, you create a space for others to open up and share their own experiences. This fosters a sense of authenticity and trust within the group.
- Plant and water: Remember that as a group leader, your role is to plant seeds and water them, regardless of the visible results. Trust that God will bring the growth and focus on faithfully serving and supporting your group members.
We want to thank you for stepping up, and even stretching yourselves, to lead God's people here at Real Life. We know it isn't always easy, and we so appreciate your time, your prayer and trust in God, and your desire to love his people well.
Please let us know if there is anything you would like to see addressed in this podcast, and know that we are lifting you up in prayer and cheering you on as we walk this journey as disciples together!
Download Show Notes Here: https://reallifeministries.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Media/2024/Real+Life+Resources+/Groups+Leadership+Podcast+Season+2+Bonus+Episode+1+-+Intentional+Leadership.docx
Here are some more great tools that our leadership has made available for you to use!
- Right Now Media: (The Netflix of Bible Studies)
Real Life has gifted our people with a free membership to this platform! Find out more at this link. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/user/reallifeministries
- Real Life Resources: This digital library contains over 500 tools and resources to help both you personally and those in your group. Podcasts, videos, books, studies and much more at this link. https://realliferesources.org/
If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to email us at realforlife@reallifeministries.com.
Welcome to episode 10 of the Groups Leadership Podcast: 3 Tips for Branching a Small Group. In this final episode of season 2, our Host Chris Short has a candid conversation with Evan Meske and Fred Bosse' as they discuss some effective strategies for branching a small group. They emphasize that you can either branch well, or branch quickly, but you can't do both. Some of the topics they cover in this episode are:
- What does it mean to branch a group?
- Why is it important?
- What is a good reason to branch a group?
- What is a bad reason?
- How do you navigate the tension between relationship and the mission?
3 Tips to leading a branch effectively:
- Communication
- Talk about it often, vision cast it well, talk about the why
- Consideration
- Make sure every person feels wanted, welcomed, and valued
- Consider the perspective and emotions of everyone in the group
- Celebration
- People aspire to what is celebrated
- It encourages people and makes them feel supported
These 3 things will help you avoid:
- Isolation
- Feelings of being left out, unimportant
- Speculation
- People will make assumptions that are usually not correct or healthy
- Frustration
- Focusing on the negative aspects of the situation
You can download show notes for this episode at the link below:
Show Notes
You can go to the podcast website at the link below:
Groups Leadership Podcast
Here are some more great tools that our leadership has made available for you to use!
- Right Now Media: (The Netflix of Bible Studies)
Real Life has gifted our people with a free membership to this platform! Find out more at this link. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/user/reallifeministries
- Real Life Resources: This digital library contains over 500 tools and resources to help both you personally and those in your group. Podcasts, videos, books, studies and much more at this link. https://realliferesources.org/
We're excited to present part two of our Worship as Discipleship Podcast. Our host, Chris Short, Executive Pastor at Real Life Ministries, is joined once again by Aaron Short, Worship Pastor at the Post Falls Campus and Jeremy Ellis, Worship Arts Development Pastor.
In this episode, they delve into the topic of worship environments and how they impact our spiritual growth. Today's discussion focuses on the contrasting experiences of large group and small group worship settings. They emphasize the importance of both types of environments for fostering spiritual growth in both individuals and small group members alike.
Join us as we look at the significance of these worship environments and their role in deepening our walk with the Lord, and with others. It's going to be an enlightening conversation that will leave you feeling inspired about your own personal journey in worship, and help you lead your group members to recognize this important aspect of their own journey.
0000000000 Their conversation will help you:* Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of both large and small gatherings in the Church * Discover the values and significance of each gathering according to Acts 2:42, 47 * Learn how coming together as a collective group can build and strengthen the church brick by brick * Understand the benefits of forming deeper relationships within smaller group settings * Uncover the balance between vertical focus and forming meaningful connections with others
The importance of both large and small gatherings for our Spiritual growth cannot be overstated. In Acts 2:42, 47, we see that the 1st Century Church understood the value of both types of gatherings. It is not a matter of choosing one over the other.00000000The Bible says that we are living stones, building the church up brick by brick. And just like a single brick or stone doesn't build something on its own, the Church is formed through the coming together of individuals. Each person plays a vital role in this process, just as each brick or stone supports and relies on others to create a complete structure.000000000On the other hand, it is challenging to forge deep connections with hundreds or thousands of people in larger gatherings. This is why smaller group gatherings, such as meeting in each other's homes, are crucial. In these intimate settings, there is still a vertical focus on God but with an added emphasis on developing meaningful relationships with fellow believers. The book of Acts models believers engaging in both environments - both large and small gatherings hold significant value. They offer unique opportunities for collective worship and fellowship while also allowing us to establish deeper connections within a smaller community. Something that Jesus also modeled for us in his time on Earth.000000000Our Life Groups provide a unique opportunity for deeper discussions and exploration of the sermon series. While attending service, we receive the message and then meet during the week in smaller groups to discuss its personal implications and applications in our own lives. The whole dynamic changes when we bring the information and inspiration from the Weekend Service into our Small Groups. The group becomes a space for application and transformation, as we actively live out what we have been taught. [bctt tweet="“Weekend Services provide a place for INFORMATION and INSPIRATION Small Groups provide a place for APPLICATION and TRANSFORMATION” " via="no"]000000000This discussion ends with the reminder that we should embrace our identity as worshipers of the Living God in every aspect of our lives - at home, at work, and everywhere else. Our actions speak louder than words, demonstrating who we are rather than simply what we do in any given situation. 000000000Mentioned in this episode:
Right Now Media: The Worship Dilemma
Here are some more great tools that our leadership has made available for you to use!
- Right Now Media: (The Netflix of Bible Studies)
Real Life has gifted our people with a free membership to this platform! Find out more at this link. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/user/reallifeministries
- Real Life Resources: This digital library contains over 500 tools and resources to help both you personally and those in your group. Podcasts, videos, books, studies and much more at this link. https://realliferesources.org/
If you would like to download the show notes for this episode, click below:
Worship As Discipleship Part 2 Show Notes
If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to email us at realforlife@reallifeministries.com.
In this episode of the podcast, our host Chris Short - Real Life Ministries Executive Pastor, speaks with our guests about the role worship plays in discipleship. Today's guests are:
Jeremy Ellis - Worship Arts Development Pastor at the Post Falls Campus
Aaron Short - Worship Leader at the Post Falls Campus
Some of the points covered in this conversation are:
- What is worship? Why does it matter?
- How to grow in spiritual maturity through worship
- Discover how worship goes beyond music and impacts every aspect of your life
- Learn practical ways to cultivate a lifestyle of worship in small groups and as leaders
- Understand the value and priority of worship in your relationship with God - Explore how redefining worship can transform your attitude and perspective
- See the impact of worship on your relationships, including marriages, and the importance of prioritizing it
- Become a true disciple by submitting and obeying in both actions and heart
Discipleship represents the lifelong process of becoming a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. One aspect of discipleship that is often overlooked is worship. Worship, both individually and in community, plays a crucial role in discipleship, shaping our hearts and minds to be more like Christ.
In this episode, we explore the connection between worship and discipleship, highlighting the ways in which worship can transform our lives and deepen our relationships with God and others in every sphere of life.
Worship is not only about music or a Sunday service. It is about giving value, attention, and adoration to something. Worship impacts our lives by stirring up affection towards God and taking it from our heads to our hearts.
As leaders, we have a responsibility to model the importance of worship to those around us. Just as we wouldn't skip a date night with our spouse because we didn't feel like we were getting anything out of it, we should approach worship with the same commitment and obedience.
Ultimately, worship is about our hearts and our relationship with God, and it should be a priority in our lives as disciples.
Some of the resources mentioned in this episode are:
Family Worship by Donald S. Whitney
Right Now Media: The Worship Dilemma
Welcome to Episode 7 of the Groups Leadership Podcast! Today Chris Short – the host of this podcast and Executive Team Leader at Real Life Ministries, is chatting with two of the leaders from our Real Life Hayden Campus:
Wayne Burnham: Associate Pastor/ Real Life Hayden
Jenna Fore: Women’s Discipleship Leader/ Real Life Hayden
The topic today is small group discussions, and how we as leaders can help make a group discussion truly impactful. Doing this requires certain building blocks that promote depth and meaningful exchange. This episode explores these building blocks and provides practical tips on how to create and facilitate an impactful group discussion. By incorporating these elements, you can ensure that your group discussions are productive, engaging, and contribute to the overall relationships and spiritual growth of your group.
What are some of the elements that help create a good discussion?
Group Participation
Create a safe space where group members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Provide opportunity to go deeper
Create a space where individuals are not afraid to express their opinions and are open to receiving feedback from others.
Everyone is heard
Set guidelines for respectful communication and ensure everyone's voice is heard and acknowledged.
People are challenged to grow
Encourage group members to think critically, question assumptions, and consider different viewpoints.
What are some of the things that can derail a good discussion?
- Unsafe environment/lack of confidentiality
- Overtalking/Oversharing
- No “I” statements
- Divisiveness/Gossip
Listed below are some additional things our guests shared about how you as a leader can help create an environment where great discussions can take place.
- Be prepared
- Be intentional
- Remain curious
- Know your people
- Be Prayerful
Remember, the goal of a discussion is not just to cover all the questions, but to create an atmosphere where individuals can experience growth and transformation. Let the Holy Spirit guide the conversation and trust that impactful discussions will occur.
Last of all, remember that personal growth is a lifelong journey, and it may take time to see tangible results in your group. We encourage you to be patient and persevere, and be sure you recognize and celebrate the small steps your group is making along the way.
You can download one of our Basic Group Templates by clicking below:
Basic Group Template
You can download our Small Group Guidelines by clicking below:
Guidelines Bookmark
Check out our “Why does my small group need guidelines?” video by clicking below:
https://youtu.be/RxZtlCr6Rm4
Here are some more great tools that our leadership has made available for you to use!
-
Right Now Media: (The Netflix of Bible Studies)Real Life has gifted our people with a free membership to this platform! Find out more at this link. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/user/reallifeministries
-
Real Life Resources: This digital library contains over 500 tools and resources to help both you personally and those in your group. Podcasts, videos, books, studies and much more at this link. https://realliferesources.org/
If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to email us at realforlife@reallifeministries.com.
In today’s episode, our guests represent over 40 Life Groups at our Post Falls Campus – Sara Short and Jesse Hill join host Chris Short to talk about the different stages of a Group. In this conversation they bring up why these stages are needed in a group, how you can determine what stage your group is in, and how to navigate them through that stage. Here are some of highlights of their discussion.
- Where did the idea of group stages come from?
- What are the 5 stages and how can you tell what one your group is in?
- What are some of the indicators you should be looking for?
- The different stages: Forming, Storming, Norming, Ministering and Multiplying.
- How do the stages correlate with Real Life Ministries SCMD process?
- What are some things that can stall group growth?
- Why is the Storming stage important to further growth?
- Why does the Norming stage have the potential to be harmful to a group?
- Where do we see these stages in the Early Church?
Below are two PDF tools you can utilize as you coach and guide your group through these 5 stages.
https://bit.ly/GroupDevelopmentStages
https://bit.ly/GroupStageCards
You can download the pdf of these show notes here: Show Notes
We have some great tools that our leadership have made available for you to use!
- Right Now Media: (The Netflix of Bible Studies)
Real Life has gifted our people with a free membership to this platform! Find out more at this link. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/user/reallifeministries
- Real Life Resources: This digital library contains over 500 tools and resources to help both you personally and those in your group. Podcasts, videos, books, studies and much more at this link. https://realliferesources.org/
If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to email us at realforlife@reallifeministries.com.
Chris Short is back with another episode of our Podcast. In this episode Chris is again talking with Santha Yinger and Mike Wraith, about recognizing and responding to crisis situations in the lives of your group members. Here are some of the topics they address in this episode:
- How do we define Crisis?
A person is considered to be in crisis when they are no longer able to function at their normal level -It can look different for everyone. We are not necessarily all in crisis over the same things.
There are many things that can cause a person or family to get to that crisis stage. Sometimes even life change can cause a reaction - moving to a new place, a new job, changing schools.
- How can the group support (not fix) each other when one of us is going through a crisis? How can we de-escalate the situation?
Compassion and curiosity - It is important that we understand what is going on before we try to step into it. It is also important to validate and acknowledge people feelings in these situations - that is not to say we agree or condone - it just means we hear that they are struggling.
Active listening means being present and sometimes repeating back what you have heard. We may not have experienced what they are experiencing but we can recognize that they are in pain.
Be sure to give people the space they need to share their experience. Giving them time at the end of their sentence, asking them when they pause “what else is going on” People won’t usually be up front with all of their struggles right away – but they will continue to share if they see we genuinely care and honestly want to hear them.
One of the most important things you can do when someone is in crisis is just giving them the gift of your presence. Active listening means being present and sometimes repeating back what you have heard.
We aren't required to fix things – We need to avoid problem solving in the crisis moments.
- When it comes to a life group - what is an example of a crisis that might need some intervention and/or outside help?
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- Suicide
- Self-Harm
- Self-Medicating (Not just drugs and alcohol - could be gaming, shopping, binge watching)
- Eating Disorders - Unhealthy relationship with food
This is such an important topic, and we appreciate all of our leaders and your willingness to love your people well! Remember you are not alone - our groups team is here to offer support and resources and a listening ear when you need one!
Some of the resources mentioned in this episode:
Movie: Inside Out (link to trailer)
Real Life Post Falls Classes: https://www.reallifeministries.com/classes
Real Life Mental Health Resources: https://www.reallifeministries.com/mentalhealthresources
Real Life Ministries Counseling & Community Resource Guide:
We also have some great tools that our leadership have made available for you to use!
- Right Now Media: (The Netflix of Bible Studies)
Real Life has gifted our people with a free membership to this platform! Find out more at this link. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/user/reallifeministries
- Real Life Resources: This digital library contains over 500 tools and resources to help both you personally and those in your group. Podcasts, videos, books, studies and much more at this link. https://realliferesources.org/
If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to email us at: realforlife@reallifeministries.com.
In this episode Chris Short - Executive Pastor at Real Life Ministries is joined by Santha Yinger: Mental Health & Wellness Ministry Lead, and Mike Wraith: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (and Life Group leader!) and they are talking about the very important topic of promoting mental wellness in your Life Group.
Some of the things they cover are:
Why does our awareness of mental health matter when it comes to leading a life group?
Everyone has the need for Mental Wellness, and every one of us has a Mental Health that God has given us to steward, just as we are responsible for our physical health and well being.
We need to be careful not to label people - there is a stigma when it comes to mental health, but we need to approach it just as we would any physical struggle or illness.
Community is a key factor to Mental Health, but it takes time to build it. Life Groups provide an opportunity for connection, especially when they are places where the members can be transparent and feel safe.
As group leaders, we need to become students of the patterns of the people in the group. If we are able to recognize their patterns we will be able to notice when things are off.
Remember that the responsibility for the people in your group is not all on your shoulders! Encourage relationships and connections to develop between the different members as they spend time together inside and outside of group.
And don't forget that you always have your coaches and campus leaders to turn to if you have questions or needs.
You can download the show notes by clicking below:
The Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast: Season 2 Ep4 part 1 Show Notes
For more resources go to https://realliferesources.org/
Registration is opening soon for our Mental Health Response Basics Class happening at our Post Falls Campus. Gain some basic understanding of recognizing stressors, symptoms of mental distress, some basic responses, wellness practices and de-escalation techniques.
Check it out here: https://www.reallifeministries.com/classes
Welcome to Episode 3 of our 2nd Season of the Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast! In this episode Chris Short is joined by his wife Sara Short as co-host for our conversation about Mentoring. We have two seasoned Mentors in the room – Randy and Debbi McEnespy. Randy has been an elder at Real Life for many years, and Debbie is a former staff member at Real Life and is now a full-time volunteer here. Both have mentored many people, both individuals and couples, in their walk as disciples of Jesus, and we are excited to share their wisdom with you!
Some of the things they share:
- What is mentoring? How is it different from Discipleship?
- How can being mentored impact someone’s life?
- How does mentoring work in conjunction with a small group?
- Is one-on-one time important?
- Some things are more appropriate to address with a mentor than with a small group.
- How can a lack of mentorship affect our lives?
- How do you go about finding a mentor? Or finding someone to mentor?
- Do you have to be a certain age to be a mentor?
- Is the small group leader responsible to mentor all the members of their group?
- Don’t let fear hold you back!
- 2 Timothy 2:2
- One voice, speaking wisdom, can change the legacy of a family.
Thank you for joining us today! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to us on your favorite pod catcher. And please feel free to share it with others!
We have some great tools that our leadership have made available for you to use!
- Right Now Media: (The Netflix of Bible Studies) Real Life has gifted our people with a free membership to this platform! Find out more at this link. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/user/reallifeministries
- Real Life Resources: This digital library contains over 500 tools and resources to help both you personally and those in your group. Podcasts, videos, books, studies and much more at this link. https://realliferesources.org/
If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to email us at realforlife@reallifeministries.com.
This month on the Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast, our host Chris Short sits down with Fred Bosse' (Groups Team Leader - Post Falls Campus) and Christian Putman (Groups Pastor - CDA Campus) to talk about how often, and why, the Bible refers to leaders as shepherds, and what does that mean to us today?
Some of the points they address include:
What does it mean to be a Shepherd?
- The Bible talks about God being a shepherd, and Jesus says "I am the good shepherd."
- The Bible also refers to people as sheep - is that a compliment?
- Why does the Bible use sheep and shepherds as an analogy so often?
- What did it mean to be a shepherd in Biblical times - was it an honored profession?
- What is God saying in Ezekiel 34 to the leaders of Israel about shepherding?
- Who are the shepherds? Isn't that just the paid staff?
What are some practical aspects of leading like a shepherd?
- You can't feed others if you are not feeding yourself. You don't bypass being a sheep yourself - you are under the care of the Good Shepherd.
- Knowing your people well is so important - know if they are not going to church and why - know the condition of their hearts.
- You may need to pursue your people outside of group to shepherd them well.
- The hired hand flees when danger comes for the sheep - don't lead with the mindset of checking a box.
- Allow God to guide you as a shepherd, seek the Holy Spirit's leading.
- The importance of Break Out Groups - Women need to be led and to lead too. (shepherdess)
There is no secret formula and we don't need to overcomplicate this topic - it is simply loving people well. It may not be easy, but it is simple! Leaders - what you are doing does make a difference!
Thank you for listening to our podcast! Be sure to subscribe - they come out on the first day of the month but we occasionally will publish bonus episodes
Some of the resources they mention in this episode are listed below:
The Way of the Shepherd - Kevin Leman
Lead like a Shepherd - Larry Osborn
Right Now Media - Lead like a Shepherd
We have some great tools that our leadership have made available for you to use!
- Right Now Media: (The Netflix of Bible Studies)
Real Life has gifted our people with a free membership to this platform! Find out more at this link. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/user/reallifeministries
- Real Life Resources: This digital library contains over 500 tools and resources to help both you personally and those in your group. Podcasts, videos, books, studies and much more at this link. https://realliferesources.org/
If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to email us at realforlife@reallifeministries.com.
Welcome to Season 2 of the Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast! We are kicking off this season with an episode about curriculum and resources – what do we have available and how do you choose what is best for your group? Our host Chris Short – Executive Pastor at Real Life Ministries is joined this time by Sharyl Williams – Digital Resource Lead, and Derek and Heather Dalton – Groups Pastor and Women’s Discipleship Lead, all from the Post Falls Campus. We are planning to pack Season 2 of the podcast full of helpful and encouraging content – and this episode is a great start!
Here are some of the things they discuss:
- There are many things you should take into consideration when determining what study or curriculum you should lead your group through.
- What season are you in as a group? (Just starting? Long time relationships?
- Who is in your group? What season of life are they in?
- Remember that the choice of study or topic is secondary to the goal of the group – which is growing in Spiritual maturity.
- God’s Word in any form is living and active and He is going to meet us wherever we are. The things that need to be dealt with will come up.
- When you combine God’s Word with God’s people, God’s Spirit is going to show up.
- Our hearts should be that of: How are we going to help God’s people love God and love others well.
- We need to know our people well enough to be able to determine what they may need, where they need growth.
- Should you follow the sermon series or go with a separate study?
- You group should not be a democracy when it comes time to choose.
- Have separate discussions to find out what people would like, that way they will feel heard and be willing to give honest suggestions rather then being swayed by the most vocal person.
- There will be times when it is important to go with a sermon series or topic that the leadership would like the church to be aligned on.
- Ultimately, as the leader you will be the best one to make a decision as to what would be the best choice for the current season.
- Be sure you take advantage of your leaders and coaches and ask them for suggestions or recommended studies.
- We have some great tools that our leadership have made available for you to use!
- Right Now Media: (The Netflix of Bible Studies)Real Life has gifted our people with a free membership to this platform! Find out more at this link. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/user/reallifeministries
- Real Life Resources: This digital library contains over 500 tools and resources to help both you personally and those in your group. Podcasts, videos, books, studies and much more at this link. https://realliferesources.org/
- We also have a page on our main website specifically for our group leaders, with training videos, announcements, and other leader resources at this link.
https://www.reallifeministries.com/lgresources
Thank you so much for joining us on the Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast! If you enjoy this podcast and find value in the content, please help us by subscribing and sharing it with others! If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to email us at realforlife@reallifeministries.com.
In this, our tenth episode of the Groups Leadership Podcast, Chris Short: Real Life Executive Pastor is joined once again by Sara Short from our Women’s Discipleship Team with the Post Falls Campus - and Evan Meske one of our Groups Pastors, also with our Post Falls Campus.
This trio of friends (two are spouses but hopefully friends too!) take time out today to answer some of the most commonly asked questions that come up from our small group leaders. They hit some of the tough questions head on and bring a wealth of experience and wisdom to the table, with a touch of humor woven throughout.
Here are the questions they address:
-
When is the best time to branch a group?
-
How should we handle Hot Topics in the group?
-
How should we handle doctrinal issues when someone wants to turn a secondary issue into a primary/core one?
-
How long do we pursue someone who is a part of our group if they have stopped attending either church or group?
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When is it time to actually remove someone from a group?
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What if your group seems to be stuck?
Be sure to watch the video at the end – it is a Real Life story of a life change from a group at our North Campus. A great testimony of the impact a small group can have on the lives of the members and those around them.
You can download the complete show notes at the link below!
https://bit.ly/RLGLPEp10ShowNotes
You can find more resources like this at realliferesources.org
Today's topic is 5 Keys to Starting Well.
With many years combined experience in leading and working with small groups, we have seen a few things that help groups succeed - in this podcast we are sharing 5 key things that we have found to be helpful in either starting or restarting a group well. Cory Speer (North Campus Groups Pastor) and Dre' Bloomer (Women's Discipleship Leader) talk with our host, Chris Short (Executive Pastor) about their first group experiences, and how important it is for groups to start well.
Here are some of the things they discuss:
- What are some challenges that might come up when kicking off groups?
- How can an expectation gap effect the group?
- You only get one chance to make a good first impression - be intentional with it!
- Sometimes it is helpful for a group to “reboot”.
- Make time for some fun!
- As we grow in relationship with each other, God is changing us and growing us in our maturity. This is the foundation of why we are getting together as a group - and why it matters.
Five Key Elements of an Effective Small Group
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Relational Environment
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Biblical Foundation
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Intentional Leader
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Reproducible Disciple Making Process
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Church Unity
We hope you enjoy this episode! To find more discipleship tools go to www.realliferesources.org
To watch the video version of this episode click below:
Ep. 9: 5 Keys to Starting Well
In this episode our host Chris Short sits down with Sara Short (Women's Discipleship Leader) and Shannon Kay (Women's Team Leader) who are both on staff at the Real Life Post Falls Campus. They are covering the topic of Host Homes and Childcare, and the things that impact the environment of a small group.
Some of the the topics they cover include:
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What if there are pets in the Host Home?
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Should our group be child-friendly?
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How important is it that we end on time?
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What should the group do during Holidays and Summer Break?
Setting expectations up front in a group helps avoid frustrations down the road. Each group will look a little different depending on their specific dynamics. What matters is that you have a clear and defined plan.
We are including a downloadable list that covers some of the common details you may need to work through when setting up the expectations for your group. We hope you find it helpful and that you are able to create a welcoming and safe environment where your members can grow deeper in relationship with each other and with God!
Click below to download the pdf:
General Expectations for Small Group Environments
The two newest members to the Post Falls Adult Ministries Team, Andy Ubert and Riley Shields, talk with Chris Short today about some of the different stages and season that come up in a small group. A leader should have a good awareness of how these things can affect the dynamics and plans of a group.
Here are some of the things they cover in this episode:
- Clear Expectations
- Knowing where your people are at
- Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing
- Correct pronunciation of Minnesota
- Using the SCMD process
There are many unique stages of a small group. A New Group of people who are just getting to know each other is in a much different stage than a group who has existing relationship and trusts each other.
There are also seasons that happen in any given year we have to be aware of. In our area that looks like 4 unique seasons - some related to weather and some related to holidays. Still others are related to the community calendar. But if we act like they don’t exist they can hurt our groups momentum.
Group leaders need to have both awareness and intentionality as they help their groups walk through some of the different stages and seasons that come up throughout the year.
This month Chris Short (Real Life Ministries Executive Team Leader) sits down with Heather Dalton (Real Life Women's Discipleship Leader, Post Falls Campus) and Evan Meske (Real Life Groups Pastor, Post Falls Campus) to talk about asking great questions - a very helpful topic for someone leading a small group discussion! Heather and Evan are part of the Post Falls Campus team that puts together the group discussion questions that go along with the weekly sermon notes. They talk about the importance of questions in the realm of building relationships and going deeper with each other and with God.
"When people process out loud, they are either forming, reinforcing, or challenging their own belief systems." Evan Meske
Some of the things discussed in this episode are: * In the New Testament Jesus asked over 300 questions that he already knew the answers to - Why? * What is the goal of asking questions? * What are the benefits of helping people process out-loud? * How does answering questions in a group context encourage relationship? * What makes asking questions an important part of discipleship? * Is it alright for a leader to pick and choose questions rather than going through all of them? * Why should we begin with surface level questions? * How important are follow-up questions? * What can a leader do about rabbit trails that happen in the group discussion?
You can find more resources at realliferesources.org
You may also be interested in this post from Jim Putman on asking questions:
Why You Need to ask Your Disciples Questions to Help Them Grow
In this episode Chris Short (Real Life Executive Pastor) sits down to have a conversation with Blake Whiteman (Real Life Cda Campus Pastor) and Travis Anderson (Real Life Small Group Leader) regarding what it looks like to take Discipleship outside the circle of a small group. Sometimes the time group members spend together outside of the weekly small group time can have even more impact than the time spent in the group.
Some of the things covered in this conversation:
- Is there more to group than what happens in 90 minutes every week?
- How can I continue group time outside of the group?
- How do we earn "relational equity" with others?
- How can I get group members connected with each other?
- How and why to be intentional about scheduling time for relationship outside of group.
- Look for places and activities that are already in place that you could use as connect time. Go where the people are.
- We are never done growing as a disciple.
Thank you so much for watching! You can find more resources at realliferesources.org
If you have any questions or ideas for topics please feel free to email us at realforlife@reallifeministries.com
This month Chris Short is joined by Derrick Dalton - Real Life Post Falls Campus Groups Pastor, and Wayne Burnham - Real Life Hayden Campus Groups Pastor, and they discuss how, when and why we as leaders should be prepared to deal with any conflict that might arise in and around our small groups.
Some of the topics they cover are:
- Conflict is not inevitable, but it is probable.
- Conflict is normal when people are involved.
- There is a constructive way to build and maintain relationship even in the midst of conflict.
- Typical landmines in small group include:
- Different doctrinal backgrounds
- Different relational difference
- Different cultural filters
- A landmine is a hidden issue that can be exposed.
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How do we navigate the different landmines we encounter proactively?
- Be prayed up!
- Utilize the Small Group Guidelines.
- Study and pray over the content before the group.
- Remember we will fight for relationship and unity!
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How do we navigate the different landmines we encounter reactively?
- Deal with it quickly.
- Go directly to the person - Praise in public but consult in private.
- Own your part.
- Move towards unity and resolution
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Deal with things Biblically - fight for relationship not in relationship.
Next Steps:
Initiate - Communicate - and Checkmate the enemy.
Remember that the world will know us by our love for one another - people are watching.
Are we as disciples:
- Loving Well
- Being Noticeable
- Living Courageously
Remember we are never alone and never without hope. There are people here ready to help you! Reach out to a coach or a pastor.
Guidelines for Small Group Discussions
You can also go to realliferesources.org to find more podcasts, study guides, books and videos to help you become equipped for being and making disciples of Jesus!
In this episode of the Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast, host Chris Short is joined by Real Life Ministries Post Falls Groups Team Leader Fred Bosse', and Shannon Kay - Real Life Ministries Post Falls Women's Team Leader. They are talking today about some of the things that can (unintentionally) ruin a small group. The three specific things they discuss are:
- Focus only on Content
- Focus only on Relationship
- Fear and Avoid Conflict
Our focus is creating small groups where people grow in spiritual maturity in relationship. That means both relationship and Biblical content need to be present. Relationship is the bridge of trust that allows us to move towards seeing lives change.
The key word is intentionality. Our small group "event" needs to be balanced with both relational time and deep discussion.
One of the things that causes relationships to struggle and trust to be lost is unresolved conflict. This can ruin the whole dynamic of a group. We can't avoid conflict because where there are people it will happen, but we can make sure to the best of our ability that we work through it and resolve it.
Fred and Shannon share some great tips and examples of how to avoid these things that can ruin a group, and to work towards building a relational group that is growing in spiritual maturity.
Some of the resources mentioned in this episode:
Guidelines for Small Group Discussion
The Real Life Discipleship Training Manual
The Way of the Shepherd
The Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders
In this episode of the Real Life Group Leadership Podcast, host Chris Short welcomes Bill Krause - Real Life Family Pastor and Sara Short - Women's Leader at the Post Falls Campus. Their discussion is centered on how you, as a Small Group Leader, can help encourage and strengthen the marriages of those in your group. Both Bill and Sara bring a wealth of experience to the topic, and they each have a unique perspective that will give you different tools to put into play right away as you shepherd your group.
Some of the things they address are:
- What kind of impact do small groups have on marriages?
- What impact does serving in ministry have on a marriage?
- How can a small group strengthen the marriages of it’s members?
- What part does the leader play?
- What happens if group members are not transparent about their marriage struggles? How can you as a leader dig a little deeper?
- What are you asking from me as a leader? Am I expected to be a marriage counselor?
- How should group leaders respond in a reactive situation?
- What do you do if a member expects you to take on their problems for them?
RESOURCES:
We want to encourage all of you as leaders to take advantage of our classes on marriage that are available. We want our leaders marriages to be the healthiest - you are only going to lead as healthy as you are.
You can check out the current classes by clicking below: https://www.reallifeministries.com/classes
You can download the Marriage Scripture Prayer Cards Bill mentions here: Marriage Scriptures Prayer Cards
You can find videos and studies on marriage on Right Now Media at the link below. (Remember - if you are a member of Real Life Ministries you can utilize this platform for free.)
Right Now Media: Marriage
Click below to download your free copy of the eBook Built To Last, written by Chris and Sara Short and the Real Life Marriage Team.
Built to Last
You can download a transcript of this episode HERE
Episode Notes:
In this episode host Chris Short is joined by Cory Speer, and Evan Meske, who have a combined 30 years of small group leadership experience and have helped, coached and given direction to group leaders on this topic dozens of times.
In this episode they are addressing two common challenges that often arise for small group leaders - What do you do when you have a group member who tends to dominate the discussion time, or conversely, one who never contributes to the discussion?
At Real Life Ministries, we believe Small Groups are very important not only to the spiritual growth and health of our church members, they are important to the very mission of our church and the great commission of Jesus – making Biblical disciples. Our small groups are meant to be an environment where relationships can grow, and in order to do that we need to get to know each other. Everyone’s story is important.
Some of the things covered in this episode:
- How do I manage the tension in the group as an Intentional Leader?
- Why is structure within the group important?
- Setting the culture in the group – safe environment.
- Confrontation: Inside and outside the group.
- The people aren’t the problem – they are the goal
Some of the tips shared deal with:
- Small Group Guidelines
- Invite someone else into the conversation
- Seating arrangement
- Eye Contact from the Leader – how you engage the room.
They close out the episode sharing some next steps for growth and resources for you as a group leader.
Here are a couple of quotes from the episode:
“Remember the people aren’t the problem we are trying to solve – they are actually the goal. The problem we are trying to solve is Intentional Leadership.” Evan Meske
“The challenge Group Leaders face is this: How do I take a group of people and give them opportunity to share, with me and with one another, so that we can know where people are at and meet them there and help them grow?” Evan Meske
Thank you so much for joining us for the podcast – we hope you feel encouraged, energized and better equipped to lead your group. We want you to know that we are grateful for the investment you make each week as you reach the world for Jesus and Make Biblical disciples in relational environments.
Download Small Group Discussion Guidelines
You can find more resources at realliferesources.org
Is there something specific you would like to see on this podcast? Have a question or comment? We would love to hear from you!
Email us @ realforlife@realifeministries.com