Begin your group meeting by looking up the following verses together, and answering the following question: "What theme do these passages have in common?"

Proverbs 11:9,12; 12:6; 16:24,27; 22:11

Ecclesiastes 10:12

Romans 14:19

Ephesians 4:29

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Hebrews 10:24-25

Then hand out enough slips of paper so that each person has one piece for everyone else in the group. Ask the members to write down one trait (only one) that they admire about each group member and put that member's name on the paper.

Collect all the papers and give each member the slips with his or her name on them. Have each person read aloud what is written on the slips. This may feel awkward to some people because they are not accustomed to being showered with affirmation of their good qualities. Encourage them to do it just the same—affirma­tion is healing and refreshing for the soul!

As each member reads his or her slips, allow time for other members to echo the ideas. You will hear things like "That's right; you really do make people feel immediately at ease," and "You know, I think you have a way with words as well!" The exercise is quite self-revealing. Members will say things like "I never knew anyone saw this in me," and "I didn't know I was like this."

FOUR SUGGESTIONS:

1. Give yourselves plenty of time so that this exercise together is not rushed. The experience of affirmation should be savored and enjoyed.
2. If any members are absent, fill out slips of paper for them too and give the slips to them later.
3. Do this exercise only after the group has had a chance to know one another. Other­wise, they will not know what to affirm.
4. Only statements of affirma­tion should be given in this exercise. Do not allow any other kind of feedback to be given.

Tip excerpted from the Small Group Archives of NavPress, © 2003, by The Navigators. All Rights Reserved. 

Do you have expectations for your small group(s)? Are you communicating your expectations? While expectations vary from ministry to ministry and group to group; Ministry leaders, small group leaders and members of small groups all have expectations. What will they get from and give to their group. Expectations help people to define and evaluate their experiences. Here are four “Great Expectations” for Bible study groups.

1. Expect to get to know God better; expect Him to become more real in your life.
2. Expect to hear what other people are learning from God; expect new ideas and new points of view, and different perspectives.
3. Expect to know the Bible better; expect to discover the excitement of follow Christ afresh.   
4. Expect to get to know a group of people better so you can pray for them, and they for you.

 “Great Expectations” what are yours? What are your leaders? What are your group members? The only way to know is to ask.

Tool excerpted from the Small Group Archives of NavPress, © 1996, by The Navigators. All Rights Reserved. 

Tip excerpted from the Small Group Archives of NavPress, © 2005, by The Navigators. All Rights Reserved.

Starting your new group with a mini retreat can be a shot in the arm for your group. It will put them light years ahead in their group identity. The continuous time together that a retreat provides can accelerate the group building process necessary for new groups. Activities planned for such a retreat should encourage members to mix and mingle with one another. That might take months to transpire in regular meeting times.

The goal should be 100 percent participation by all group members. A member’s absence is more keenly felt by both the group and the absentee. Though such an attendance goal makes scheduling the event more difficult. The task is usually not impossible. You may need to short­en the event to assure full atten­dance, but a full day with total participation is better than a weekend with several members missing.

Keep in mind that prayer is critical as preparation for a successful time away together. Be creative about how you split meals, where you stay, what you will study or discuss. Be sure you have a clear purpose and carefully plan the weekend.

Tool excerpted from the Small Group Archives of NavPress, © 2000, by The Navigators. All Rights Reserved. 

1. What are you doing in your ministry that seems to be effective?
2. What resource should BZone tell its readers about?
3. What's the biggest problem you face as a small-group and Bible study leader?

What do you think of BZone?

1. How can we improve?
2. What information, regular features, or resources would you like to see?

Feel free to answer one or all of the questions by clicking on the link below.

BZone Talkback
Send Comments to bzone@navpress.com