“Small Group Playbook”
Consider sharing contact information so the group can encourage each other between meetings.
Pick your curriculum well in advance, and fix your meeting dates for at least the next two months. Consistency is important!
Eating together is a little complicated, but worth it. There are numerous examples in the Bible, such as the Lord’s Supper with his disciples and the eventual marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven, signifying that it’s both physical and spiritual. If you are sharing a meal together: Do bring the recipe. Do consider a spicy and mild option. Do bring the food. Do be on time or early. Don’t assume the oven is available.
Encourage confidentiality – What’s said at small group stays at small group with the exception of harm to self or others. In general, don’t share prayer requests with people outside of small group.
Assume the best of one another. Assume the other person loves Jesus and wants to honor Him, even if they see things differently right now. We are all working out our salvation with fear and trembling.
Listening honors the other person. Be quick to listen, and slow to speak (James 1:19). Disagree without being disagreeable. Ask questions such as, “Help me see how you got there.”
Ask your church or leader what other guidelines they’d like you to follow! It shows respect and submission. They’ll appreciate it.
