life groups handbook-pdf

8/7/2019 Life Groups Handbook-PDF

1/30

Life Groups Philosophy and

Policy Handbook


2/30

2 | P a g e

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................ 2

I. Manual Section

Life Group Philosophy and Policy ....................................................................................... 4

I. The Philosophy of Life Groups ......................... ................................ ...................... ............................ 4

II. The Purpose for Life Groups ........................... ................................ ...................... ............................ 5

III. The Process for Life Groups ........................... ................................ ....................... ........................... 5

III. The Paradigm of Life Groups .................................................... ...................... ................................ . 5

IV. The Priority of Life Groups .............................................................................................................. 6

V. The Principles of Life Groups .......................... ................................ ...................... ............................ 6

VI. The Practice of Life Groups ................ ........................... ........................... ............................ ........... 6

LIFE GROUPS LEADERSHIP TREE ...................................................................................... 7

LIFE GROUPS DISCRIPTION ................................................................................................ 8

Leaderships Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................. 9

Life Group Coordinator ...................................................................................................................... 10

Life Group Mentor ............................................................................................................................. 11

Life Group Leaders ................................ .............................. ...................... ................................ ......... 13

Life Group Assistant .............................. .............................. ...................... ................................ ......... 14

Life Group Members ............................ ......................... .............................. .............................. ......... 16


3/30

3 | P a g e

II. Group Life

The Essence of Life Groups ................................................................................................ 17

I. Acts 2 Dynamic............................. ......................... ............................... ............................. ......... 17

II. Incorporating New Members ......................... ................................ ...................... ...................... 18

III. Transitioning Members Between Groups ............................. ............................... .................... 19

Life Group Development ...................................................................................................... 20

I. Developing Assistant Leaders and New Leaders ........................... ........................... ................... 20

II. Multiplying Groups........................................... ................................ ...................... .................... 22

III. Assigning Additional Responsibilities .......................... ................................ ...................... ...... 22

Responsibility Matrix Example: ......................................................................................................... 23

Handling Conflict .................................................................................................................. 24

Level 1 Issues ..................................................................................................................................... 25

Level 2 Issues ..................................................................................................................................... 26

Level 3 Issues ..................................................................................................................................... 27

Bad forms of Conflict Resolution ........................ ................................ ...................... .......................... 28

III. Administrative

Fellowship One F1 ................................................................................................................. 29

We desire for people to get connected with one

another, form genuine relationships and be actively

participating in community growth for the purpose

of increasing our communal and personal relationships

with our Lord Savior Jesus Christ.


4/30

4 | P a g e

Life Group Philosophy and Policy

I. The Philosophy of Life Groups

Life Groups (LG) serve as a weekly gathering of 10 to 12 individuals for the purpose of caring forone another, growing spiritually, contributing to the ministry of the church, and connecting inauthentic relationships. The best place to make disciples is within the intimacy and trust of a LifeGroup.

In Life Groups, newcomers can form relationships, discover gifts, meet needs, heal hurts, kindlehope and build faith. Life Groups provide the infrastructure for Christians to grow, be nurtured,develop leadership, and extend the kingdom of God.

New Life Fellowship embraces The Church of Small Group as its model. Essentially, thepurpose of Life Groups in the church is to build the church as a community. This model sees thelarger community as a network of small communities that develop people in Christ. Therefore thesmall group concept penetrates every area of the church. Ministry leaders and congregationmembers become accustomed to designing and building ministry around a small groupinfrastructure. Small groups are not limited to any one department or sub ministry.

Life Groups Key Principles

Purpose: A Means of Building the Church asCommunity

Organizing Principle: Strategy using Affinity with Geography

Getting in a Group: Group Invitation or Assimilation

Group Membership: Essential for GrowthRequired forMembership

Role of Leaders: ProactiveShepherdLeader

Use of Curriculum: Recommended by Staff or Chosen byLeader

Group Meeting Format: Established by Church

Goal of Group: 1. Grow Members2. Birth New Groups3. Develop Leaders4. Reach the Lost


5/30

5 | P a g e


II. The Purpose for Life GroupsA. Life Groups will serve as the next step after membership and is required of all New Life

members.B. Life Groups will serve as the primary means of spiritual discipleship and relational

fellowship.C. Life Groups will serve as the ministry through which members will:

1) Be connected with one another2) Be cared for by one another.3) Be known by church leadership4) Be Christ like through spiritual growth5) Be servants to the world

III. The Process for Life Groups

A. Life Groups are the next major step in the discipleship process following Life Begins (6week spiritual growth small group)

B. Life Groups will be regularly available and open for participation. Members andnonmembers will be able to join groups at any time.

III. The Paradigm of Life Groups

I.

Life groups will be structured to accommodate the entire church body.II. Life Groups will be required responsibility of membership.III. Life Groups leaders will be skilled as facilitators, shepherds over people, and

spiritually mature.IV. Life Groups will be comparable with worship service as the two primary ministries of

the church. Worship functions as the corporate ministry for worship, learning, givingand prayer. Life Groups function as discipleship, growth, caring, and community.

V. Life Groups will meet weekly, but outside activities are encouraged to fosterrelationships.

VI. Life Group meetings will be a place where Acts 2 principles are practiced.VII. Life Groups will monitor the spiritual growth process and movement of membership.



6/30

6 | P a g e

IV. The Priority of Life Groups

A. Members: Life Groups represent the growing, tracking, caring, and knowing, ministry ofthe church. Members of New Life Fellowship participate in Life Groups. In short, a memberin good standing serves in one ministry area, gives as good stewards and grows throughlife groups.

B. Liturgical Ministries: Liturgical (liturgical-service or ministry relative to the prayers andsacrifices offered to God) Ministries represent ministering and leading in aspects ofworship which may include but are not limited to singing, dancing, reading of scripture,prayers and drama. Liturgical ministries lead, guide, and usher people into the presence ofGod. Life Groups are both a prerequisite and requirement for those serving in this area ofministry.

C. Leaders:Leadership at New Life (Elders, Pastors, Deacons, Staff, and ministrycoordinators) must be growing and demonstrate buy-in of the major discipleshipfunctions of the church. Therefore Life Groups are both a prerequisite to leadership and arequirement of Leadership.

V. The Principles of Life Groups

A. God created us for community (Gen. 1:26, 2:18)B. Jesus prays for unity in the family of God (John 17)C. Early church displayed community (Act 2:41-47; 4:32-37)D. The body of Christ is commanded to incorporate the one another passagesE. The church is referred to as the body of Christ (1Cor. 12)F. The biblical word for fellowship is Koinonia, which means, fellowship, sharing, or

communion. Fellowship is the life-on-life interaction of Gods people resulting in spiritualdevelopment (1 John 1:3)


VI. The Practice of Life Groups


7/30

7 | P a g e

a. A Weekly Gatheringb. Grow Members

i. Accountabilityii. Bible Applicationiii. Prayer

iv. Spiritual Giftsv. Evangelismc. Leadership Development

i. Develop from AA to GL to Mentors Deacons, Eldersii. Train Leaders in caring for sick, teaching bible lessons, shepherding

d. Care for membersi. Care for members who are sick

ii. Comfort members who are bereavediii. Celebrate with members of new birthsiv. Confront sinning members

e. Track membersi. Know the whereabouts of members

ii. Go after lost members

f. Servants to the worldi. Evangelism in and through Groups

ii. Participate as groups in outreach projectsiii. Pray and/or support missions and missionaryiv. Pray for lost through life impact cards

LIFE GROUPS LEADERSHIP TREE


8/30

8 | P a g e

LIFE GROUPS DISCRIPTION

Adult Pastor

Life Croup

Coordinator

Womens Mentor

Women

Leaders

Young Women

Women AssistantLeaders

Members

Couples

Mentor

Couples

Leaders

Assistant Couples

Leaders

Members

Men Leaders

Assistant Men

Leaders

Young Men

Members


9/30

9 | P a g e

y Adult Pastor: Responsible to oversee and evaluate the ministrys strength and weaknesses.

He is to see to it that those in Leadership our qualified by the standards stated in Life

Groups Philosophy and Policy Handbook.

y Life Group Coordinator: Is held accountable and supported by the Adult Pastor and

responsible for the wellbeing and spiritual needs of the mentors. The LG Coordinator is to

see the mentors as his LG. He is responsible for the continued oversight of the Life Group

Ministry and that the ministry continually achieves the Acts 2 Community throughout every

level of the ministry. He is to report any issues that have come from the mentors that he

himself could not handle to the Adult Pastor.

y Mentors: Are held accountable and supported by the Life Group Coordinator and are

responsible for the wellbeing and spiritual needs of the leaders. The mentors are to see the

leaders under their responsibility as their LG. Mentors are to report to the Life Group

Coordinator of any issues that they themselves cannot handle.

y Leaders: Are held accountable and supported by their mentors and are responsible for the

wellbeing and spiritual needs of the members of their group. Theyre also responsible for

the development of new leaders known as assistant leaders. Leaders are to report to their

mentors of any issues that they themselves cannot handle.

y Assistant Leaders: Are held accountable and supported by their LG leader and are

responsible for the wellbeing and spiritual needs of their leader and members of their

group. Theyre responsible to learn how LG operate and report any issues to the leader

they themselves cannot handle.

y Members: Are held accountable and support by their LG leader and assistant leader for

their wellbeing and spiritual needs. Theyre responsible for being active in LG and

supporting their leaders. They are to report to their leaders issues they themselves cannot

handle.

Leaderships Roles and Responsibilities


10/30

10 | P a g e

Life Group Coordinator

The Life Group Facilitator is an experienced leaderwho administratively made it a priority to see and evaluate

all aspects of the ministry in order that Church Community is being achieved every day of the week through

Life Groups.

I. QUALIFICATIONSa. Must have a growing relationship with the Lord, consistent in prayer, Scripture

meditation, worship, and sharing ones faith.b. Must have a commitment to small group ministry and its role in the discipleship &

relationship processc. Must have demonstrated leadership characteristics, that is, the ability to cast vision,

problem solve, and advance the kingdom strategically.d. Must have had experience previous successful ministry.

II. RESPONSIBILITIESa. Shepherding

i. Pray regularly for the continued work of the Lord through Life Groups.

1. Pray regularly for the mentors

2. Pray regularly for the leaders and assistant leaders

3. Pray regularly for Gods preparation of future mentors, leaders, and

assistant leaders

ii. Train future LG Leaders

b. Administrative

i. Monitor Fellowship One1. Monitor the information being placed into Fellowship One and give

reports to mentors

2. Monitor those looking for groups and see to it that they are placed

into groups.



11/30

11 | P a g e

Life Group Mentor

A Life Group Mentor is an experienced leaderwho counsels, trains, and guides leaders in order thatthey will

be well equipped for the task at hand.

I. QUALIFICATIONSa. Must have a growing relationship with the Lord, consistent in prayer, Scripture

meditation, worship, and sharing ones faith.b. Must have a commitment to small group ministry and its role in the discipleship &

relationship processc. Must have demonstrated leadership characteristics, that is, the ability to cast vision,

problem solve, and advance the kingdom strategically.d. Must have been a faithful member of the church for a minimum of one year.e. Must have been a faithful participant and active leader of a Life Group


i. Pray regularly for Group Leaders (GL) and Assistants (AA)ii. Keep GL encouraged and growing spiritually; they are pouring out and will

need for you to pour into them.iii. Develop and authentic relationship with them to allow them to realize that

someone is monitoring their spiritual barometer.iv. Help equip the leaders to lead their small groups.

b. Administrative

i. Collect required reports and track unusual activities from reportsii. Monitor attendance trends an alert if you see a group faltering

c. Leadershipi. Conduct Weekly phone contact

1. How is it going?2. Any prayer requests?3. Any problems needing to be addressed?

ii. Be available to resolve any group conflictsiii. Provide Monthly Training on effective small group (through Leading Life-

Changing Small Groups)

iv. Has the responsibility to ask the tuff questions.



12/30

12 | P a g e

v. Make sure the Life Group Objectives are occurring

1. Acts 22. Care

3. Discipleship4. Fellowship5. Relationship Building6. Crisis Care

a. Hospital Visitationb. Tracking of Membersc. Family Care

vi. Make sure that a plan is established and tracked for group multiplication*1. Assistants need to be identified2. Assistants need to be trained3. Assistants need to be giving opportunities to lead

4. Assistants need to be recommended when they are ready to lead agroup

MENTORSMISSIONSTATEMENT:

Life Groups Mentors are committed to our Lord Jesus Christ and the commands that He gave to thechurch to go and make disciples. Mentors are dedicated to the process of discipling Life Group

Leaders to grow spiritually closer to God, to obey all His Word, and to train them on how to teachothers the commands of God.

Matthew 28:1820

Leaders Roles and Responsibilities


13/30

13 | P a g e

Life Group Leaders

Life Group Leadersare people wholead, guide, and direct their groups into authentic communities were

relationships can be built with each other and God.

III. QUALIFICATIONSa. Must have a growing relationship with the Lord, consistent in prayer, Scripture

meditation, worship, and sharing ones faith.

b. Must have a commitment to small group ministry and its role in the discipleship &

relationship process

c. Must be a responsible individual that maintains a committed Christian walk that is

an example to others.

d. Must have gone through the Life Groups Leaders Training Course

e. Must have been a faithful participant, active member, and assistant to a group for at

least 6 months in a Life Group.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIESa. Shepherding

i. Help guide their members through encouragement and support in order that

they may obtain a deeper relationship with God.

ii. Develop an authentic relationship with each member in their LG.

iii. Pray for the growth of each member spiritually.

iv. Be active participant getting members to be involved in each others lives.

v. Identify, train, and disciple a qualified individual on the process and

expectations to become an effective LG leader.

vi. Help maintain a healthy spiritual Life Group.

b. Administrative

i. Keep a careful record of attendance of their group through Fellowship one.

1. Attendance of the members coming to LG.

2. Keep careful notes on how their group is achieving the Acts 2

Community.

3. Note every week what section of curriculum was done.

Leaders Roles and Responsibilities

ii. Attend all schedule leadership training meetings and report to their mentor


14/30

14 | P a g e

c. Leadership

i. Lead a weekly LG for an hour and a half.

ii. Must be able to delegate responsibilities to members in the LG.

iii. Must protect the integrity of the group

1. Must maintain their LG according to the Acts 2 Community.

2. Must maintain control of the meetings

3. Must maintain and help protect the groups confidentiality.

iv. Make sure that a plan is established and tracked for group multiplication1. Assistants need to be identified2. Assistants need to be trained3. Assistants need to be giving opportunities to lead4. Assistants need to be recommended when they are ready to lead a

group

LEADERSMISSIONSTATEMENT:

Life Groups Leaders are the Shepherds who watch and protect our flock. LG leaders are committedto our Lord Jesus Christ and His commands. They have put it upon themselves to be responsible

for tending to the sheep that New Life Fellowship has given to them in order that their members willgrow spiritually closer to God, obey all His Word, and help them live in such a way that is honoring

to God.

John 21:6

Leaders Role and Responsibilities

Life Group Assistant

A Life Group Assistant is someone who is being trained bya current LG leader

on the necessary responsibilities, tasks,and expectations on how to lead

an effective Godly Life Group.


15/30

15 | P a g e

I. QUALIFICATIONSa. Must be committed to a growing relationship with the Lord, consistent in prayer,

Scripture meditation, worship, and sharing ones faith.

b. Must have a commitment to small group ministry and its role in the discipleship &

relationship process.c. Must show leadership characteristics and the willingness to be taught how to lead

according to philosophy and policy of LG.

d. Must have been a faithful participant and active member for at least three months in

a Life Group.


i. Help alongside of the LG leader guide members through encouragement and

support in order they may obtain a deeper relationship with God.

ii. Learn the art of developing authentic relationships with members in their

LG.

iii. Pray for the growth of each member spiritually and their needs.

iv. Help the LG leader pinpoint members strengths and give certain

responsibilities to the qualified members.

b. Administrative

i. Attend all schedule leadership training meetings with their leaders.

ii. Must know how to use Fellowship One.

iii. Help maintain a careful record of attendance of their LG through Fellowshipone.

1. Attendance of the members coming to LG.

2. Keep careful notes on how their group is achieving the Acts 2

Community.

3. Note every week what section of curriculum was done.

Leaders Role and Responsibilities

c. Leadership

i. Assist the LG Leader in leading Life Groups

1. Assistant Leaders will be given opportunity to lead LG by

themselves.

2. Assistant Leader must be ready to lead LG if leader is not present.


16/30

16 | P a g e

ii. Must protect the integrity of the group

1. Must help maintain their LG according to the Acts 2 Community.

2. Must help maintain control of the meetings

3. Must help maintain and help protect the groups confidentiality.

ASSISTANTLEADERSMISSIONSTATEMENT:

Life Groups Assistant Leaders are sheep trained to be Shepherds who watch and protect our flock.

Theyre committed to our Lord Jesus Christ and His commands. They have committed themselvesto the process of being trained for tending of the sheep at New Life Fellowship. They do this so that

their own future Life Groups will grow spiritually closer to God, obey all His Word, and honor God.

John 10:27

Members Roles and Responsibilities

Life Group Members

Members are the central part of Life Groups ministry. Members of Life Groups are individuals who desire to

belong with their brothers and sisters corporately in the body of Christ.

I. QUALIFICATIONSa. Be a member of New Life Fellowship

i. Gone through Membership Orientation

ii. Gone through Life Begins

b. Be committed to being actively involved in their LG.


17/30

17 | P a g e

II. Expectationsa. Be present and prepared for weekly meetings

b. Be connected with other members in you LG

c. Be willing to be held accountable to Gods standard by those in your group.

d. Be willing to take specific responsibilities in your LGe. Pray for each other

f. Protect the integrity of the LG

g. Grow in Christ

MEMBERS MISSIONS STATEMENT:

Life Group Members are committed to their brothers, sisters, and their own spiritual growth andbelieve that Life Groups help provide the necessary community for achieving the Godly Christian

walk. Members are committed to being involved in a community that represents the Acts 2 Church.

The Essenceof Life Groups

I. Acts 2 DynamicThere are Five Pillars of Life Groups all derived from the Acts 2 Church. The Acts 2

Dynamics are the focus and foundation of how a Christian grows to maturity. These pillars

go as follows:

The Pillar of Fellowship

We believe one of pillars of the Christian Life is found in fellowship with God

and authentic relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Pillar of Teaching

We believe the Christian Life is found in instructing each other in the incredible

truth of Gods word.


18/30

18 | P a g e

The Pillar of Prayer

We believe the Christian Life is found in our communication with God personally

and corporately.

The Pillar of WorshipWe believe the Christian Life is fulfilled when we use our creative duty inproclaiming the glory of Lord through praise and service.

The Pillar of Evangelism

We believe the Christian Life is to proclaim the truth of the Gospel found inJesus Christ to every person who does not know Christ.

Throughout the Scriptures the Christian Community is a major topic. Christians are individuals and

areunited together into the one body of Christ (Romans 12:4-5; Eph. 4:10-16). The strength of the

Acts 2 Church was their Community, which fellowshipped, prayed, worshipped, taught, and

evangelized to the world. It is this Acts 2 Dynamic that Life Groups aspires for.

The Essence of Life Groups

II. Incorporating New Membersa. New member signs up for LG based on day convenient for them.

b. The LG Mentor and the LG Leader discuss the potential new member(s) for the group.

c. The LG Leader meets with the group to discuss the assimilation plan for the newmember(s).

d. The LG Leader meets with the new member(s) before they become part of the group.

i. The LG Leader reviews the confidentiality agreement and has the newmember(s) sign it.

ii. The LG Leader prays with new member for their future involvement in thegroup.

e. The new member begins meeting with the group.


19/30

19 | P a g e

III. Transitioning Members Between Groupsa. The LG member meets with LG Leader to request transfer to another group.

i. LG member and Leader discuss reason for transfer.

1. If necessary, the LG member may meet with the LG Mentor to discuss

the reason for the transfer.

2. LG members shall nottransfer because of unresolved issues within a LG.

a. See Section on Handling Group Situations

b. Issues brought about by sin.

i. Conflicts brought about by sin are to be resolved throughthe biblical model of reconciliation found in Matthew18:15-17 by LG members.

ii. It is our goal of Life Groups to become transformed intothe image of Christ. Every LG member has a

responsibility to confront sin and to restore each other (IICor. 5:16-19).

The Essence of Life Groups

a. Issues brought about by differences.

iii. Every member of the body of Christ is unique.

iv. Every member of Life Groups deserves a measure ofgrace. Ephesians 4:1-6

b. The LG member determines the group type and day he/she would like to transfer to.

c. The current LG Leader meets with receiving LG Leader to discuss the request totransfer.

d. The receiving LG Leader meets with his/her group to discuss the assimilation plan forthe transferring member.

e. The receiving LG Leader meets with the transferring member before he/she becomespart of the new group.

i. The receiving LG Leader reviews the confidentiality agreement and has thetransferring member sign it.


20/30

20 | P a g e

ii. The LG Leader prays with new member for their future involvement in thegroup.

f. The transferring member begins meeting with the new group.

Life Group Development

I.

Developing Assistant Leaders and New Leaders

Philosophy The growth and development of Life Groups (LG) start with the selection and trainingof leaders. To effectively lead a group requires the commitment of an assistant to share theresponsibility of nurturing its members.

Characteristics of LG Assistant Leader - The longevity of Life Groups at NLF is highly dependentupon the character of its leaders and assistants. What should you look for in a LG Assistant leader?

y Loves God

y Possesses a godly character people will follow (1 Tim 3, Gal5:22)

y Pursues Christ-likeness

y Teachable - willing to take direction from others

y Comfortable sharing your faith in Christ

y Cares for People

y Passionate about Life Groups


21/30

21 | P a g e

Developing Assistants LG Leaders will provide the names of potential assistants to their LGMentor. Each new assistant will be required to fill out the Life Group Leader Application Form. TheMentor will help to observe, evaluate and interview each potential assistant. Mentors will submit thenames of all potential LG Assistant Leaders to church leadership for final approval.

Once approved, LG Leaders are responsible for training their assistants. All training materials mustbe approved by the LG Mentor. The Mentor will provide additional training materials to help aid indeveloping assistants as needed. All new assistants in training will be expected to complete the LGLeader training and attend the Mentor & Leaders meetings twice per quarter once initial LGLeaders training is complete.

New LG Leaders - Life Group members are encouraged to help identify potential LG leaders. Once apotential leader has been identified, the LG leadership of the church will guide them through theprocess of using their gifts in LG leadership. New Leaders are eligible to lead a LG or serve as anassistant upon completion of LG Leaders training.


Expectations of New LG Leaders all emerging LG Leaders, upon completion of training areexpected to demonstrate maturity in preparation, facilitating groups and identifying new leaders to

continue expanding Life Groups.

Preparation

y Pray for people in your group

y Review lesson for the week

y Prepare unique openings for meetings (i.e. icebreakers, trivia, etc.)

y Select questions from the weekly lesson to discuss

y Pray for clarity of each lesson

Facilitating Groups

y Welcome visitors

y Encourage participation

y Demonstrate Group Dynamics (Acts 2)o Cultivate fellowshipo Prepare ideas for applying Scriptureo Practice celebrating Godo Interact with the World (people far from God)

Identifying New Leaders


22/30

22 | P a g e

y Invite potential leaders to your Life Group

y Identify their passion in life

y Challenge them to do more in the church

y Ask them to pledge two (2) hours a week to help meet a need

y Observe their response

II. Multiplying Groups

The expansion of Life Groups (LG) must be intentional and exponential to meet the needs of ourchurch family and community. Expansion occurs when there is trust. To cultivate trust you mustget to know people better.

Examples of what to ask:

y Name your immediate family

y

Where were you born?y Best way to contact you (i.e. text, cell phone, home phone, voice-mail, email)

y Best time to call you/at what number

y What do you do for a living?

y Best way to appreciate you?

y Favorite Bible verse?


y What are your hobbies/interests?

y

If you had three hours of free time how would you spend it?y If you have an emergency who should we contact/at what number?

When you experience life together trust deepens. Build additional trust by developing Spans ofCare based on responses, interests and need. Challenge groups to divide and bring on newmembers in August of each year.

III. Assigning Additional Responsibilities

A. The Value of Delegation

Nowhere in Scripture does God tell a person to do it all. In Exodus 18:17-27 Moses was warnedabout doing everything.

i. Delegation will help a Leader from becoming burned out (Exodus 18:18).ii. Delegation will help develop others.iii. Delegation will help better be effective in ministry.


23/30

23 | P a g e

The leader who is centralized only on his leadership will beineffective, stretched, and unhelpful for the community as a whole.

We believe that the best and most effective placeto train or disciple a future leader is in a small group.

Small Group Book by Dale Galloway

B. Assign Responsibilitiesi. Choose able men and women in their gifted areas to serve the community

(Exodus 18:18).ii. Agree as a group that your leader cant do everything.iii. Assigning others responsibilities allows others to be faithful to Gods

commands (2 Timothy 6:18-19).


Responsibility Matrix Example:

Members

Name

Asst.

Leader

Social

Coord.

Attendan

ce

Group

Host

Food

Coord.

Prayer Coord.


24/30

24 | P a g e

Members Name Birthday

Coord.

Special

Events

Group

Host

Icebreaker Member

Care

ChildCare

Coord.

HandlingConflict

We must always remember as leaders, assistants and members that no one is perfect. As a result of

not being perfect there will be situations of conflicts which will arise in our Life Groups. Every

participant of Life Groups deserves a measure of grace. Conflicts and situations must be viewednot as something which will destroy a group but as an opportunity to grow in Christ and with each

other.

Biblical Method of Resolution

Matthew 18:15-20

Life Groupswillhandle conflict.

Within the philosophy of resolution Life Groups provides the best atmosphere for resolution. Life

Groups provide a safe environment for growth and correction. It is the intent of Life Groups not to

pinpoint conflicts or sins but togrow in Christ. In order to handle situations of conflict:

1. Identify the ProblemIn order to best handle a problem you must identify it. Only handle one situation at a time.

Determine if the problem will best be handled privately or as a group.


25/30

25 | P a g e

2. Pray for WisdomPraying for people is the best offensiveposition for all believers involved. Once you have

determined the proper way to address an individual spend time in prayer so as to prepare

your heart.

3. Approach the IndividualThis is probably the most missed step among Christians. Use the model given to us by

Christ to address areas of conflict. This doesnt mean you go talk to other members of the

group about so and so but rather it means you approach the individual specifically. The

model of resolution given to us by Christ issufficient.

4. Pray with the IndividualChrist brought us to Him and to others. Prayer is a very healthy way to close a conflict

individually and corporately.

Handling conflict is tuff but those who are faithful in confronting sin are assisting brothers and

sisters to grow spiritually. As leaders or assistants we dont confront sin to be right but to help

others grow. Most of our members have never seen a situation handled as Christ intended. Life

Groups should provide them with the proper model.

HandlingConflict

Level 1 Issues

As a leader who deals with level one issues be patient with those in your group as they grow. Pray

before confronting someone. Level 1 issues if needed, need to be confronted in private. Thesetypes of issues are not group destroying issues but they may need to be addressed.

Issue Solution

The Quiet Member y Ask questions which are clear and succinct.y Allow time for members to answer the question. (4 to 5sec)

Quiet members dont blurt out the first thing that comes to their mind.

y Express to them when they do contribute to the lesson, how you appreciated

their contribution.

y Watch out the quiet member has the potential to say the most profound things.

y During application sections break into smaller groups of 2 or 3.

y Make eye contact with them.

y Be patient.

The Noisy Member y If need be address them privately and ask them if they would allow on somequestions to let others answer first.

y Sign them onto your team to help others contribute to the lesson. Have them

ask others, What do youthink?

y Call people out by name to answer a question.


26/30

26 | P a g e

y Have the leader sit next to the talkative member.

y Remind them its not just about them but everyones involvement.

A Disagreeing Member y Search for the cause.y Allow the community to work with the disagreeing member as a whole. Allow

the group to work with this member and determine what the source of

disagreement is.y Being real is important, so dont tell disagreeing members that their wrong and

your right but allow them to speak. Ask the group what they think? If you cant

solve the disagreement ask if we can think about it for a week and look at it

next week.

To Many Rabbit Trails y As the leader it is your responsibility to be sensitive to the Spirit on this issue.Sometimes rabbit trails need to be followed while others need to controlled.

y Stop the group and remind them what is the topic at hand and ask a question

which returns you back to the topic.

y Speak with those privately who tend to go down to many rabbit trails.

The Fake Member y Be patient.y Be open and honest.

y Break down into pairs for sharing, sharing, and application.

Handling Conflict

Level 1 Continued

The Late Comer y Talk to them in private and make sure you stress how much you enjoy theirinvolvement.

y Ask them if there is a reason why that cant make it on time.

y Begin each time promptly.

Level 2 Issues

The level 2 issues will occur as groups grow together.These types of issues will be a little more

difficult to handle. These types of issues cannot be ignored and most of the time everyone in the

group already knows about it. Ignoring these types of issues doesnt make them go away. Address

these issues and use the model Christ gave us.

Negative Talk;

Chronic Complainer

y Praying for people is the best offensive position for a believer.

y This issue may need to be handled one on one humbly.

y As a group remind each other of the need to encourage one another.

y Dont let their behavior define yours or the groups.

People who cause trouble

or bite.

y Turn to Romans 12:18.

y Dont let their behavior define yours or the groups.

y Dont ignore the issue.

y Approach the individual using biblical method of Resolution.

The Criticizer y You cant allow people in your group to use the time to criticize other people.


27/30

27 | P a g e

y It is up to the leader to determine if someone is being honest or using the

group to criticize other people.

y Approach this individual through the biblical method of resolution.

Un-confronted Sin y This situation needs to be handled and handled with humility and love.y The model Christ gave us in Matthew 18 is enough to bring a brother or sister

into reconciliation.y If we ignore sin it will hurt us and others. Sin will never ignore us. Approach

this individual through the biblicalmethod of resolution.

Gossiper y Those who gossip are acting contrary to the biblical model of resolution.y Make an agreement within the group to keep each other accountable from

gossip.

y Be gentile and firm when confronting gossip.

y Our members need to know the biblical model of resolution.

HandlingConflict

Level 3 Issues

It is our hope that Level 3 issues will never happen but they will. Some will never encounter these

types of issues, while some may experience them in their first week of leadership. These types of

issues more than often fall out of the scope of Life Group leadership responsibility because in

these issues a leader may not be properly equipped to handle. These issues will need to be

reported to your mentors. A leaders presence is important but a leader cannot be fully expected to

handle these situations perfectly.

Examples Steps To Take

Divorce y Pray for them individually and as a group.

y Report individuals to a mentor

y Be there for them.

y As a leader be honest with an individual that you have a responsibility

to report this situation to Church Leadership.

y Keep connected with them. A Life Group may be just what helps them

through the situation.

Drug or Alcohol Abuse y Same as above

Inappropriate Behavior

between members

y Same as above

Suicidal Tendencies y Same as above


28/30

28 | P a g e

Repeated Offensive

Behaviors

y Same as above

y Same as above

As leaders, assistants of Life Groups you will come across conflicts. They are tuff because people

are tuff. Dont give up and dont think it is your responsibility to solve everything. Simply follow the

process Christ gave to us in Matthew 18:15-20. Through prayer and a humble heart the method He

gave us is sufficient. If at any time you need assistance turn to your mentor and they will pray with

you and help guide you through the situation.

HandlingConflict

Bad forms of Conflict Resolution

Handling conflictsare possible and done in the proper methodis important. There are forms of

conflict resolution which are harmful. The best form of conflict resolution is done face to face. The

goal of this section is to address a couple of these bad forms:

Example Reason

Ignoring it y This is the worst thing we can do when conflict exists.

y Ignoring conflict is actually goes against what Christ demands.

y Ignoring conflict just produces more sin. For example ignoring

sin produces gossip.

Emails, Letters y People read between the lines

y Letters and Emails lack body language and tone.

y Letters and Emails are copouts.

y Face to face is the best way to use the biblical model found inMatthew 18:15-20.

Phone Calls, Messages y Messages are similar to letters and emails because it lacks a

chance for response.y Phone calls should beseen as a last resort.

y While phone calls can reveal tone they dont show bodylanguage.

y Christians should respect each other enough to handle difficultsituations face to face. This is the best way to use the biblicalmodel of resolution.


29/30

29 | P a g e

Bringing in too many people y Life Group conflicts should be resolved within the Life Group.

y Resolution is not a poll on who is right and who is wrong.

y The Life Group community is suffice to handle the majority ofconflicts through the biblical model of resolution.

The biblical model which Christ gave us is intended to bring a brother/sister back to

restoration. The best approach to this method of restoration is through prayer, a

humbleapproach, and a sincere heart. No one is greater than the other but we all have been

given a command to confront and restore.

Fellowship One F1

Fellowship One (F1) will allow us accountabilityfor what we are supposed to be doing and

accountability in what we are actually doing.

Fellowship One

I. All Life Group correspondence through F1

II. Tracking whats happening with leaders and mentors through F1

III. Life Group Leaders will record what is happening in the group

a. Attendanceallow me to see who are coming to groupsi. It does us no good to have X amount of people signed up butYamount of

people to show upii. Is the issue with the member or the issue with the group leader?iii. Reporting period dateday that your group is scheduled to meet--iv. Activity meeting dateif it is the sameput that in thereif you do

something elseadd that to the activity datev. ParticipationQuestionallows me to see what is happening in the groups

answer carefully and thoroughlyvi. Meeting Notesany additional information that we need to know

b. Life Group Mentorsi. Group Leaders are in your group

ii. You are set up to view your group leaders as your small groupiii. This is not designed to just evaluate groupiv. This is designed to shepherd, train, and mentor your group leadersv. Mentors should also read, evaluate, and monitor group throughvi. Every time you have a monthly meetingpost attendance


30/30

vii. Every time you visit a group do a post attendance and list the groupmembers and write in meeting notes that you visited the group and yourcomments on the group

c. Assistanti. He will monitor the activities of mentors

ii. Call and prayiii. Track that mentors are having a weekly phone and monthly meetingIV. Curriculum

a. Make sure to work through curriculumit has been carefully selectedb. Make sure that you are tracking the lesson in F1 so that we can have next

curriculum

Fellowship One (F1)

V. ACTS 2 Dynamics: successful group is a healthy balance of Acts 2

VI. Spiritual Journey & Discipleship: dont be cautious to challenge people in the spiritualjourneypraying, serving in a ministry, worship, overcoming sin

VII. Announcementswill be distributed to you periodically to announce to your group-especially key events

VIII. Miscellaneous

life groups handbook-pdf

Documents