Leadership Training 1

Discovering Your ESSENTIALS For Small Group Life

Small Group Leadership Development Pathway Overview

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV)

“He cared for them with a true heart and led them

with skillful hands.” Ps 78:72 (NLT) SESSION ONE

WELCOME & OVERVIEW

How To Get The Most From This Training Together  Think transferable principle  Don’t compare  Don’t feel guilty about the things you’re not doing  A healthy group takes time  Keep processing SESSION ONE

SESSION ONE

Understand the Goal

SESSION ONE

Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped preaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the

Christ. Acts 5:42 (NIV) SESSION ONE

“At the heart of our vision of building a “Great Caring Network” stands TLCs (Washington Cathedral small groups.) Without them it is impossible to care for everyone God has placed in our church.” Dr. Tim White SESSION ONE

“A fresh study of the church in Acts reveals a collaborative method that leadership can use to respond to conflict and resistance with positive change. Such a collaborative method has been designed for the meta church at Washington Cathedral, which is made up of home churches called Tiny Little Churches; diverse cultural congregations; and five nonprofit foundations ministering to the hurts of the world in the name of Jesus.” Dr. Tim White SESSION ONE

Defining Leadership Principles

SESSION ONE

But Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for

many.” Matthew 20:25-28(NLT) SESSION ONE

“Sounds great - I appreciate yours and everyone’s perspective and contribution to the effort. This is what it takes...for the church to be the church.” From an email dated 8/27/2007, Dr. Tim White SESSION ONE

“…a model of the church inspired by the book of Acts, a model we are calling a meta church. It is a church that has diversity in its Tiny Little Churches, which form into a variety of separate cultural congregations all combined together as one church with one dream….the dream of a servant church. For each person, it is the desire to do the work of Jesus Christ.” Dr. Tim White SESSION ONE

“For followers of Jesus, servant leadership isn’t an option, it’s a mandate. Servant leadership is to be a living statement of who we are in Christ, how we treat one another, and how we demonstrate the love of Christ to the whole world.” Lead Like Jesus, Ken Blanchard (p. 12) SESSION ONE

Defining Leadership Scriptures

SESSION ONE

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoner to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3

SESSION ONE

Since a dull ax requires great strength, sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed. Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NLT)

SESSION ONE

If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)

SESSION ONE

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NLT)

SESSION ONE

SMALL GROUPS (TLCs) ARE THE FRAMEWORK OF A META CHURCH

Philosophically

“TLC = Tiny Little Church and that name communicates a revolutionary, meta church idea; fulfilling the mandate of scripture to ensure that lay pastors are recognized and treated with the same respect as professional clergy. It is indeed the priesthood of all believers.”Washington Cathedral Radiance 11/5/2007, Dr. Tim White SESSION ONE

How we approach and implement groups

Washington Cathedral is a church “of” small groups, not a church “with” small groups. A community of believers made up of many diverse TLC’s (Tiny Little Churches).

SESSION ONE

Small Group Categories

Study and Fellowship Groups

Adults Men Women Singles Young Adults Youth Children

Interest Groups

Athletics & Health Business Hobbies Music and Dr ama

Service Groups

Cares & Prayers Children Youth Support and Administration

Restoration & Recovery Groups

SESSION ONE

UNDERSTAND THE VISION AND MISSION

VISION

To build the greatest

caring

network that the world has ever seen by getting people happily involved in a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ.

MISSION Care

for the people we find and find the people to care.

SESSION ONE

With

Heart

With

Compassion

With

Motivation

SESSION ONE

KNOW THE CORE VALUES OF WASHINGTON CATHEDRAL

Christ Centered

Our assignment is to take people who are far from God and lead them into becoming fully devoted disciples of Christ!

SESSION ONE

Positive Faith

The torch of positive faith has been passed to Washington Cathedral. When the community calls out for someone to build self-esteem, model tackling the impossible, motivate business people to go for it, help people no one else will touch, or relate to people from other backgrounds, religions and traditions . . . our name has been called!!!!

SESSION ONE

Walking in the Spirit

We have always focused on the Spirit-filled life – not by might but by my Spirit says the Lord. Our particular expression of this theology includes all the gifts, and those whose Spirit-filled experience includes whatever gift mix God has elected to give them. We can clearly see in the Christian world both carnal and Spirit-filled Christians and it is difficult for one to act like the other. Therefore, we need to make sure we are in the Spirit-filled walk. That walk requires a continual refilling of the Holy Spirit.

SESSION ONE

Church for the Unchurched

People are lost! Which church is going to reach the prostitutes, drug addicts, the children of the rich and famous, the annoying atheists, the arrogant new age people? God has called us to be that church!

SESSION ONE

Servant Approach

This church has been built helping hurting people with no expectation of return. We help them because we see the face of Jesus when we do.

SESSION ONE

Teamwork Methodology

It is our belief that our genius comes out of the teamwork process, because that is the way God works!

SESSION ONE

Out to Change the World

We are not just in the business of “doing” Sunday School or church; we are in the business of raising up world changers!

SESSION ONE

God is Nature (Nature is not God – God created Nature)

In the fast-paced 21 st century, nature is the ultimate “high-tech” minister! If we don’t minister to nature and let nature minister to us, we won’t be around. Shouldn’t this message come from Christianity rather than some new age or eastern religion?

SESSION ONE

Excellence (Let’s give God our best)

Everything we do for God ought to represent our best effort! It reflects our worship of Him!

SESSION ONE

Rely on Miracles

I want to raise the children of our church to be confronted with the fact that God works miracles!!! I want to raise them to run in the land of the impossible, and they won’t if we don’t!!!

SESSION ONE

REMAIN LOYAL TO THE STATEMENT OF FAITH OF WASHINGTON CATHEDRAL

SESSION ONE

KNOW THESE BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF WHAT AN EFFECTIVE SMALL GROUP DOES

The Great

Commission

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father and of

the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) SESSION ONE

The Great

Commandment

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and

with all your soul and with all your mind.” “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37, 39 (NIV) SESSION ONE

“Concentric Circles” of Discipleship – the Five Miracles of Growth

SESSION ONE

Neighbor Becomes a Friend

Friendship is the first step to any faith journey. A conversation is started and a new relationship begins.

SESSION ONE

Friend Becomes a Believer

The second miracle occurs when a friend becomes a believer (this could take 25 years if that is God’s timetable). You meet Jesus Christ and he becomes your personal l friend.

SESSION ONE

Believer Becomes an Achiever

The third miracle occurs when a believer becomes an achiever. You begin to understand the holistic reign of the Kingdom of God as it applies to your family, worth, health, finances, etc. (This is often referred to as the discipleship process and we apply the “Diamond Principle” to our lives).

SESSION ONE

Achiever Becomes a Leader

The fourth miracle occurs when an achiever becomes a leader. This is something only the Holy Spirit can accomplish in your life. You are gifted to do the work of ministry with other believers.

SESSION ONE

Leader Becomes a World Changer

The fifth miracle occurs when a leader becomes a world changer. You move beyond being parochial and become a blessing to the whole cause of Christ . This does not necessarily mean entering full time ministry but it does mean moving toward ordained ministry either in the local church or through para church organizations.

SESSION ONE

CONCENTRIC CIRCLES OF DISCIPLESHIP

God works in and

through us… Philippians 2:13 Neighbor to Friend (Matthew 22:37-40) Friend to Believer (John 15:13-15) Believer to Achiever (Galatians 5:22-23) Achiever to Leader (1 Peter 5:2) Leader to World Changer (Romans 12

)

Christ Follower (Galatians 2:20)

SESSION ONE

BALANCE IS KEY TO SPIRITUAL HEALTH

UNHEALTHY

(unbalanced)

HEALTHY

(balanced) Understand it’s not about

doing

rather it is about enhancing our relationship with Christ SESSION ONE

Evaluate

spiritual health on a regular basis using the Diamond Principle SESSION ONE

SESSION TWO

Know Where To Take Your Group

SESSION TWO

BE AWARE OF WHAT PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR IN A SMALL GROUP

SESSION TWO

Do I fit here? This is the question of

acceptance

.

Does anybody want to know me? This is the question of

friendship

.

Am I needed? This is the question of

value

.

What is the advantage of those joining this group? This is the question of

benefit

.

What is required for joining this group? This is the question of

expectation

.

SESSION TWO

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE GROWTH MOMENTS IN YOUR GROUP MEETING

Maximize the optimum environment.

DISPENSING INFORMATION FACILITATING TRANSFORMATION

Facilitate for

life change

It’s not just about information, but

transformation

SESSION TWO

Facilitation Tips

 Don’t answer your own questions.

 Get comfortable with silence and quiet.

 Encourage more than a yes-or-no answer.

 Anything else?... How about?... Someone else?

 Give affirmation whenever you can.

 Try to involve everyone.

 Be good listeners – provide support, not quick fixes.

 Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

 Begin and end on time.

 Don’t focus on getting through all the material – focus on helping people grow.

SESSION TWO

Utilize the Small Group

Guidelines and Agreement

It's a good idea for every group to put words to their shared values, expectations and commitments. Such guidelines will help you avoid unspoken agendas and unmet expectations. We recommend you discuss your guidelines during your first meeting in order to lay the foundation for a healthy group experience. Feel free to add anything that is important to your group.

SESSION TWO

WE AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING VALUES Clear Purpose

To grow healthy, spiritual lives in the life of each small group member.

Group Attendance Safe Environment

To give priority to the group meeting (call if I am absent or late).

To create a safe place where people can be heard and feel loved so we will be careful with being judgmental, giving quick answers, and offering our simple fixes to complex situations.

Be Confidential Conflict Resolution Spiritual Health Do Not Hinder Others Welcome Newcomers Building Relationships Outreach Motivated Shared Responsibility Worship

To keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group.

To avoid gossip and to immediately resolve any concerns by following the principles of Matt. 18:15-17 which begins with going directly to the person with whom you have an issue.

To challenge and encourage one another to live a healthy and balanced spiritual life that is pleasing to God.

To avoid any actions that might cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble. 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Romans 14:19-21 To invite our friends who might benefit from this study and warmly welcome newcomers.

To get to know one another even outside the group time and pray for one another regularly.

To work towards understanding how our group can effectively do personal, local, and global outreach.

To encourage each member to contribute at their comfort level and in their gift areas.

To attend a “vine” worship service weekly (Saturday 6:00, Sunday 9:00 or 11:00am).

Unity

To be faithful and loyal to the Church, our Senior Pastor and the leadership .

We agree to the following ITEMS

 Refreshments/mealtimes______________________________________________________  Childcare___________________________________________________________________  When we will meet (day of week) _______________________________________________  Where we will meet (place) ____________________________________________________  We will begin at (time) _________________and end at ______________________________  Review date of this agreement __________________________________________________ SESSION TWO

CHALLENGE EVERYONE IN THE GROUP TO SHARE OWNERSHIP

SESSION TWO

Assistant

• Share weekly leadership within the group with the Assistant (selected questions, opening discussion, closing prayer time, etc.).

• Regularly rotate the leadership of the group (once or twice a month).

SESSION TWO

Worship

• Coordinate a weekly praise and prayer list. • Coordinate your group attending worship services together in community. (Encourage people to attend in subgroups of two to four, if not all together.) • Host a communion service or worship time for your small group (CD, instruments or a cappella).

SESSION TWO

Fellowship/Friendship Life

• Coordinate group socials and celebrations (birthdays, dinners and group activities).

• Follow up on new and absent people with calls and cards.

• Manage the group roster, Small Group Guidelines and Agreements.

SESSION TWO

Bible Life

• Encourage members to complete all of the Connections, Foundations, and Discipleship classes, and to complete all Leadership Training modules.

• Develop Spiritual Partners.

• Encourage members in Bible memorization.

• Help facilitate a regular Bible reading program for the group.

SESSION TWO

Witness-Ministry Life

• Confirm every member into a group role or “baby step” responsibility.

• Encourage people to complete the Wagner Modified Houts Questionnaire. Copies may be obtained by asking your Advisor, or by emailing [email protected]

• Do ministry projects as a group.

• Encourage members to invite an unchurched friend or neighbor to your group (to fill the open chair).

• Remind members of their responsibility to “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in

Prayer Life

• Promote a daily quiet time for each group member.

• Encourage members to pray for unchurched friends or family members.

• Set up prayer chain for the group.

SESSION TWO

FIND OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE

OPPORTUNITY FEAR RISK

SESSION TWO

FAITH

Know the spiritual next steps of each person in your group.

Your job is to build people, not just lead a meeting.

SESSION TWO

GET EVERYONE INTERESTED IN REACHING AND CONNECTING PEOPLE

Our Small Group Leaders of tomorrow are in your small group today.

SESSION TWO

Our

philosophy

is that ALL groups are open to new members.

SESSION TWO

There are many different

methods

small group members.

for adding  People you choose  People who choose you  People God chooses SESSION TWO

SUBGROUPING IS KEY TO DEVELOPING LEADERS AND GROUPS

SESSION TWO

 Why subgroup?

When numbers go

up

care goes

down

.

SESSION TWO

 When do I subgroup?

When everyone can’t

share

subgroup.

it’s time to When you want to encourage deeper personal interaction.

SESSION ONE

 How do I subgroup?

If your group has eight or more people you may want to break into circles of three or four people for greater participation and deeper discussion.

Come back together at the end of the discussion time and have someone report from each group the highlights of their discussion.

SESSION ONE

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SPIRITUAL DIET FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP

SMALL GROUP CURRICULUM PATHWAY IDEAS

Objective – To assist Leaders and groups in planning out an annual curriculum calendar for the purpose of: • spiritual growth • developing a healthy small group diet • balancing the disciplines • identifying which studies would be most helpful to them SESSION TWO

1. Categories

● Books of the Bible ● Doctrine ● Life Skills ● Evangelism/Seeker ● Spiritual Growth

2. Disciplines

● Bible Life ● Prayer Life ● Fellowship/Friendship Life ● Witness/Ministry Life ● Worship

3. Year long plan

● 1 st ● 2 nd ● 3 rd ● 4 th year year year year SESSION TWO

SESSION THREE

Know Where You Are Going And How To Get There

SESSION THREE

TO GET WHERE YOU NEED TO GO, YOU WILL NEED TO NURTURE KEY RELATIONSHIPS



Relationship with Christ



Spiritual Partner

SESSION THREE

TLC LEADER 

Advisor

And usually an 

Assistant

TLC Leadership Team 

Leader

SESSION THREE

HAVE TRUST IN HIM

Committed leaders see the need and are relentless to the vision, mission and strategy.

“But Jesus told him, ‘Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the

Kingdom of God.’“ Luke 9:62 (NLT) SESSION THREE

There will be hard times in group life. Don’t give up!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9 (NIV) “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he

rises again.”

Proverbs 24:16 (NIV) SESSION ONE

WHAT’S EXPECTED OF YOU IN LEADERSHIP?

L isten more than you speak E ncourage every member to share a group role A ctively D evelop reach out to those beyond your group a healthy and balanced group E ngage in ongoing care and development R emember S urrender God’s calling in your life all that you are to God H umbly I nvest lead your group with authenticity your time in emerging Leaders P ray consistently for your group

SESSION THREE

Paul’s examples of praying for others

● ● ● ●

WISDOM BEAR FRUIT LOVE/HOPE/ENDURANCE THAT GOD WOULD BE GLORIFIED

SESSION THREE

HOW DO WE DEVELOP YOU?

SESSION THREE

• Empowering you to discover and develop your God-given gifts for leading • Equipping you through transferable training modules • Encouraging you through ongoing support and accountability SESSION THREE

LEADERSHIP TRAINING 1

• Basic training for all new Leadership Team members • Focuses on three main areas of the Small Group Ministry to prepare you for your new role.

SESSION THREE

ADVISOR

• Teamed with an Advisor or Leader • A seasoned member of our Small Group Ministry • Someone who cares about you and the success of your small group.

SESSION ONE

LEADERSHIP TRAINING 2

•

Character

•

Health

•

Empowerment

•

Reconciliation

•

Care

SESSION THREE

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBER

Listen more than you speak. Engage in ongoing care and development. Actively reach out to those beyond your group. Develop a healthy and balanced group.

Encourage every member to share a group role. Remember God’s calling in your life.

Surrender all that you are to God.

Humbly lead your group with authenticity.

Invest your time in emerging Leaders.

Pray consistently for your group.

SESSION THREE

SEMI-ANNUAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

• Candid communication with Pastor Tim and his ongoing vision for Washington Cathedral • Targeted training to meet your specific leadership needs • Large group worship • Fellowship • Fun SESSION THREE

CORE VALUES

LEADERSHIP! (your development) RELATIONSHIP! (your personal group’s development)

STEWARDSHIP! (their individual development)

PARTNERSHIP! (team development)

SESSION THREE

WHO SUPPORTS YOU?

Introducing your Advisor or Leader!

SESSION THREE

PERSONAL EXERCISE

Share 1 or 2 things you have learned today that have changed the way you view small groups or the way you will implement the ideas in your small group.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE:

Complete Lay Pastor Commitment Sheet  Review Lay Ministry Requirements (attached)  Review Discipline for Effective Ministry (attached)  Sign Leader Minister Commitment Complete the Feedback Card SESSION THREE