Home Small Group Leaders Articles for Small Group Leaders 9 Great Things Many Small Group Members Hate About Small Groups

9 Great Things Many Small Group Members Hate About Small Groups

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What do small group members sometimes hate about small groups? Many small group members have a love hate relationship with the group they’re in. In most instances this has nothing to do with the leader of the group or the makeup of the group. It has everything to do with those expectations that are necessary for a group to be a transformational entity in the group member’s life. I believe there are at least nine great things that some small group members hate about small groups.

9 Great Things Many Small Group Members Hate About Small Groups

1. They can’t hide in the crowd

2. They have to take part in the conversation

3. They are expected to be vulnerable telling the group how the group can be praying for them

4. Small group members want to meet their financial/material and emotional needs

5. They are asked to confess the sins they struggle with (James 5:16)

6. They are expected to verbalize some of their own story

7. They have to agree to covenant expectations and one of those expectations includes showing up for every group gathering

8. They are expected to allow others in the group to hold them accountable

9. They are expected to resolve any conflict that occurs between them and another group member

If a group leader is going to see transformation at a meaningful level in a group member’s life, the group leader cannot give the group member a pass on these expectations. Rather, the group leader must graciously and wisely move the group member into these seemingly dangerous places.  

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rhowerton@churchleaders.com'
Rick has one passion… To see “a biblical small group within walking distance of every person on the planet making disciples that make disciples.” He is presently pursuing this passion as the Small Group and Discipleship Specialist at LifeWay Church Resources. Rick has authored or co-authored multiple books, studies, and leader training resources including A Different Kind of Tribe: Embracing the New Small Group Dynamic, Destination Community: Small Group Ministry Manual, The Gospel and the Truth: Living the Message of Jesus, Small Group Life Ministry Manual: A New Approach to Small Groups, Redeeming the Tears: a Journey Through Grief and Loss, Small Group Life: Kingdom, Small Group Kickoff Retreat: Experiential Training for Small Group Leaders, and Great Beginnings: Your First Small Group Study, Disciples Path: A Practical Guide to Disciple Making. Rick’s varied ministry experiences as an collegiate minister, small group pastor, teaching pastor, elder, full-time trainer and church consultant, as well as having been a successful church planter gives him a perspective of church life that is all-encompassing and multi-dimensional. Rick is a highly sought after communicator and trainer.