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How to Recognize a Transformational Moment

When a small group leader misses the moment he or she fails to notice the opportunity to see emotional healing take place, a marriage on the brink of divorce placed on the path that leads to two lifelong partners experiencing love for one another again, a group member confessing and being released from a sin that is holding them captive, wise counsel being unearthed for a biblically confused group member, or a group member becoming a follower of Jesus Christ.

Let me define what a moment is. A moment is an instant during a small group gathering when the Holy Spirit is doing a work in someone’s life or in the group’s life. When a moment happens a small group leader needs to capture the moment on behalf of God. God has created the moment and wants to work in tandem with the small group leader to bring about transformation in someone’s life or in the group’s life.

So… How does a small group leader recognize when a moment is occurring?

1. When someone or multiple people are crying, don’t miss the moment.

2. When someone confesses a sin, don’t miss the moment.

3. When two people who are at odds with one another and speak of making things right between them, don’t miss the moment.

4. When there is tension between group members, don’t miss the moment.

5. When the presence of the Holy Spirit is filling the room in an extraordinary way, don’t miss the moment.

6. When someone who has been hesitant to talk about their personal life or their journey with Christ and does, don’t miss the moment.

7. When a couple in the group tells the group that their marriage is on the rocks or a dating couple speaks of breaking up, don’t miss the moment.

8. When someone speaks of their anger with or disappointment with God, don’t miss the moment.

9. When the group recognizes and acknowledges a communal failing and, as a group, is willing to repent together, don’t miss the moment. 

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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.