"Leading a Small Group" by Rev. Dennis "Tiger" McLuen

2. Introducing…
Dawn Trautman
Dawntrautman.com

4. 7 WEBINARS
1. “Lutheran Theology: How God Works in the
World”
2. “Lutheran Theology: How We Read the Bible”
3. “Your Role as Leader”
4. “Strategic Planning”
5. “Leading a Small Group”
6. “Faith Conversations”
7. “Planning for the Unexpected”

5. Introducing…
Rev. Dennis “Tiger”
McLuen
Youth Leadership
Youthleadership.org
Leading a Small
Group

6. Leading a Small Group:
Art or Science?
Tiger McLuen
President - Youth Leadership

7. LEADING EFFECTIVE SMALL
GROUPS
The effective leading of
small groups may be the
most important skill you
develop in youth
ministry.

8. WHY WE USE SMALL GROUPS
• Shift from telling them everything to helping
them think.
• Helps them translate information to
application.
• Helps them move from theory to reality.
• Allows them the opportunity for involvement
and peer interaction.

9. WHY WE USE SMALL GROUPS
• Helps them see options and clarify their
position.
• Allows them to experience care and support
in a safe environment.
• Moves from making them drink from a fire
hose to leading them to the edge of a deep
well.
• Provides the opportunity for real life change.

10. LEADING EFFECTIVE SMALL
GROUPS
MARK 8:27-30
Small groups as “on
the way” experiences

11. SMALL GROUPS AS PROCESS…
„The Gospel writers were not focused on making
an academic case or solving the problem of who
Jesus was. They were out to convey a
message about the mystery of God being
revealed in human form and inviting people to
experience the mystery they were a part of. You
figure out a puzzle, you solve a problem but you
kneel in a mystery.‟
- Leonard Sweet

12. 10 Tips for Leading Small Groups
1. Atmosphere is crucial to any small group
2. Relationships are more important than
content
3. Always remember the purpose
4. Preparation is essential
5. Be graceful

13. 10 Tips for Leading Small Groups
6. Discipline and control is a key issue
7. Don‟t be afraid of silence
8. Routines and ritual are important
9. Work hard to create good questions
10. The leader is crucial.
a) YOU matter.

14. FEARS OF SMALL GROUP
LEADERS
Inadequacy Task vs
People
Lack of Will they like
control me?

15. Books & Resources
By Laurie Polich
By Laurie Polich
& Charley Scandlyn
By Josh Griffin

16. Thoughts…Questions…
Reflections…
Tiger McLuen Dawn Trautman
Please type your questions or comments into the
question box on your screen. We‟ll try to get to as
many of them as we can.

17. Next…
December 18, 2011
2:00pm Central Time
Dennis “Tiger” McLuen
Youth Leadership
Youthleadership.org
Faith Conversations
elcaymnet.org/ELCATrainingOverview

18. Recording of this
Webinar
www.elcaymnet.org/elcatraining

19. • Amazing speakers, workshops,
worship, music and networking!
• All 7 webinars “live” by the writers
• Intensive Care Course: “How to
Intensive Care Courses: Feb 8-9 Have a Great Youth Gathering!”
Main Event: Feb 9-12 • “Gathering Bus Tours” of Gathering
Sheraton Hotel, New Orleans sites…
• Plus all the regular great stuff that
elcaymnet.org/extravaganza happens at an “E”

20. Training Online or Live
Elcaymnet.org/ELCATrainingOverview

21. Next…
December 18, 2011
2:00pm Central Time
Dennis “Tiger” McLuen
Youth Leadership
Youthleadership.org
Faith Conversations
elcaymnet.org/ELCATrainingOverview