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Sep
8
L Leader , Susan Hill

What Does It Mean to Love One Another Well?

By Susan Hill

We know that LIFE Groups come in all shapes and sizes but share a common function. One of the core values of a LIFE Group is to Love One Another. The “L” function serves to support, serve, comfort and provide pastoral care to the body of Christ in times of need.
As Christ followers, love should be our defining characteristic. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: love one another. As I loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
In a strong biblical community, there will be plenty of opportunities to both extend and receive love. Loving one another means offering support, comfort, and help in times of need. LIFE Groups are meant to build relationships in which group members truly experience life together.
On a practical level this might mean participating in times of celebration such as weddings, births, anniversaries, and milestone events. Loving each other well means we will also be present in times of adversity such as illness, loss of a loved one, and other types of struggles.
Paul wrote in Romans 12:15 we are to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
So, what are practical ways your LIFE Group shows love to one another?

  • Pray for each other. In seasons of struggle, it is especially important that people are praying for you.
  • Meet tangible needs. This might mean delivering a meal to a sick group member or calling to check in with them. If there is a need too large for the LIFE Group to meet, then you will want to communicate that to church staff.
  • Call, text, and send cards to group members who are going through difficult seasons.

 
When Jesus was asked what the most important command was, he said in Mark 12:30-31, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.”
Let’s do everything we can to make sure we are loving people well in biblical community.

Aug
17
F Leader , Susan Hill , Uncategorized

How Do I Utilize the Transformational LIFE Strategy in my LIFE Group?

By Susan Hill

As a LIFE Group leader, it is not uncommon to be faced with a variety of needs and responsibilities. Leading a thriving biblical community is a privilege and honor, but there are times it can be overwhelming. That’s why utilizing the Transformational LIFE Strategy (TLS) is so beneficial. It gives group members the opportunity to invest in the group, share their gifts in biblical community, and it allows the group leader to delegate responsibility. The TLS addresses the four common functions of any LIFE Group: To Love One Another, Involve Ourselves in Community, Focus on God’s Word, and Engage the World. These four functions address a variety of needs including: pastoral care issues, group hospitality, social events, bible study, and engaging the community in service and evangelism.

So, how does a group leader implement the TLS?

  •  Enlist good leaders.  The first step of enlisting good leadership for your LIFE Group is to really know your group members. When you understand how your group members are gifted and are aware of their strengths, you are ready to enlist them in roles where they will be most effective. For instance, if you know one of your group members is outgoing and hospitable, you might consider him/her as an “I” Leader who will be responsible for greeting and following up with first-time guests and planning social events.
  • Communicate expectations. Each TLS role has a clear job description and guidelines on how to serve well. Be sure to provide your TLS team with this information and encourage them to take advantage of ongoing leadership development opportunities provided by the church discipleship team.  Keep in mind that our church staff is always available to help equip your TLS team with the resources they need to serve well.
  • Continue to lead. Even after you fill your group’s leadership roles, it’s important to stay engaged. This will mean ongoing communication with your TLS team to insure group needs are being met and your LIFE Group is accomplishing its purpose.

As a leader, there is nothing more gratifying than seeing those you lead thriving in their roles. God has equipped all of his people with unique gifts and talents to serve His church. Let’s do our best to make sure those we lead are utilizing their strengths to build Christ’s kingdom.