"W" #2: All In!

Contributed by:
Eric Dunaway
small groups pastor

A while back I read a book that talked about the importance of "clarifying the win." Over the years, I've been thinking about that. What's a win look like for our groups? In other words, what are the things that mark a successful group? As I thought about this, I jotted down a list of things that I would consider wins for our life groups. Over the next several weeks, I'd like to reveal those to you - in no particular order.


So I'll start this series with a look at something my group is learning together: Everyone plays a part in making the group happen. Or as I like to call it, all in!

I think one misconception a lot of us have, including myself until recently, is that the "HOST" or "facilitator" is the only person in the group with responsibilities from week to week. In fact, my group has been structured like this for the past couple of years, and we're beginning to see some of the adverse affects of that. The truth is that for a group to be healthy it needs to operate with an all in mentality. Everyone plays a role - we're all responsible for something.

Now, in our group, we would take turns providing snacks from week to week, and that was a very small way that members could get involved. But for the most part, the "biggies" fell on the same people week in and week out. One person always led the discussions (me). One couple always provided the venue. That same couple was responsible to secure childcare, and so on.

The adverse affects of this are obvious: Burn-out in those who are carrying the load every week, and a wavering commitment from the members who aren't allowed to shoulder some of the responsibility.

So I'm learning that a big win for groups is when everyone plays a vital role in the life of the group. The responsibility of leading discussions is shared among members who have that gift and/or desire. Everyone takes turns arranging childcare. Members who have a home that can accommodate the group are allowed to be the venue hosts on occasion. Those with a heart for community service are coordinating those opportunities for the group, and so on. When the group functions in this way, members commit to an all in approach to pursuing life together. And it generates more commitment among members, as well as a lighter load for the leader in that group.

Here are a couple of additional benefits when a group is all in:

1. Group members can discover their leadership potential. You may have members in your group who are wired for facilitating discussions. How will they recognize that quality if they're never given the opportunity to try it? Allowing others - even encouraging them - to lead once in a while might be the opportunity they need to discover that ability, and begin to put into practice. In fact, when you discover that another member of the group is an exceptional discussion host, you may even want to consider making them a "co-facilitator." 
2. Spiritual gifts can be discovered and practiced. When a member of your group thrives on making people feel welcome, opening their home to the group, and serving refreshments, they likely have the gift of hospitality. These are the kind of people who should be allowed to host the group from time to time. Others in your group may have the gift of administration, which would make them ideal people to coordinate snack duty rotation, or childcare arrangements. Others have a heart for serving, and would love to secure opportunities for the group to volunteer together at PCC and in the community. These are just a few examples of how an all in mentality allows members to discover and employ their spiritual gifts.

Have you had similar discoveries in your group where an all in approach has helped? Or have you seen where solo leadership has been hurting the group? I'd love to hear your experiences! Feel free to post a comment below.