May 2007 Finishing Well
In many ways it's hard to believe that another school year is nearing its completion and the anticipation of summer is right around the corner! As a small group leader it represents another year of faithfully leading your group members through fellowship and godly maturity. Let me be the first to commend you for your hard work and dedication as you faithfully poured yourself into your group member's lives this past year. God will bless you for your sacrifices in ways you cannot image. Paul the apostle in his second letter to the Corinthians said it best, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (2 Cor 4:17). The source of this eternal glory won't be your career's positional level achieved, nor the yearly returns of your IRAs, but the positive impact you made in the lives of those entrusted to you by God.
Finishing Well
Bob Mimiaga   Living Room

During the summer months some of our small groups will be taking a break from their studies. In some cases it may be unavoidable due to planned vacations and other family obligations. If your group is one of these, let me encourage you to continue to meet at least once per month for social gatherings. Plan a BBQ, group hike, or a picnic at Drake Park. Some groups have gone to the coast or Portland for a weekend of fun and adventure. As a small group leader your strongest influence over your group is the relationship they have with one another. So it is important to continue to nurture that relationship even during the summer months.

It is also essential to give each group member a phone call at least once per month to let them know you are thinking about them and you care about them. Stay involved in their lives, their joys and trials. Your show of concern for them and their family will make them feel like they are still being cared for even through the summer months.

If your group has decided to continue meeting for a study during the summer, can I suggest providing your group with a refreshing change from your normal studies. Change your typical study topic, location, and pattern. Some groups may find rotating facilitators for the studies revitalizing. Some groups have pot-luck dinners once or twice per month. Try changing the location of your meetings to a neighborhood park or back yard and enjoy the warm weather. I've surprised my group by taking them to Dairy Queen for a Blizzard! The idea behind all of these changes is to take opportunity of the summer months to revitalize your group and strengthen their relationships. Summer is a uniquely different season in the minds of many people and a prefect time to re-energize your group.

Regardless what your group intends to do this summer I pray that it will be refreshing and fun for you and your small group family. As small group leaders you are the backbone of our small group ministry and I sincerely appreciate your resolve and passion to fulfill God's work! .

Serving Him,

Bob Mimiaga
Pastor of Small Groups

Resource Reading
 

Read this article for some great ideas . . . . . .

Future Ministry Events
 

Small Group Study Guide Series - Fall 2007

Small Group Training Workshop - Fall 2007
 

Contact Information

phone: 541-389-3436