BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN OTHERS

Everyone is a “10” somewhere. Everyone is good at something and can benefit the whole group when they use their gifts. I tell my leaders all the time, “You are successful not if you do all the work. You are successful if you bring out the best in others.” A good leader is a facilitator who understands that everyone has a part to play and no part is too small.

One of the great blessings of utilizing the gifts of all the members is that they feel like they have something to contribute and that they belong. The more the ministry is shared the better off everyone is. In almost every case of groups disbanding in my experience, I have found a leader who was doing everything and not sharing the ministry. The most effective groups form core teams.

Your role as group leader is not to lead the entire group of eight or ten or twelve. Your role is primarily to shepherd and disciple (develop) two or three people in your inner circle – and then to share ownership and leadership with them. “

My group has come alive since praying in and incorporating a core team approach. But don’t settle with simply forming a core team and utilizing the gifts of the team. Everyone who gathers with the group has something to share. Obviously people are at all different levels of discovering and using their gifts. As a leader I focus on how I can bring out the best in others. The main question I ask myself after the group has met is this: Did everyone participate and did people walk away edified or built up?

Both of these are extremely important factors in being a healthy small group. Unfortunately, I see a lot of group leaders leading alone. It's so good to see a group that's getting this right and seeing the blessings and benefits!

If you ARE sharing leadership and ownership, what blessings have you seen?

If you are NOT sharing leadership and ownership, what are your biggest obstacles?