MIN-430 Topic 3 Essay - Case Study for Leading Small Groups (1) Final

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1 Case Study Evaluation for Leading Small Groups Elias Ruiz College of Theology: Grand Canyon University Min—430: Ministerial Communication Dr. David Yauk September 17, 2023

2 Case Study Evaluation for Leading Small Groups Church-based small groups are an essential part of church growth. In Iron Sharpens Iron, by Telford he explains that “small Bible study groups are an excellent way to hear God speak” (Telford, 2011). We do not want them to become ‘social groups’; therefore, they must be Bible- centered. This way, we can hear and speak to God. Small groups are essential, and a great leader must make it thrive. Listening is so much more complex than speaking, and it does not occur naturally and will require hard work and practice by the Team Leader. One of the most common mistakes people make when reading the scriptures is ignoring the context. Taking things read out of context will give us a false interpretation of the truths God intends. Group Leaders are encouraged to handle these situations with care, love, and understanding. A team leader must be ready to hear as well as speak. Real listening is more than just hearing sounds; it is hearing, interpreting, evaluating, and answering the message. “Effective listeners use their faces and even their posture to express their interest and concern” (Whipple, 2008). It is essential to maintain eye contact and stay focused on the speaker. You can do this by imitating their gestures, leaning forward, and looking at them as they speak. Nod and make signs like ‘I see’ and ‘huh’. (Tedesco, 2011). Matthew 11:15 says, ”He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” When it is your turn to speak, make sure you have prayed with your God for wisdom. Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” According to Tedesco, 2011, “When a speaker perceives that a listener is paying attention, speakers tend to feel more supported.” I have chosen to speak about a discussion that seems to be going in the wrong direction when the group suggests that the Bible means different things to each person. The group may read and understand the Bible in hundreds of ways, and it is our job to correct the situation

3 without choosing a side. A leader must diligently familiarize himself with the Word of God and seek training from those equipped to train. We need to be skilled in “rightly dividing the Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Different people can interpret the Bible differently with many different things in life. Every section of the Bible can be interpreted by the person reading it. The Bible itself is its best interpreter. One of the reasons some people interpret the Bible differently is that the Bible itself is not always clear on some topics. Another reason is that everyone has grown up with a particular religious belief, and it is hard to dissuade them otherwise. “Let us not be like those who cast aside the word of God, preferring instead the empty promises of this world. Let us treasure the word of God, hiding it in our hearts so that we might not sin against Him” (Psalm 119:11). As we try to reconcile the group when misinterpreting the Scriptures, we must explain to them that one can take any book of the Bible and make it say whatever they need it to say, which does not justify them. People bring their genetics, upbringing, religious background, and even their culture, making their interpretation of the Word. Some people interpret the scriptures differently, making assumptions about their veracity, truthfulness, correctness, or accuracy. God inspired the writers of the Bible. According to Merriam-Webster, inspiration is; “The supernatural influence of the Spirit of God on the human mind, by which Prophets and Apostles and sacred writers were qualified to set forth Divine truth without any mixture of errors.” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). Paul in 2 Timothy 3:16 defined inspiration as “The strong conscious inbreathing of God into men, qualifying them to give utterance to truth.” Psalm 119:160 clearly states that the ‘entirety of your word is truth.’ Those with a low level of Scriptural understanding will interpret the Bible differently. Many believers are biblically illiterate because they seldom read or study their Bibles. Psalm 119:130 explains how properly studying God’s Word gives light

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4 and understanding to the simple. We need to seek the Lord through the reading and studying of the Scriptures and not allow the Scriptures to be misunderstood. Psalm 19:7 states, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” Great small groups in our churches are the by-product of great group leaders. Great small group leaders should constantly pray for their group members and stay in contact with them regularly. Group Leaders should not do all the talking and be good listeners. Listeners should ask brief questions, agree or disagree verbally, encourage them to keep talking, and “indicate confusion or understanding through brief utterances” (Fedesco, 2015). Leaders should understand that effective listening is challenging. One of the reasons is that some leaders are more focused on what they are saying than on what they hear. (Lewis & Graham, 2003). When there is a situation in which group members have discussions and imply that the Bible has a different meaning to different people, the Leader should be neutral and give Spiritual and sound advice on the subject without agreeing or disagreeing with them. Usually, this is due to Biblical Illiteracy because they do not read or study the Bible enough. Psalm 119:130 explains how properly studying God’s Word gives light and understanding to the simple. We need to seek the Lord through the reading and studying of the Scriptures and not allow the Scriptures to be misunderstood. This usually makes a student infer what he or she wants it to say. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent in presenting yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” Communication is the key to a well-balanced group where you can see Spiritual growth. Communication involves speaking as well as listening.

5 References Fedesco, H. N. (2015). The Impact of (In)effective Listening on Interpersonal Interactions . International Journal of Listening, 29(2), 103–106. https://doi- org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/10904018.2014.965389 Lewis, T. D., & Graham, G. (2003, August 1). 7 tips for effective listening: productive listening does not occur naturally. It requires hard work and practice. Internal Auditor, 60(4). https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=edsbig&AN=edsbig.A106863366&site=eds- live&scope=site&custid=s8333196&groupid=main&profile=eds1 Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integrity . Telford, J. (2011). Iron sharpens iron: leading Bible-oriented small groups that thrive . Churchman, 125(4), 369–371 https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLA0001868420&site=eds- live&scope=site&custid=s8333196&groupid=main&profile=eds1 The Holy Bible , English Standard Version. (2016). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible/ #copy (Original work published 2001) Whipple, K. (2008). Are You Listening? Interpreter (National Association for Interpretation) , 4(2), 16–17, https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=ehh&AN=33424333&site=eds- live&scope=site&custid=s8333196&groupid=main&profile=eds1