Leadership Group Guide - June 2024

Catch-Up:

Share any recent updates regarding identifying potential leaders from last month’s discussion.

Leadership Thought:

Developing and empowering small group leaders is essential for fostering spiritual growth and community. One of the most effective tools in this process is providing timely feedback. Providing and receiving feedback helps emerging leaders grow, build confidence, and develop their leadership skills.

Giving Feedback

Feedback is more than just evaluation—it's a tool for development. It helps individuals understand their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and stay motivated on their leadership journey. For small group leaders, this means understanding how effectively they facilitate discussions, engage members, and create a spiritually nourishing environment. Here's how feedback can be effectively used:

  • Specific and Timely: Provide clear, specific feedback as soon as possible. For example, "You did a great job facilitating discussion in your cluster. Next time, try involving members who are reluctant to share by asking them questions like ‘What do you think about that?.’”

  • Balance Positivity with Constructive Criticism: Start with what the leader is doing well before addressing areas for improvement. This approach builds confidence and makes constructive criticism more palatable. For example, "Your welcoming nature sets a positive tone for the group. One improvement might be starting the discussion quicker so we end on time."

  • Focus on Growth: Encourage a mindset of continuous improvement. Frame feedback in terms of “learning moments,” emphasizing that skills can be enhanced with effort and learning. For example, "Your insights are valuable, but you tend to dominate the discussion. If you can involve others and ask follow-up questions, the discussions will be more impactful."

Receiving Feedback

As we give feedback, we also need to be good at receiving feedback. Effective leaders are lifelong learners, always open to insights from others. Here are some tips for fostering this essential skill:

  • Be Open and Receptive: View feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. Ask for specifics and clarification if needed to fully understand the feedback. Avoid being defensive. Recognize that feedback is in love to help us to bring glory to God.

  • Reflect and Act: Take time to reflect on the feedback and develop an action plan to implement the suggestions. This demonstrates a commitment to personal and spiritual growth. Sometimes, we may have differing opinions. Instead of arguing, consider taking the feedback to God in prayer and let Him reveal the truth to you.

  • Seek Continuous Improvement: Regularly seek feedback from mentors, peers, and group members. This practice fosters a culture of growth and continuous improvement. Ask, “How do you think the group went?” “How do you think I can improve?”

Feedback is not just about pointing out what needs to change; it's about encouraging growth and building confidence. Through this process, we can raise a new generation of leaders prepared to disciple others.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 

  • What stood out to you from the topic of feedback? How has feedback helped you develop your leadership?

  • Share about someone you are currently empowering in leadership. How can you use feedback to help them develop in their leadership?

  • Identify one area in your small group leadership where you feel you could improve. Share this with the group and ask for specific feedback or advice.

REMINDERS:
As we welcome new people to our services, we encourage leaders to engage with them before and after the service. If you see someone unfamiliar, take the initiative to introduce yourself. This provides an opportunity to connect and contributes to a welcoming atmosphere where newcomers feel valued and loved. Remember, if they’re new to you, they might be new.


PRAYER POINTS:

  • Pray for the person(s) you are raising in leadership.

  • Pray for the multiplication of new leaders and groups at Pearlside who are devoted to sharing the Gospel, making disciples, and raising new leaders.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE:

At all of our weekend services from June 21-23 and June 28-30, we will be receiving brand new school supplies so children in need will have basic school supplies to start the new year.

Online giving will also be available from June 21-30. Givers will need to select "School Supply Drive" under Giving Type.

Visit pearlside.org/cares for more information.

FUTURE SMALL GROUP LEADERS SUMMITS:

  • September 14, 2024 - All Leaders Summit

If you have any questions or concerns, please email smallgroups@pearlside.org.