Lead a Weblog for Young Adult Leaders

Defining a small group is a difficult task. Over the last 20 or so years, variations on the theme have become norm. The information in this article unveils the basics of a biblically-driven small group—those things that should be consistent in any group type.

Most people know what to expect when they enter their local church on any given Sunday. Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian—it doesn’t matter. Even those churches who pride themselves on being “different” most often have a certain way of doing things, from dress to worship style to music. And that’s fine—until people begin to see those things as an essential part of their experience with God. At that point the system becomes a fundamentally flawed strategy.

The first month of school shapes collegiate ministry for the entire year. Sure, God can and does move in October or April, but typically what does or doesn’t happen the first month of the university year matters in October and in April. Students set their patterns the first three weeks of Fall semester. They often decide quickly where they’ll park, when they’ll eat, who they’ll spend time with, and whether or not they’ll be involved in church or campus ministry. Bam! Decided. Tuesday/Thursday schedule set. Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule set. Collegiate ministries have a key window of opportunity to enter into a student’s life during the first month of the year.

In Dan Pink’s talk at the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), he unpacks surprising research about what motivates people. What the research reveals will force you to think differently about leadership and teamwork in your career, your life, and your ministry.