Most of us tend to naturally think that one of our goals for small groups should be to create a 'safe' environment. In this talk, Dr. Jim Wilder will make a case for why making a 'safe' environment may actually hinder the transformation we seek. While of course we need to ensure that group members are protected, there is another way to do so beyond creating a 'safe' group – and that is to cultivate a protective group identity.
There’s no doubt that living in community can be very challenging - even when we find a group of people that we like! Most people don’t have the “relational muscles” to work through conflict when it arises, so they simply leave the group. In this session, we’ll cover how simple exercises to build your relational muscles can transform your group’s experience.
Small groups are an ideal gathering to practice the 19 relational brain skills that make relationships work. With a combination of teaching and exercises, Chris Coursey will look at how to best design your fellowship times around how God designed your brain to work best - in joyful community.
Pastor Charlotte Lehman believes that establishing a relational community culture is not just for counselors and healing ministers – it is Jesus’ charge to all who would be his followers. In an accessible yet compelling fashion, Charlotte will share her journey with the Bible that led to this conviction about the priority and practices of staying relational.
