Help for Hard Times

Small groups are the perfect settings for people to share their struggles and receive encouragement. I've been helped through more than one hard time by my care-group leader, Bob Beaver. Here are his insights on helping people through tough times.

Before Hard Times Come

1. As the leader, establish a personal relationship with each member of the group.

2. Look out for the interests of your group members (Phil. 2:4).

3. Help each individual feel accepted.

4. Encourage transparency by sharing some of your own struggles.

5. Ban judgmental attitudes. Set the tone for your entire group.

6. Allow others to lead as much as possible. This builds a sense of unity and ownership.

7. Pray often—daily, if possible—for your group members.

When Hard Times Come

1. The struggling group member may drop out of the group. If that happens:

• Stay in contact.

• Remind her that she is still part of your group even if she doesn't come to the meetings. Don't make attendance an issue.

• Affirm and remind her about the Lord's love and sovereign power. Encourage her to seek and trust God.

• Enlist the whole group in writing notes of encouragement to the one who's struggling.

• When she returns to the group, welcome her warmly. Be sensitive to her preferences—some people may want prayer immediately, others may prefer not to have attention focused on them.

2. If the hurting group member continues to attend your small-group meetings, he may require some extra attention. Allow him time to unload now and then, even if it disrupts your schedule for the evening.

Article Source: http://www.christiannotepad.com

© 2006 by Rebecca Livermore, a speaker and freelance writer from Denver, Colorado. Her passion is helping people grow spiritually. To learn more about her ministry, and to read her articles on spiritual disciplines, visit www.rebeccalivermore.com .