In this special bonus episode of the podcast, Chris Short - Executive Team Leader and Host engages in a candid conversation with North Campus staff members Cory Speer, Adult Discipleship Ministry Leader, and Shelly Reeves, Women’s Discipleship Leader.

‌ Together, they dig into the dynamics of Situational Leadership within Small Groups, exploring real-life scenarios that often emerge unexpectedly, such as marriage or parenting struggles, blended family issues, adoption challenges, and addiction concerns.

These unanticipated “situational” occurrences demand real-time responses, and the way we lead through them can help create an environment where transparency and authenticity thrive.

Key Discussion Points:

The importance of creating a culture of transparency: Fostering an environment where members feel safe to share their emotions and seek support from one another, following the example set by Jesus.

Leading with transparency: Dispelling the myth of perfection by sharing personal struggles as leaders, encouraging others to open up about their own challenges.

Handling disruptions: Navigating encounters with spiritual infants or individuals not yet born again who may disrupt group dynamics due to their level of maturity.

Maintaining an atmosphere of grace and appropriateness: Ensuring that all members feel accepted and supported, avoiding shaming individuals for their vulnerabilities.

Being sensitive to topics that may need to be discussed in gender specific groups or one on one discussions.

Guiding young believers: Walking alongside spiritual newcomers, modeling the grace and love of Jesus while teaching them the principles of Christian living and demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit.

You can download the shownotes for this episode here: Situational Leadership ‌

To watch all episodes of this Podcast, go to: Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast

We have some great tools that our leadership have made available for you to use!

· Right Now Media: (The Netflix of Bible Studies)

Real Life has gifted our people with a free membership to this platform! Find out more at this link. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/user/reallifeministries

Real Life Resources: This digital library contains over 500 tools and resources to help both you personally and those in your group. Podcasts, videos, books, studies and much more at this link. https://realliferesources.org/

‌ If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to email us at realforlife@reallifeministries.com.

In this bonus episode of our podcast, Chris Short, Fred Bosse' and Sara Short discuss the Biblical model of Complementarianism that we follow at Real Life Ministries.

Believing that both men and women are equally valuable, this model highlights how God has given each of us different strengths and viewpoints. When men and women work together in ministry, it shows a more complete picture of who God is and helps groups function better. Imagine a group led by both a man and a woman, bringing their unique perspectives to the table before, during, and after the group time. This mix of viewpoints helps the group grow and work together more effectively.

Some of the things they cover are:

• Recognizing that men and women are equally important.
• Understanding that each gender has its own strengths and ways of seeing things, given by God.
• Showing how teamwork between men and women in ministry paints a fuller picture of God.
• Explaining how having both male and female leaders can make group meetings more effective.
• Describing what it might look like to have a man and a woman leading a group together.
• Highlighting how this mix of perspectives helps the group develop and function well.

Download the show notes for this episode here: Episode Show Notes

To watch all episodes of this Podcast go to: Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast

In this bonus episode of the Real Life Groups Leadership Podcast, Chris Short, Executive Pastor at Real Life Ministries, chats with Jenna Fore, Women's Ministry Lead at our Hayden Campus and Christian Putman, Adult Discipleship Ministry Lead at our Cd'A Campus, about the session they did on Intentional Leadership at the annual Group Leaders Training.

In this conversation, they share some of their best tips and tools for leading a group with intentionality. Here are some of things they suggest a leader does in order to lead like Jesus and effectively navigate the challenges faced in a group

1. Ask a lot of questions: Asking questions shows that you are interested in and invested in the individuals in your group. It helps create a sense of relationship and encourages self-discovery. Asking questions is a good way to be intentional to show your interest in someone, which can lead them to feel safe enough to be more open with their responses.

1. Be intentional: Just like Jesus, be intentional in addressing problems and forming relationships within the group. Take the time to understand the needs and concerns of each individual and address them with care and compassion.

1. Connect outside of the group: It is important to connect with your group members outside of the regular group meetings. This can be through one-on-one conversations, social events, or even simple check-ins. Building relationships outside of the group setting helps to strengthen the bond and trust within the group.

1. Establish group guidelines: Set clear and intentional guidelines for the group. These guidelines should outline expectations, values, and boundaries for the group members. Having guidelines in place helps to create a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

1. Be proactive and reactive: As a group leader, it is important to set the tone of the group by being proactive in addressing potential issues and creating a positive atmosphere. However, it is also crucial to be prepared for difficult conversations that may arise on the fly. Approach these conversations with trust, relationship, and respect, and be open to finding solutions together.

1. Be vulnerable: Share your own struggles and challenges with the group. By being vulnerable, you create a space for others to open up and share their own experiences. This fosters a sense of authenticity and trust within the group.

1. Plant and water: Remember that as a group leader, your role is to plant seeds and water them, regardless of the visible results. Trust that God will bring the growth and focus on faithfully serving and supporting your group members.

We want to thank you for stepping up, and even stretching yourselves, to lead God's people here at Real Life. We know it isn't always easy, and we so appreciate your time, your prayer and trust in God, and your desire to love his people well.

Please let us know if there is anything you would like to see addressed in this podcast, and know that we are lifting you up in prayer and cheering you on as we walk this journey as disciples together!

Download Show Notes Here: https://reallifeministries.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Media/2024/Real+Life+Resources+/Groups+Leadership+Podcast+Season+2+Bonus+Episode+1+-+Intentional+Leadership.docx

Here are some more great tools that our leadership has made available for you to use!

• Right Now Media: (The Netflix of Bible Studies)

Real Life has gifted our people with a free membership to this platform! Find out more at this link. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/user/reallifeministries

• Real Life Resources: This digital library contains over 500 tools and resources to help both you personally and those in your group. Podcasts, videos, books, studies and much more at this link. https://realliferesources.org/

If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to email us at realforlife@reallifeministries.com.