Walking the Small Group Tightrope

A time-tested resource for pastors and small group leaders to help them understand how to manage the tensions that result when a variety of good objectives compete for a group's attention.

Foundational resources such as Building a Church of Small Groups and The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry were written for those who launch and lead small group minnistries. Now there is a proven resource from Willow Creek created specifically for small group leaders who serve in the trenches of small group life. Walking the Small Group Tightrope applies "polarity management" training to group life. Polarity management teaches that in every area of life we must learn to manage the tension that exists between two good things rather than choosing one over the other. There are six challenges or 'tensions' every small group leader faces and must learn to manage well. Each challenge must be met by managing two good values that exist along a continium:
Learning Challenge: Truth-Life Continuum
Relational Challenge: Friendship-Accountability Continuum
Development Challenge: Care-Discipleship Continuum
Reconciliation Challenge: Kindness-Confrontation Continuum
Impact Challenge: Task-People Continuum
Connection Challenge: Openness-Intimacy Continuum