protective or exclusive

There is a fine line between being protective within the ministry vs exclusive. A recent visit by a person that didn't quite meet the criteria of one of our groups lead to quite a discussion.

Should they be invited in even though they weren't quite at the same level as the rest of the group, or is it more important to keep the group closed not risking the unity and possibly the quality of discussion and leadership development? Tough call.

If you begin to compromise the 'requirements' needed to belong to a group does the group collapse? Or...does this exposure instead give opportunity for the group to step up - to make their faith real and to become a witness and in this way take steps toward leadership that could never be taught? We shall see.

The group decided unanimously to open their group and their hearts to this newcomer. The right decision I suspect...

group first - team second

Brilliant! It only took me 12 years at Crossroads to figure out probably what everyone else already knew. When you want to begin a ministry, or start a new team. Small Group first - team second!

I have started teams through the years that serve a purpose then disintegrate. Reason? I think because they weren't a group first. People with things in common want to be together, they have instant connections. Then you add a purpose beyond the usual benefit of small groups and you have a team!

Now the group not only does life together, they accomplish together. This is the setting for a very, very strong bond to form. A bond that can withstand change and tough times. This, I believe is how God intended for us to do life...group and team all wrapped up in one.