CRU Weekly Ministry Tip #11, Fall 2011
Involvement Breeds Commitment: Group Talks
Campus Crusade staff member, Gilbert Kingsley, has written a ministry tip on the topic of “group talks”. This is an excellent concept that can enhance your campus ministry by involving others, therefore, increasing commitment. Read on then capture this creative idea. It could really help put a spark in your weekly meetings and Bible studies.
Group Talks
An axiom of ministry: “Involvement breeds commitment.”
Let me suggest a way to help others grow in their confidence in leading. I call this “group talks”. In principle, if a person has a voice in a meeting, they have a role in the meeting’s success. Ownership breeds commitment. Here is how group talks work:
The gifted leader announces that next week they are going to do a different kind of Bible study. He or she will introduce the topic and bring it to a conclusion. However, the body of the talk is assigned to different students. Some topics might include:
• The Fruit of the Spirit.
• The 8 I AM’s of the Gospel of John.
• Biblical Growth: Grace, truth, and time.
• 10 Commandments.
• Hebrews 11: Marks of a Person of Faith.
• Any number of Attributes of God.
• Ministries of the Holy Spirit.
• Groups of People that Jesus Addressed: Centurion, Pharisees, Sadducees, etc.
In preparation for the talks, the leader gives each person a definition, some verses or resources, if needed, and the amount of time they have to deliver their part. The student determines the big idea and some possible application. For example, if the study was on the Fruit of the Spirit, assign 9 different people one aspect of the Fruit (love, joy, peace, etc.). Give them one minute each to define it, give a Biblical example and suggest how it could be demonstrated within the movement. Connect with each student during the week to see how their preparation is going.
Some benefits:
• Involvement breeds commitment. Naturally.
• Visibility and responsibility builds ownership. Having a one or two minute speaking part raises their level of involvement.
• The follow through required develops a commitment to the group. They are participants, not just listeners.
• Those with latent gifts have an opportunity to exercise them, especially if they are reticent to speak up.
• The leader gets to see who takes responsibility and follows through on assignments.
• It spreads out leadership.
• It also helps students understand the dynamics of body language, personal responsibility and group interaction.
A group talk two or three times a semester will help develop greater student ownership. The idea of doing “group talks” periodically helps build ownership among students attending a Bible Study or weekly meeting. It is a great way to watch how they handle a short-term responsibility.
Gilbert Kingsley
Talk to you next week,
Ben Rivera/GodSquad and CruPressGreen Team