Lifegroups Enrichment: Ministering to One Another

Always allow adequate time for praying and ministering to one another during your Lifegroup meetings.

Set a time limit that respects people' schedules.  Allow time after meeting officially closes to still pray for more private needs with those lead   to do so.

Some individuals  will require extra grace and encouragement. Do not allow group ministry time to be monopolized by needs beyond the scope of the Lifegroup time.  Deep counseling and intensive ministry is not the purpose of group time. One individual can easily take up the entire prayer and ministry time if you do not set boundaries.

For difficult issues, refer person to church leadership for help. Do not contact a leader without the consent of the person, that would betray confidentiality.

Don't just tell people their feelings are wrong and inaccurate. Listen carefully to determine why they feel the way they do.

Real encouragement requires active listening.

Be empathic and avoid pat answers.

Minister scripture to one another to remind, exhort and encourage.

Don't assume you are the one to always have the best advice. Don't be afraid to say I don't know!  Instead refer them to someone who is more qualified to give the necessary advice.

Move things along if someone is taking too much time by asking:  Are there any other prayer requests before we move into prayer?

Encourage group members to write down prayer requests so that each need is covered in prayer specifically during meeting. Each need can then be remembered to be kept in prayer during the week.           

Encourage group members to share updates on progress of needs and individuals prayed for.

                                                                                 In Christ's Love Always!