Session 3: Understanding Small Group Systems
Reflect on your small groups by using a small group systems theory...recognizing the beauty and complexity of groups.
INPUTS
People!
o Characteristics
o Personalities
o Needs
o Attitudes
o Values
o Abilities
o Skills
o Knowledge
o Stage of Discipleship
Time available
Resources available
Support (or lack of) from the larger community
THROUGHPUTS
Typical schedule of activities Communication patterns
Roles of the members (formal)
Behaviors of the members
How conflict/solving problems is managed Non-verbal messages between members
OUTPUTS
What is learned by the group members?
Did your group complete a task or project together?
How do members feel about the group and one another? Are they growing in their discipleship?
Are they satisfied by participating in the group?
ENVIRONMENT
Location and space where the group meets Seating arrangement
Time of day
Temperature, noise, smells, etc.
Reflecting on the complexity of groups helps us to address the things we can manage, make changes when we can, and help eliminate potential barriers to the group.
