The triangle is a method of leading small groups. Think of it as how to lead a small group 101. When the triangle is implemented properly you are able to have a conversation go around without it seeming like you are prying every question. So, welcome to the Triangle way of doing small groups.
Leading a small group is like driving a car, lets look at the following parts of The Triangle Drivers Training
The first thing you want to do to prepare for your small group is to figure out where your destination is. What is the main idea? On Thrive Studies this is the Big Idea on the Leader's Guide. Make sure you know what that is and keep that in mind during the whole time in your small group. Also think of your Leader's guide as a map, you DO NOT need to go through every question, but the goal is to get to the Big Idea. If you can find another way to get to it and take a detour, go for it! If your small group has a rabbit trail and goes off course, ask a question that will get them back on track, learn more about questions on your the gas #3 section.
The Triangle, that is your vehicle.
What do you have when you have 1 person talks in a small group, it's a sermon.
What do you have when you have 2 people talking in a small group, it's a conversation.
What do you have when you have 3 people talking in a small group, it's a triangle.
For some reason when there are three people talking, no matter how large the group is, everyone feels welcomed to talk. There is a sense of openness that you automatically get when there are at least 3 people talking.
When leading a small group, we would prefer that you go in with yourself as #1 and a co-leader at #2, and then your job is easy, find your #3. If it is just you leading a small group, you can still find your #2 and your #3, it just takes a little more effort.
So you have a plan where you are going and you have your vehicle, now we are going to look at how you get from point a to point b.
Your questions are your Gas.
HEAD ---------------- What do I want my group to know?
HEART---------------- What do I want my group to feel?
HANDS--------------- What do I want my group to do?
HOMEWORK--------- What do I want my group to plan? (IF MEETING WEEKLY)
Now lets try this with the following verse:
“There is no temptation you have experience that is not common to everyone. But God is faithful. He will provide a way of escape, so you may be able to bear it.”
1 Cor 10:13
Head Questions- What will God provide when you are tempted?
Heart Questions- When have you felt most trapped by temptations, like there is no way of escape?
Hands Questions- What if we brainstorm all the ways we can escape typical temptations? (make a list with temptations on one side and escape route on the other)
Temptations | Escape Route
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Once you get done with your small group, meet with your co-leader and go through the following questions:
How did the meeting go?
How did we see the presence of Jesus?
- What worked well?
- What could be improved?
- What should be celebrated?
- What needs follow-up between meetings?
Lastly, Shepherding your group:
There are two main things to focus on with your small group
WHO ARE YOUR PEOPLE?
First, you need to make smart investments
Jesus focused on
The 72- with whom do you influence?
The 12- with whom are you intimate?
The 3- with whom do you invest?
WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS?
Second, you need to shepherd in-between your meetings
Do the math: 168 Hours a week = 166 hours between meetings.
What could you do with that time?
- The random snap DM
- Add as a friend on Social Media
- The note card (handwritten is GOLD)
- The lunch table
- The sit together
- The hangout
- The Steak n' Shake
- The study buddy
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