3. Repeat the ground rules.
Remind leaders of the small group covenant and the already established ground rules. We respect each other in small groups. We love each other as Jesus would. We speak the truth in love and receive the truth in love. Like with anything in small group leadership, our first meeting sets the tone for the rest of the year. And like any difficult topic, we prepare leaders and groups on what we value.
4. Embrace and model curiosity.
Political debates pit policies and platforms against each other. In our small groups, when disagreements arise, you can find a story below the surface. Curiosity seeks to understand why. It asks questions. Some of the most heated exchanges come from in-depth personal stories from individuals. Model the curiosity with the small group leaders and then celebrate it when it happens in small groups.
5. Don’t be afraid of messy.
Even if you follow the first four points, small group discussions can go sideways. Conflict will happen. Small groups are incubators for spiritual formation, especially forgiveness and reconciliation. As a society, we’re still learning how to agree to disagree with love. I can think of no better place to do that than in a loving environment motivated by Jesus. These difficult seasons provide growth in ways that we may never imagine.
Remember, Simon and Matthew were in the same small group as Jesus. All the challenges your facing as a small group point person can create deeper roots of life-change in Jesus. You can start now to prepare the small group leaders and members you serve to navigate political discussions with grace.
This article on political discussions in your small group originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
