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Group Management
- Do not delay in dealing with an EGR (Extra Grace Required).
It may happen that you find yourself with someone who constantly disrupts the NET Group meeting. This person may completely dominate discussion, or refuse to share because "I don't trust anybody in the room," or block group process with inappropriate questions or comments.
This is not a support group or therapy situation. It is hoped that your congregation has resources to deal appropriately with this person. However, do not let this person control the group. You may need to ask him or her to leave. If so, this experience could become meaty theological food!
- Do lead the group.
It is your job to know what is happening and move the process along, to the best of your ability.
- Allow for a variety of theological positions.
As a group leader you want to create an environment where members can freely say where they are on any given theological consideration. Accepting what is said and moving the process onward are your key challenges.
The Net Groups program does not turn out doctrinally pure Lutherans, Methodists, or Quakers. Instead, it helps people become conscious of their own theological positions. Once these positions become conscious, NET Groups help men and women consider whether their viewpoints are still useful or whether another perspective might be more nurturing.
- Do insist on a rule of confidentiality for NET Groups.
Create an atmosphere where women and men can become more open and sensitive to the Holy Spirit moving through their lives and the world around them. The material in the Ministry Experience Reports, the thoughts and feelings of the group members, contents of shared journal entries, and spiritual autobiographies are all confidential.
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