GRACE-full Conversations

Spring Training and "8"

2010-01-08T15:13:00.001-08:00

By now, all of our GRACE group leaders should have received a letter from me regarding the small group study "8" (based on the book "8 Habits of Effective Small Group Leaders") and a copy of the study.

I got to thinking the other day about Major League Baseball's spring training (maybe my mind is going quickly to baseball since the Bears' season is over--and I want to forget it).

During spring training, our professional baseball players, those making millions of dollars, spend a good deal of time working on the fundamentals. They certainly "know" how to throw, catch and bunt, but especially over the winter period, sharpness in executing these simple plays is lost. There are some exceptions, but your average players need to work on these basics so that they can have a productive season. The homers, the clinch hits, etc. are built from mastering the fundamentals.

Similarly I look at our small group leaders (myself included) and the 8 habits. As a leader, you may "know" the habits, but you may have lost some sharpness when it comes to executing them. Being really honest, if we as leaders were practicing these habits on a regular basis, we'd have a different looking ministry. New groups would be forming and multiplying. New leaders would be raised up. More people would get connected into one of our Christ-loving, small communities of believers. More people would be growing in their relationship with Jesus. I just know it. (And of course, I know behind all of this is the Holy Spirit doing his life transforming, mighty works.)

You have a terrific opportunity to again master the fundamentals—the 8 habits—by participating with your group in the small group study “8.” Please take some time to think through the baseball analogy. Pray about it. Pray about it as a group. Seek God’s Word and Holy Spirit for direction.

Make a plan for you and your group to go through this study in 2010. As mentioned in the letter you received, you have much flexibility in how you do this.

To assist you and your groups for this study, I recently completed short 1 to 3 minute instructional videos (found here) for GRACE group leaders and GRACE champions to watch before each week's meeting for "8." Check them out.

Thank you all for leading GRACE and serving our Lord!
Craig

Over 30 Leaders at Pizza Potluck

2009-12-03T07:13:00.001-08:00

Many thanks to the over 30 GRACE Group Leaders who attended last night's Pizza Potluck! Thanks to all who brought food, drinks, etc.! Thanks to all who helped clean up afterwards!

I really found our dinner time conversation interesting. At each table in the Cafe, each person was asked, "Describe your small group to the people at your table without mentioning...

What type of group (men's, couple's, etc.)
How long your group has existed
When and where you meet
What you are studying

The nice thing about this challenging exercise was that it forced us to talk about our love for the people in our group and what our group means to us. It was a reminder that our small groups are more than meetings. They are loving communities.

With this in mind, maybe we will alter the way in which we invite people into our groups. Maybe we'll spend less effort on explaining the logistics of our small group meeting and more time inviting people into loving relationships--with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and with God our Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Tuesday Morning Women's Group serving together at Feed My Starving Children

2009-11-12T18:38:00.000-08:00

Way to serve together --hairnets and all!

Click on any picture to see a larger version.

55 at Saturday's Men's Breakfast

2009-11-10T05:56:00.000-08:00

God certainly blessed our One Church Men's Breakfast on Saturday.

Thanks to all who helped out to make it a great event--these include--Steve Petersen and the praise band, Tony Dieckmann, Mike Blackwell, Linda Bailey, Jim Haasl, Gary Nalley, Antwain Walker, Dave Ellstrom, Randy Boomgarden, Jeff Halldow (and others I'm probably missing)!

And a special thanks to our guest speaker, Cisco Cotto! God used Cisco to touch the lives of many in attendance. Cisco spoke on 1 Peter 5. He talked about the devil being one who "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). As we face sin and temptations (our prowling lions) in life, Cisco challenged us to hold each other accountable as "brothers throughout the world...undergoing the same kind of sufferings" (1 Peter 5:9) so that we may resist and stand firm in our faith in Christ.

As a follow-up to Cisco's challenge, Trinity has a tool to assist accountability partners. Go to our men's group webpage to download our grace partner's tool.

Read the following comments/words of thank you to Cisco from those who attended (some words have been edited and names removed to respect anonymity):

Cisco:

Thank you for both donating your valuable time. I realize from experience, that with a newborn, weekends are difficult to break free. Also bless you for sharing your personal witness/stories with our group. Both your father (Victor) and your family will be in our prayers.

Hello Cisco – I’ve been meeting regularly with an accountability partner for a couple years. Last Friday morning – almost like a taste of things to come – I suggested to my accountability partner that we needed to get more spiritual in our meetings. Thanks to the Holy Spirit and your encouragement. You did an excellent job!

Thanks to Cisco for agreeing to come and sharing his perspectives with our men's group and friends. Cisco's comments regarding accountability partnership(s) was particularly well timed. It's apparent to me that I need accountability support - not only to combat sin, but to inspire the deepening of my relationship with Christ in my spiritual journey. And may God bless Cisco's family relationships - with his father, with his wife, and now as a father with his new born daughter.

Hi Cisco,

Thank you so much for sharing with us Saturday morning. There truly is great power when men get together and are 'transparent' with each other in Christ! Your heart and scripture message were completely received and I will pray for your family regularly!! Thanks again, and may The Joy of The Lord continue to be your strength!

Cisco,

I would like to thank you for your authentic witness and the encouragement you offered to those gathered on Saturday morning at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle. It was QUITE evident that the Spirit was at work in the words you shared as they touched our hearts. Personally, I found your message to be healthfully convicting at times which I deem a good thing as God has poured out His amazing grace not only in the words you shared but in the manner you delivered them. I find GREAT joy in being ministered to when the message is based in GRACE and you truly ministered to me. I pray that our God would continue to guide you in your quest to daily serve Him in your vocational call as a husband, father and radio broadcaster.

Thanks, Cisco, for sharing your experience that is so vital to us "MEN" wanting to be Men in Christ & offering directions for those of us truly on this mission.

Cisco,

I was very inspired from your message on Saturday. The eye opening piece for me was what is the one great sin I hold that I do not talk about and how can I change that in my life towards a positive. I have been reflecting on this greatly since Saturday morning. I know what the issue is but what is the solution. I must pray and listen to God so that I take the steps necessary to correct the sin and my start is by doing this daily and reflecting on his word daily so I live the life, walk the walk and not talk the talk. Thanks for your inspiring words.

Cisco,

What a wonderful way to start out our Saturday morning! Thanks for your inspiring and encouraging words. You did a great job of connecting immediately with a bunch of strangers, sharing of yourself and sharing God’s word with us. May God bless you as you finish your work at Moody and may God use you mightily to minister to everyone who listens on your radio show.

Craig, Truth be told, I didn't want to have anything to do with a mens group or breakfast but I was having trouble with an issue in my life and something told me that God's house was where I needed to be on Saturday morning. As it turns out, Cisco's message spoke directly to my situation and provided understanding and comfort.

Over the past few days I've been constantly reflecting, struggling and giving in to the 'I can't fix it' idea. Even as a mere college student, I so often find myself trying to find my sense of purpose by what do, what I've done and what I have left to do. To simply lay who I am and who I am not before the feet of God, admit that I can't fix the gray issues around me and find rest in the community and accountability around me...that is something earth-shattering...

Cisco's message was right on. You will not be able to think fast enough to react to people when you are right there; so take on the heart of Christ and live it all the time. There is really no good time to let your guard down. His presentation kind of reminded me of the Promise Keepers presentations years ago. Cisco is welcome to attend of Friday’s men’s group anytime.

Cisco,

Thanks so much for taking time out of your schedule to speak to us on Saturday. There is a real war going on all around us and it is important that we are reminded of that time and again. It is vital that we remain together and strong so that we can withstand Satan's vicious attacks, which is where accountability can be such a help. Accountability is not something that comes naturally to me nor is it something that I want to embrace. But, it is something that God has been hitting me over the head with over the last couple of months. Your words were another whack in the head to me, so much so, that I am praying for the first time that God would show me who in my life could fill the role of an accountability partner. Thanks for being His servant.

Hey Craig,

Let Cisco know that I appreciated his transparency and openness. It's always good to know that someone who's in the public spotlight would be willing to share his temptations. We need more public figures like him in the media. I look forward to attending other men's events with him.

Cisco, your message and time commitment on November 7th are very much appreciated! Quite simply, thanks for pointing out what we need to hear as Christian men. We absolutely DO need to humble ourselves before God, allowing Him to lead us, strengthen us, and "improve" us as husbands, fathers, workers, and members of our community and country. May God continue to lead and strengthen you, as well, as your radio career thrives and your family expands!"

Dear Cisco, Thank you SO much for coming to speak at Trinity Lutheran Church. You are an inspiration on the radio and your message at the church was uplifting. I enjoyed the mix of humor and the call to action that you brought to us on Saturday morning. Best wishes as your child grows and I’ll have you in my prayers as things progress with your father as you described. Thanks also for the kind words about the church and the event which I heard you mention on the radio yesterday, that was really nice!

Cisco, I really enjoyed hearing your perspective on Christianity in your life. It was great to hear you talk about how intentional you are about ensuring that your work reflects your Christian life on the radio. Even though we are not all on the radio, we all need to closely monitor how we conduct ourselves in our own small section of the world. I need to make sure that Christian love, kindness, and wisdom show through in my every day life.

The MOB

2009-10-28T08:04:00.001-07:00

Had an awesome time with the MOB last night at Two Brothers Tap House in Warrenville!

11 guys were present at this monthly men's gathering--5 of the 11 were new to the MOB.

Great food and beverages!

Great community and fellowship time!

If you are interested in checking out the MOB, e-mail me at craig.mattes@trinitylisle.org and we'll get you on the invite list, letting you know about plans for our next gathering.

Article of mine featured on Purpose-Driven Network Blog

2009-10-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Kind of neat, I got to post an article to the Purpose-Driven Small Group Network blog. This network includes about 30,000 people.

I had the opportunity to share the story of the cool things God has been doing with our men's GRACE groups.

Click here to read.

Words of Life from the Dead

2009-09-22T14:08:00.001-07:00

2 weekends ago, my aunt died. At her gravesite, my cousin sang a favorite song of hers--Ripple--by The Grateful Dead. The Dead got it right with this line from the song:

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,

If your cup is full may it be again,

Let it be known there is a fountain,

That was not made by the hands of men.

Reminds me of these words from Scripture:

How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadows of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the rivers of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life. Psalm 36:7-9a

Fit-2-Serve Walk with the Fellas

2009-09-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

There was a bit more bite in the air this morning. While going through our Fit-2-Serve studies, the men's groups have been starting our meetings with a 20-minute walk. Here are some pics from this morning:

Here we are hitting the pavement at 6:35 am.

This blurriness is from Dan Grissom picking up our group's pace. Our 20-minute walk became 15-minutes this morning.

There's Grissom and Heggeland blowing past the rest of the group. What were they talking about?

They were kind and let us catch up with them.

Author visits Men's small group

2009-08-25T14:36:00.001-07:00

The Thursday and Friday morning Men's GRACE groups have been going through the small group study Fit-2-Serve since early August. The Thursday group was privileged to have the author of the study, Bill Duey (far right in photo), sit in on our small group meeting.

Bill joined us for our 20 minute walk through the Meadows subdivision and joined us for our small group discussion in the atrium.

Bill is going to sit in on the Friday group this week. For more information on Fit-2-Serve click here.

Going back to that 20 minute walk, many thanks to Jack and Celeste Giles for being our water stop along the way! We appreciate their support!

"2 are better than one" - Ecclesiastes 4:9

2009-07-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

I'm experiencing this great truth from Ecclesiastes firsthand!

Before the Friday morning men's GRACE group multiplied at the end of May, instead of identifying one new leader for the new Thursday small group, we identified 2 sets of co-leaders. There are 2 co-leaders for Thursday morning and 2 co-leaders for Friday morning. It has been working great! Both groups continue delegating the leading of study components to GRACE champions; having co-leaders is simply making the overall leadership of the groups that much stronger.

Could the health of your group be that much stronger by having co-leaders? I believe so. It is also a very pro-active approach to future group multiplication.

Before your group gets back in full swing this fall, take August as a time to identify that potential co-leader for your group.

Who could this person be? Pray to God that He would reveal this person to you (and to him or her as well). While you are praying, consider the following as 3 important qualities to look for in such a person:

Open to grow (to take next steps) in his/her relationship with God.
Teachable - a humble person who listens well, invites discussion on matters, accepts constructive feedback.
Committed - a person who is a regular attender, missing very few meetings.

If I've missed an important quality, let me know. Post your comments. Let's learn (being teachable) from each other.

My Summer Bible Reading Plan

2009-07-07T13:40:00.001-07:00

This summer, I've been trying out something a little bit different for my daily quiet times. I'm reading through one book of the Bible 3 times in a row (a different translation each go-round), 1 chapter a day. I feel that this plan has helped me in taking next steps in my spiritual growth, so I wanted to pass on this plan to you.

I started with Galatians and the plan looked something like this:

I read from The Message translation a chapter a day for the first 6 days (Galatians has 6 chapters).
The next 6 days, I read a chapter a day from the New International Version.
The last 6 days, I read a chapter a day from the New Living Translation.

I received new spiritual insight from each translation and a deeper understanding of the book. I definitely recommend this as a Bible reading plan to try out. If you are game, I would recommend starting with one of the shorter books of the Bible. I'm finding the epistles to be a good place to start. Today I started my 3rd time through Ephesians in the NLT.

Blessings on your spiritual growth this summer!

Leadership development = Personal development

2009-06-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

When the morning men's group multiplied this June (Praise God for that! We now have a Thursday group and a Friday group!), the co-men's GRACE group leaders and I, as a huddle, began reading/discussing together Blackaby's book Spiritual Leadership. We are now in Chapter 3 titled, "The Leader's Preparation: How God Develops Leaders."

I know many of our GRACE Groups take a break from meeting regularly during the summer. With that in mind, please read the following excerpt from Spiritual Leadership. In this paragraph, Blackaby originally used the word "organization." For the purpose of this conversation, I'm replacing "organization" with "small group."

"The greatness of a small group will be directly proportional to the greatness of its leader. It is rare for small group members to rise above their leaders. Healthy, multiplying small groups do not emerge under pygmy leaders; therefore; the key to growing a small group is to grow its leaders. Certainly leadership involves some specific skills, but ultimately leadership is more about 'being' than about 'doing.' Leadership development is synonymous with personal development. As leaders grow personally, they increase their capacity to lead. As they increase their capacity to lead, they enlarge the capacity of their small group to grow. Therefore, the best thing leaders can do for their small group is to grow personally."

If your group is taking a break this summer, take this as an opportunity for you to grow in your relationship with Christ this summer. Some recommended books to assist your development:

An Appointment with the King by Joel Comiskey (Amazon link). [If you have read An Appointment with the King, a recommended follow-up book is The Celebration of Discipline (Amazon link).]
Spiritual Leadership by Henry Blackaby (Amazon link)
or take the time to review the habit of grow in 8 Habits of Effective Small Group Leaders. (If you do not have a copy of 8 Habits, let me know and I will get you a free one.)

Talk through your personal development with your coach as well.

May God bless your summer personal growth!

55 Attend Speed Networking Event!

2009-05-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

The atrium was a packed house tonight with 55 people attending our first ever Speed Networking event sponsored by Trinity's Career Connections. Nearly half of attendees were non-Trinity members!

Many thanks go to Larry Garcia and Charisse Malo in helping this event run smoothly!

Thanks also to the employed Trinity members who took time out to help and network with Trinity members, friends and guests who are in career transition.

Keep your eyes out for information on our next speed networking event in June!

Want to be moved by the love of Jesus? Watch this...

2009-05-14T08:30:00.001-07:00

Men's GRACE Group Multiplying in June

2009-05-12T13:19:00.001-07:00

The Friday morning Men's GRACE Group will be multiplying in a few weeks. Dave Ellstrom and I will be leading the new Thursday morning weekly group at 6:35 am. Antwain Walker and Gary Nalley will be leading the Friday morning weekly group at 6:35 am.

This group has quadrupled since it began last September. Nearly every week a new person has come to check the group out--many returning to join the group. All praise goes to God! Starting this Friday (5/15) we will be working through a 2-week multiplication/birthing study. You can take a look at this curriculum by clicking here.

Please join us in praying for the following:

That the Holy Spirit will guide GRACE Group Coach Randy Lohmeyer as he sorts through group preference sheets completed by each group member.
That the Lord blesses the new Men's Group Leaders' huddle that will be forming in June--and blesses each co-leader as well.
That each of these groups will once again multiply so that eventually we will have a men's small group available every morning/every day of the week.
That God would raise up new co-leaders so that the above can happen.
That the current group's DNA for welcoming newcomers will be replicated.
That God would use these small group communities to bring men who do not know Jesus to new life in Christ.

Thank you in advance for your prayers!

For those who prefer traditional worship - you need to visit this site!

2009-04-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

I stumbled on a great find this afternoon.

Go to Hi-Fi Hymn Book.

At this site you can

download free pipe

organ and piano

hymn mp3s.

Download your favorites mp3 hymn.

Do a search on the lyrics (or have everyone bring a hymnal).

Bring sanctuary worship into your living room.

A Great Way to Start Good Friday!

2009-04-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

Over 20 guys from my Friday morning men's GRACE group and other Trinity men, got together this morning at 6:35 am for some wonderful worshipping and praising of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ--at the foot of the cross. In smaller groups, we also spent meaningful time in prayer together.

Here are photos from the morning. Enjoy...

I look forward to enjoying this time with Twice As Many fellas on Good Friday next year!

Quote from my men's group

2009-03-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

In response to what we've been learning through reading The Gospel of John, Greg Schrad shared the above challenging words to my men's group on living as Christ followers.

Right when I heard this, I thought "lives" can have two meanings. "Lives" can be taken that we as individuals can live personally significant lives for Jesus. "Lives" can also mean that we can lead "others" to live significantly for Jesus.

Something to think and pray about this week. Who are you leading to live a significant life for Jesus?

Therefore go and make disciples... (Matthew 28:19)

Represent Your Group March 25 at GroupLink!

2009-03-10T09:31:00.001-07:00

GroupLink for March 25 will function more like a Small Groups Fair.

Here are some details:

All groups are invited to send their leader(s) or group member(s) to represent their small group.
At GroupLink, group representatives will have the opportunity to invite those interested in getting connect to a small group to come visit their small group's next meeting.
Each group represented will have a designated table--a table which they can decorate as they wish to best communicate information about their group.
The event will be held in the gym from 6 - 7 pm. It will run in conjunction with the Lenten dinner.
Please e-mail craig.mattes@trinitylisle.org no later than Tuesday, March 24 if your group will be sending a representative. But letting Craig know earlier than 3/24 will help him best plan the event.

Contact craig.mattes@trinitylisle.org with any questions.

News on New People Connected to GRACE groups

2009-02-10T13:59:00.001-08:00

Thanks, Jack Giles, for helping me with my post today!

Go to Jack's blog The Small Group Journey and read about his GRACE group's experience with new people attending their small group meetings.

Let's follow Jack and his group's lead and knock that 800 down (see last week's post).

What's the significance of 800?

2009-02-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I posted the number 176 to celebrate the number of newcomers we've had attend one of our GRACE group meetings since July 2008 (by the way, that number has grown to 187).

800 is another significant number. It the approximate number of Trinity adult members who are not currently connected to a GRACE Group.

This is 800 individuals (Trinity brothers and sisters) who are possibly missing out on the Christian community, discussion of God's Word, prayer support and accountability you and I experience and enjoy with our small groups on a regular basis.

Feel free to share this number with your group. Pray for these 800 individuals. Pray over individuals you know who are not connected. Before your next meeting, invite one of these individuals to your next meeting or social gathering.

Is something detouring your spiritual growth?

2009-01-27T14:33:00.000-08:00

If you haven't read my 1/20/09 post, please do so before reading this one.

Continuing our discussion on the habit of growing, I believe it would be beneficial for all leaders to look at some reasons why people stop growing.

Bert Waggoner in his Cutting Edge article "Spiritual Growth in the Life of a Leader" identifies 3 reasons why people stop growing as highlighted by Jesus in Luke 6.

"The first is the image of someone who has a plank of wood in their eye, yet is trying to remove the speck from another person's eye. The problem Jesus highlights here is the tendency to judge others--the development of a critical spirit. When one takes the role of a critic, rather than a lover and learner, that person has stopped growing."

"The second inhibiter of growth...is a heart that takes easy offense at what others have done to it. The metaphor [Jesus] uses is that of a heart with a bramble in it. The evidence of the brambled heart is that it refuses to open itself to others or to new ideas because of the injury that others have done to it. It is imprisoned by the past offenses of others. Brambled hearts are not growing hearts--they are shrinking hearts."

"The third condition is captured in the metaphor of the 2 houses. One was built on the sand, the other on the rock. The problem is in the area of commitment." We will find sand in our foundations when we are not living sold out lives for Jesus Christ. "Without a solid rock of commitment, we will take the easy route out...Commitment to growth is necessary for growth."

Can you relate to any of these reasons? Is a critical spirit stifling your spiritual growth? Is unforgiveness halting it? Is lack of commitment keeping you from growing?

Grow: The Most Important Habit

2009-01-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

Grow is both one of Trinity's values and one of the 8 Habits of Highly Effective Small Group Leaders. I'll go on to say that I believe it is the most important habit.

God did not mean for us to have a faith in him that is stagnant or stale. Paul wrote to the Hebrews, "Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity..." (Heb. 6:1).

It is foundational for Trinity's vision to multiply sites and small groups that we have growing leaders. Dave Earley said it well in his book 8 Habits, "When you grow as a leader, you allow God to grow your group and your people through you. You could say that the key to changing the group is changing the leader. Grow the group by growing the leader. Improve the group by improving the leader." God will bless Trinity's growth through the growth of our leaders.

I resonate to it and love how Burt Waggoner, National Director of Vineyard Churches, spoke on personal growth in a recent Cutting Edge article, "Let me begin by establishing this simple assumption: personal growth is holistic. We grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, theologically, and relationally. We cannot separate these from one another; they are interdependent. Right from the start we must be committed to give attention to all aspects of growth and not think that any aspect can come to maturity without caring for the others."

8 Habits provides a very nice holistic way for you to develop your personal growth plan. We have this available on leadgrace.org. To download the pdf version click here. Or go to this leadgrace.org page to find the Word document.

As a first step, work up a rough draft and talk about it/pray about it with your coach, your spouse and/or a close Christ-following friend. Make any changes needed. Then begin your journey, taking it one step at a time.

What's the significance of 176?

2009-01-13T15:15:00.001-08:00

We can praise God for this number!

And thanks to the GRACE Group reports you turn into your coach each month we know we can celebrate this number.

176 is the number of first time visitors to our small group meetings in the last six months (since July '08).

Last year, we were at 197 first time visitors...in 12 months. We are way ahead of last year's pace.

Thank you all for the open environments you are bringing to our small groups. Let's keep raising this number by inviting, inviting, inviting and loving more (TWICE AS MANY) people to Christ!

The Gift of Small Group

2008-12-23T13:04:00.000-08:00

Over the last few weeks, God has reminded me again and again of the gift he has given us through our small groups.

Here are just a couple of statements that came from my men's small group last Friday...

One group member (who is new to group life), "These past couple months...you guys have already been a tremendous Christmas gift to me from God. "

Another group member, "GRACE Groups is like breathing...you just can't get enough."

I think of 1 Corinthians 12:26, "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, ever part rejoices with it." This is Christian community!

Here is a post-Christmas gift idea for you: At Trinity there are over 500 households where at least one adult member of the household is not connected to a GRACE Group. We are inviting adults from all of these Trinity families to find a GRACE Group this January so that they may participate in our church-wide Giving study. Before they even have the chance to sign up for a group, would you extend a personal invitation to a Trinity member you know who is not connected?

I cannot imagine doing life without a small group and pray all of our members (and those outside our Trinity family) may receive this gift of Christ-filled community.

Thank you all for leading GRACE! I'm extremely grateful and privileged to serve alongside you all. May God richly bless you and your families this Christmas!

Craig

Meaningful Worship in Small Groups

2008-12-16T14:51:00.001-08:00

In light of Advent Conspiracy's Worship More Fully, click here to discover some helpful insight and skills to create meaningful worship (adore time) for your small group.

The Gift of Worship

2008-12-09T13:36:00.000-08:00

A video to watch/comtemplate/pray about as we Worship God Fully during Trinity's Advent Conspiracy.

Habit #7--Fellowship

2008-12-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

In September and October I blogged on the habits of dreaming and praying. December is a great month to jump to Habit #7--Fellowship.

I enjoyed visiting Greg Schrad's group the Friday before Thanksgiving (see picture above). They interrupted their regular weekly study meeting to take time to enjoy a pre-Thanksgiving meal together. There were also those in attendance who are not regular members of the group but were invited to share in the festivities. It was pretty evident that everyone was having a good time.

Do you schedule fellowship time with your group?

Of course, I advocate regular small group study meetings. But, at least from my personal experience, I have found that small group stories are made and remembered at times when your group simply gets to hang out together in a more social context. I have certainly grown in my spiritual journey when God's Word is cracked open and discussed with a small body of believers. But I would say my friendships have been further cemented during times I recall like...going up to Wisconsin for a weekend with my small group, doing a golf outing together at Twin Lakes, dining together in the Pope room at Bucca di Beppo, sitting around a table at a fellow small group member's wedding reception, etc.

So that your group members may grow more relationally with one another, intentionally schedule this kind of community time together. If your group meets weekly, feel free to take one of those meetings to just hang out. My Friday morning men's group began meeting at Starbucks the first Friday of each month. We have some incredible small group discussion when we meet the other Fridays in Trinity's atrium, but these once-a-monthers at Starbucks are a nice unstructured time to build friendships. I believe these stronger friendships make regular study meetings in God's Word even that more rich.

If you haven't already planned a Christmas get-together, get that on the calendar. Couple of other ideas could be planning a pre- or post-New Year's eve party together. What are you all doing Super Bowl Sunday? When you plan these, don't forget to invite and include others in the festivities.

Church-Wide Small Group Study coming in January!

2008-11-21T11:02:00.000-08:00

Dear GRACE Group Leaders,

If you haven't received the following news from your GRACE Group Coach, you will very soon.

You are among the first to hear that Trinity will be inviting ALL Trinity members to participate in a small group study beginning in mid-January. The study is written by John Ortberg and called Giving: Unlocking the Heart of Stewardship. You'll begin to hear Mark Schulz, Dan Grissom and Dennis Franzen talking about it in December worship services.

This study will be FREE of charge for all participants and will coincide with our Loving Twice as Many to Christ Stewardship Journey. More information is to come.

In the meantime, you can begin sharing the news with your GRACE Group members. You are also more than welcome to invite and encourage any of your group members to lead a new group going through this material. We'll need more groups available for those who currently are not connected to a GRACE Group. Those interested in a leading a new group through this study can contact me at craig.mattes@trinitylisle.org.

Blessings to you all this Thanksgiving! I know that I will be thanking God for all of you (as I always do) in leading our small groups!

GRACE Groups Lunch watching Miles McPherson

2008-11-12T11:35:00.000-08:00

There were 30 of us this afternoon sharing in some pizza and pop while watching Miles McPherson's talk How Community Transforms. Scroll down to the previous post (11/11) so that you can watch Miles' presentation.

Full version of Miles McPherson speaking at 2008 Group Life Conference

2008-11-11T21:47:00.000-08:00

Click here to watch the full 40-minute version of Miles Pherson's How Community Transforms.

Bootleg video of Mark's Keynote Talk at NID Small Groups Summit

2008-11-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

Don't try selling this on the street, but here is my bootleg copy of Mark sharing an early personal small group experience.

I enjoyed Mark's talk. I also had a great time hanging out with leaders Randy Lohmeyer and Antwain Walker at the Summit!

Small Group of One

2008-10-31T15:19:00.000-07:00

I saw for the first time at Willow Creek's Group Life Conference. Hilarious! Check it out!

Prayer...the 2nd Habit

2008-10-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

I love this photo of a child praying. It is so simple, honest, pure, and unrushed.

Of the 8 Habits of Effective Small Group Leaders, prayer is habit #2.

Take some time to review how Jesus modeled this habit. Read John 17:6-23. Jesus’ prayer for his disciples, his small group, shows us the world is battleground when you are attempting to carry out God’s plan and purposes. This prayer is to help prepare the disciples for the challenges ahead including his crucifixion and the hardships they will face as they form the early church. Studying this prayer will give us insights on how to pray for the people you are leading and caring for in your ministry.

After reading these verses, ask yourself the following questions:

What can you tell about the relationship the disciples had with Jesus from verses 6-8?
What specific requests does Jesus make on behalf of his disciples in this prayer? in verses 14-16? in verses 17-19?
Why should a small group leader regularly pray for his/her small group?

Even better, these would be great questions to discuss with your coach and your huddle.

Connecting with Leaders at Willow Creek's Group Life Conference

2008-10-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

Late last week, 9 of us from Trinity attended Willow Creek's Group Life Conference. What a great 2 1/2 days together! It seemed like everyone came away with valuable insight and new resources to bring into their small group leading or coaching.

It is not every day (or weekend) when we have the opportunity to network and build relationships with other leaders. Why not take advantage of a couple opportunities coming up on the calendar?

First, consider attending the NID Small Groups Summit held at Trinity/Tinley Park on Saturday November 8. Click here for information and how to register. Don't worry about cost...Trinity will pick up your registration fee! Come and see our own Mark Schulz deliver the keynote presentation!

Another opportunity to build relationships with other Trinity leaders is by attending the Lead GRACE 2009 Restoration Retreat on February 27-March 1 at Starved Rock Lodge. Click here for information.

Here are a couple more pictures from Willow:

and my favorite pic...sorry, Eric (or are you Marge?):

Do Not Enter...That Hurts!

2008-10-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

I was reminded this weekend of a reason I believe God led me into small group ministry.

My son and a friend his age saw a group of kids a few years older playing together. They innocently went over to this small group of older kids to see what they were doing and asked if they could join them in their fun.

The response was not what my son hoped for. Instead they got, "You need to just go away!" They were basically saying, "Do Not Enter! You have no place here. You are unwanted." This broke my son's heart. Tear poured down his face. It broke my heart. My eyes became red. And seriously, it has always broken my heart since as long as I can remember to see people excluded. Memories of similar experiences from my childhood flooded my mind and heart. Do you have such memories?

But in Christian community, in a Christ-following small group, exclusion is not found (or least it shouldn't be found). In a small group you meet Jesus Himself through the members who are the body of Christ. Who would a person find in Jesus through these members? He or she would find Jesus who felt the need to share his stories about the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son in Luke 15. This person would meet Jesus who wants to be with him or her--to share life and joys together--to be in a relationship together. That is Christian community! You may find tears here too...but the good kind. The kind that are wrapped up in Jesus' love for you.

I encourage all of our Trinity's small group leaders and members (and whoever else may be checking out this blog) to make time during your next small group meeting (for Trinity folk this would be in your Rescue time) to pray that your group would not be one that says, "Do not enter" but one that says "Come! You are welcome in the Body of Christ." And even better, outside of your small group meeting, find and invite that person you see across the yard, across your workspace, or across the pew to join you and your small group so that they may also meet our loving, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and know what it feels to be included.

Get your free Small Groups.com Subscription!

2008-10-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

Click here to get your free e-mail subscription to SmallGroups.com. I've been receiving e-mails from SmallGroups.com for years and have utilized much of their material. Great stuff...and its free!

First GroupLink Event!

2008-10-02T08:19:00.001-07:00

God certainly blessed our first GroupLink Event on October 1, 2008!

Over 30 people were in attendance (this included trained small group leaders)!
4 new groups were formed by the end of the evening. This involved connecting 14 attendees.
2 attendees are planning to visit an existing GRACE group this week.
We are doing follow-up with 6 people to connect them to existing GRACE Groups.

All in all the event was a great success! Praise God!

Special thanks to Amy Narot, Kim Dennison and Mike Blackwell for helping make this a great night!

Here are some pictures from the night. These were taken during the 30-Minute Mingle. The 30-Minute mingle is a time where people have the opportunity to meet others, spend time in conversation and get to know each other. The 4 new groups began to take shape during this time. To help with the conversation, we played GRACE Group Bingo. You can find this on www.leadgrace.org by clicking here.

What's Your Story?

2008-09-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

For an application I needed to fill out recently towards completing my Christian Outreach certification, I needed to share a bit of my spiritual story.

Have you ever taken the time to write out your story of faith in Jesus? If you are a follower in Christ but have thought to yourself, "I don't have a story", you may be surprised.

Click here for a study on writing your story. This could be done individually. But the study really is written and designed for a small group to work on together. I have participated in such a group experience and have been amazed at the stories shared. (If you attend another church besides Trinity/Lisle and would like others from your congregation to participate in this study, please click here to purchase this study.).

If you are interested in getting to know me a little better and how God has touched my life, here is my story:

Recently I was going through some personal memorabilia. One thing I uncovered was a progress report from my St. Paul Lutheran School Kindergarten teacher. She noted to my parents how much I enjoyed prayer and speaking to others about Jesus. I honestly don’t recall these memories, but I am grateful for this written record in seeing God shaping me as his disciple at this early age. My parents are strong supporters of Lutheran education and sent me (and my brother and sister) to both a Lutheran grade school and a Lutheran high school. I went to Lutheran institution Valparaiso University as well, but that was more my choice (or rather God leading me there).

In my estimate, the living out of my faith dwindled during my high school years and the beginning years of college. I certainly would have said I believed in Jesus but my actions did not reflect that. By the middle of my sophomore year, I would say that I was a pretty self-centered individual. It was all about me. Around this time God placed in my life several believers in Christ who I saw truly living out their faith. I was invited to attend a small group Bible study and became active in a weekly Christian gathering on campus. Slowly through the second half of my sophomore year and beginning of my junior year, as I began to read God’s Word more regularly and experienced some incredible Christian community, the Holy Spirit knocked down my self-soaked walls and moved me to live my life not for me, but for Him. The love of Jesus was burning in my heart.

I moved back with my parents after college and began a small group with several Valpo friends and those I knew from home. This group grew to 20 people. The group members consisted of those from varying denominational backgrounds. Looking back, I think all of us were not finding places for 20-somethings to belong at our home congregations. We multiplied geographically 3 ways throughout the Chicagoland area (people were coming 15 miles plus to attend this weekly small group). It was an amazing, faith building time. I believe this was also a time that God was preparing me for my future leading of a small group ministry. Honestly, I don’t think I knew what I was doing in leading this small group. All credit and glory goes to the Holy Spirit and God’s Word for leading us.

Jumping ahead a few years, my wife, Amy, and I were attending Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Palatine, IL. I was still working at Lehigh Press. Our pastor saw something in Amy that led him to ask her to lead our student ministry. Amy worked for Prince of Peace for 7 years. In her beginning years on staff I volunteered my time with student ministry. The more I worked with the church the more I felt this inkling to begin exploring a career in church work.

Although I enjoyed the people with whom I worked, beginning sometime around 1998 I was becoming unsettled at my work. While working for Lehigh I felt I had gifts and things in me to share but I simply was not passionate about Lehigh’s business or the services we sold. I didn’t have it in me to “sell” our product. This may sound a bit strange, but I was passionate about “selling” Jesus. Jesus was something I truly believed in and could commit all of my life and career to!

I spoke to my pastor, Michael Newman (a spiritual mentor of mine). He suggested I check out Concordia University/St. Paul’s Director of Christian Outreach program. I had never heard of this program or the position of a DCO. About six months before my first CSP class (January of ’99), I had received an offer at Lehigh to switch to another position (from customer service to inside sales). Receiving this job offer led me to a concrete decision point—a crossroads. I had two paths to take with my future. I did a lot of praying. I clearly felt God calling me to work for the church. I thanked my boss for the offer but told him I could not accept. I shared that I felt God calling me into ministry. Lehigh was very gracious and allowed me to stay on as long as it would take before Prince of Peace would bring me on staff.

I now lead Trinity/Lisle’s small group ministry, am excited to see people get connected into Christian/life-changing community such as I experienced in Valpo, and watch and be a part of raising up disciples for God’s mission to reach the world with the love of Jesus Christ.

Inviting by Responding

2008-09-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already, please grab a handful of the business card size invitation cards (which look like this picture) found at Trinity's Connection Center.

Why? Read my story...

I was meeting a Trinity member for lunch today at The View (across the street). I got there a few minutes early. While waiting, I was pacing around in the restaurant hallway. I stopped for a second to look at a few of the movie posters hanging up. One of The View's waitresses noticed me standing in front of the poster for The Shawshank Redemption. She looked at me and said, "Wasn't that movie great? It is one of my favorites!"

I replied (somewhat startled), "That's funny. I belong to Trinity Lutheran Church across the street. This past weekend we showed a clip from the movie where Tim Robbins has his hands raised in the pouring rain."

Taking a step back, she exclaimed, "You showed a clip from that movie! Why?"

I said, "Well, we were doing a service on baptism so we were showed a montage of clips from several popular films that included rain/water scenes. We did that while playing Eric Clapton's song Let It Rain."

She responded, "ERIC CLAPTON! What kind of church shows clips from movies and plays Clapton?" She was a little more than intrigued--in a good way.

I then grabbed out of my wallet one of the We Belong Together invite cards. I told her we were beginning this new sermon series this weekend and invited her to join us for worship.

She said, "I might just see you there. My name is _________. What is your name?"

I said, "Craig. Great to meet you and hope to see you this weekend."

God is so great! I truly believe God handed me (rather spoon fed me) this opportunity to invite this person to Trinity. It was the waitress who approached me about the movie poster. I just responded. It was the waitress who introduced herself. Again, I just responded.

Sadly, there have been PLENTY of opportunities in the past where God has given me the opportunity to invite someone to church or to tell someone about Jesus which I completely and consciously ignored.

I think God used today to remind me to take advantage of the many opportunities which he doles out to us. I don't need to stress out about me being the one to do everything in the act of inviting or witnessing. We are God's vessels--His instruments for sharing the good news we have in Jesus Christ. I pray we all take advantage of these opportunities, simply respond, and let God do His good work.

Please keep this person in your prayers that she would join us one day for worship (hopefully this weekend). If you frequent The View and recognize in one of our worship services this waitress, PLEASE say hello, thank her for coming, and help her get connected.

The First Habit: Dream

2008-09-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

Each month we will take a close look at one of the 8 Habits of Effective Small Group Leaders. (If you are a Trinity GRACE Group Leader and do not have a copy of this book, please e-mail me at craig.mattes@trinitylisle.org so that I can get you a free copy.)

"The first habit of the highly effective small group leader: Dream of leading a healthy growing, multiplying group.”

Casting that dream, that vision, to your group is essential. Dreams keep leaders motivated. Dreams heighten the value of the group. Dreams keep energy channeled in a focused direction.

If you are planning to lead a new small group, share your dream to your group members at the first meeting (better yet, share your dream when you invite people to your group).

If you have led your group for over a year but have never shared your dream to the group, it is not too late. Begin today!

We have a couple tools to help you get dreaming.

Our Dreammaker Tool (click here). Pray about it. Carve out your dream. Share it with your coach. When you have a final version share it with your group. Before you work through it, please review Trinity's vision.
Our Dream and Pray Bible study (click here) gives the group the opportunity to collectively construct their dream for the group.

For more information on the First Habit of Effective Small Group Leaders – click here.

This is probably a good opportunity to share my dream for Trinity’s Small Group Ministry:

I have the dream of leading a healthy, growing, multiplying small group ministry.
I will learn the habits needed to make this dream come true.
By God’s grace, I will live the habits needed to make this dream come true.

In addition…

That Jesus is present when our groups are gathered and that He is the draw!
That Trinity would have many places for followers of Christ and spiritual seekers to belong.
That our small groups are open to new people joining their group.
That our small group members are inviting others to join their groups.
That leaders do not lead alone.
That groups are raising up GRACE champions and adopting GRACE agendas.
That there are no lone ranger small group leaders.
That disciples are made in our small groups.
That moments of small group gathering are of high priority in the lives its members.
That members of our small groups and those within reach outside our groups are cared for and loved to Christ...and to Christlikeness.

What is your dream?

Has this happened to your group?

2008-07-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

Funny Small Group story!

Click here* and watch the clip.

*if you are clicking on this after July 30, make sure to watch the video on the July 29, 2008 posting.

Idealized Christian community...a hindrance to genuine community?

2008-07-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

In August, look for me to begin blogging key concepts found in Bonhoeffer's Life Together. In the meantime, click here to read a blog post from another who has begun rereading the book.

Convicting stuff! Ouch!

Making leadgrace.org easier

2008-07-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

We are in the process of cleaning up www.leadgrace.org and making user-navigation on the site simpler. Click on our cleaned up Tools & Resource page. We hope you find an easier time retrieving the likes of leader reports and GRACE group grids.

Notice that the GRACE Group Leader Monthly Report has been streamlined to one page! This is a sneak peek. You'll hear more about it from your GRACE Group Coach in August.

Instant Advice

2008-07-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

I just came across a great and easy access resource for small group leaders. Seacoast Church has posted short videos on a variety of issues which challenge small group leaders. Click here for Instant Advice.

Some of the questions they answer include:

How do I deal with difficult people in my Small Group?
How can I build personal relationships with my Small Group members?
What should I do if someone shares something really deep that makes people feel awkard?
I'm always racing the clock....what should I do?
How do I handle conflict in my Small Group?
Someone hasn't come to Small Group for weeks...what should I do?
How do I encourage my Small Group leaders to share their faith more effectively?

My Dream for Group Life at Trinity

2008-07-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

This is something I documented a year ago and want to share with you all.

I have the dream of leading a healthy, growing, multiplying small group ministry.

I will learn the habits* needed to make this dream come true.
By God’s grace, I will live the habits needed to make this dream come true.

In addition…

That Jesus is present when our groups are gathered and that He is the draw!
That Trinity would have many places for followers of Christ and spiritual seekers to belong.
That our small groups are open to new people joining their group.
That our small group members are inviting others to join their groups.
That leaders do not lead alone.
That groups are raising up GRACE champions and adopting GRACE agendas.
That there are no lone ranger small group leaders.
That disciples are made in our small groups.
That moments of small group gathering are of high priority in the lives its members.
That members of our small groups and those within reach outside our groups are cared for and loved to Christ...and to Christlikeness.

*The 8 Habits of Effective Small Group Leaders - If you are a GRACE Group leader and don't have this book, let me know and I'll get you a free copy.

Willow Creek moving towards a "value-driven" approach to small groups

2008-07-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

It seems as though Trinity's 5 GRACE values-driven approached to small groups was recently affirmed by the likes of Willow Creek. Click here for the whole article, but check out these quotes:

a "value-driven approach seems more consistent with the Bible and makes community more accessible to people at all levels of spiritual maturity."
"So as WCCC [Willow Creek Community Church] enters the next era of group life, some long-held values and practices from the past will be recovered. Communal life will be guided by competent leaders, seek to include newcomers, help people in Christ, serve people in need, and will maintain a missional mindset toward the world."

Group life...always learning

2008-07-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

I've been doing small group life and leading small groups for nearly 20 years starting with my first small group experience at Valparaiso University (Valpo for short). I've learned a lot about doing small group life over the years and continue to learn. Thankfully we have the word of God and the Holy Spirit to guide us!

I do believe we have an amazing thing at Trinity with our GRACE-full meeting agendas and GRACE champions! Over the course of 2007-2008, it has been exciting to see and hear stories of both of these tried, implemented, and next steps made. It has connected us more strongly with the values of Trinity. It has taken the lid off of leadership and allowed more people, than just the GRACE Group Leader, to step up to lead portions of a GRACE group meeting. It has given our GRACE champions the opportunity to exercise and discover their spiritual gifts.

There is certainly more to figure out and grow in as we lead GRACE-full small groups. Please check in on this blog and join me in figuring this stuff out together. That's how the body of Christ works!