UNDERSTANDING YOUR LIMITS PROTECTS THE HEALTH OF THE GROUP
WHY LIMITS MATTER
As time goes on, people in your group may face hard seasons—death, divorce, job loss, addiction, depression, or financial struggles.
While it’s important to be a positive presence for them, some situations are too heavy for a small group to carry alone. Deep-rooted or long-term issues often need additional support beyond what a group leader can provide.
This is why every group should have a connection to a local church and a pastor who can offer guidance when needed.
PARTNER WITH YOUR PASTOR OR LEADERSHIP
No matter how experienced you are, it’s wise to build a relationship with your pastor or discipleship leader early. When unexpected situations arise, you’ll have trusted support to navigate tough moments wisely.
Some inappropriate forms of care that leaders should avoid (your pastor can define these clearly) include:
- Posting bail
- Co-signing loans
- Offering ongoing financial support
- Providing professional counseling, legal, financial, or health advice
- Managing someone’s bank accounts
Instead, work alongside church leadership to guide individuals to appropriate care, such as:
- Pastoral counseling
- Referrals to community resources
- Divorce care, grief support, financial classes
- Sessions for emotional or spiritual freedom
This team approach protects your group’s focus on discipleship while still caring for people’s deeper needs.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF TOO
Healthy group leadership means recognizing your own limits as well.
Caring for others can be draining, so it’s important to:
- Set personal time boundaries
- Take breaks to rest and recharge
- Disconnect from your phone or constant messages when needed
- Pay attention to your own spiritual and emotional health
When leaders stay healthy, the group stays healthy too.
SIMPLE WAYS GROUPS CAN CARE FOR EACH OTHER
While some needs require extra help, your group can still practice basic care:
- Prayer: Regularly pray for each other’s needs.
- Meals: Organize meal trains during life events (like after a surgery, birth, or crisis).
- Coffee Meetups: Casual conversations build strong emotional support.
- Celebrate Life Moments: Births, adoptions, weddings, graduations—celebrate them together!
Discussion Questions
- What are some appropriate ways to care for group members?
- What might be some inappropriate ways to care for group members?
- How do boundaries help us trust God to care for others instead of carrying everything ourselves?
- What resources from your church or community would it be helpful for you to know about?