VICTORY FAMILY CENTRE

SCHOOL OF LEADERS
CONNECT GROUP LEADERS' TRAINING 2
Doctrine – student's notes

LESSON 6 GROUP PROCESSES & DYNAMICS II

I. GROUP NORMS

Formal groups – standards

Informal groups – norms

A. Examples:

1. Construction companies.
2. Unions

B. Group Norms Will Usually Be Adhered To By The Members (Peer Pressure)

There is an “understanding” among the members concerning the acceptable

norms in the group and these norms are usually kept by the members because of
peer pressure.

These norms involve acceptable conduct, ___________________ and also ways

of relating within that group.

II. GROUP SIZE

A. Optimum Size Between 5 And 12

1. Group size affects the _____________ of the group.

2. Although the optimum size is between 5 and 12, a group of 5 will still
experience a different level of dynamism as compared to a group of 12.

3. More dynamism is experienced if the group is between 8 to 12.

4. If the group gets bigger than 12, it can become difficult to lead and
manage effectively.

5. Therefore, if a connect group grows beyond a certain size there is a need

to divide and multiply into two or more groups.

B. Increased Group Size

1. Increased interaction (important function)

2. More decision input

3. Greater division of leadership

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Copyright © June 2014 Adapted from 1988; Victory Family Centre
 C. Decreased Group Size

1. More discussion (input) each member has

2. Less chance of emergence of sub-groups

a. informal groups may form if the group is too big.

b. may have different goals

3. Clearer communication

4. More openness

5. More recognition

6. Close relationships

D. Optimal Size

1. Although a decrease in group size does give rise to the above

advantages, the group cannot be too small.

2. Too small a group will not have effective dynamism and it can be very
demoralising.

3. So we need to look at what is an optimal size, where the group is neither

too big nor too small.

a. Just large enough to serve the group’s function.

b. Task and maintenance roles.

III. RESULT OF PROPER GROUP ACTIVITY

A. Effectiveness - in accomplishing group goals

B. Efficiency - in accomplishing group goals

C. Productive - only where group synergism is found

D. ___________________ - if group is led and rewarded properly

E. Trust - develops when leader’s and members’ behaviour are appropriate

F. _____________________

IV. APPLICATION IN CONNECT AND BODY MINISTRY

A. A Connect group takes time to develop.

1. We must be willing to lay a strong and good ________________.

2. We must invest time, effort and care in the people, in their growth and
development.

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Copyright © June 2014 Adapted from 1988; Victory Family Centre
B. I Corinthians 12

The concept of body ministry is spoken of in this chapter and there are two
important elements that will contribute to group dynamism.

1. A sense of ___________________________________

a. Each member needs to understand that we need each other.

The “foot” cannot say to the “hand”, “I do not need you.”

b. Each body part must recognise that he needs the next part.

2. A sense of _____________________

a. If there is no self-disclosure there is no personal touch.

• Then we are also not “real” and relationship becomes

superficial.

• Self-disclosure must also be relevant and appropriate.

b. If there is no willingness to receive feedback from each other,

there is no accountability.

• Also there is no room for correction in love.

• Feedback is especially important for correction of “blind

spots”.

• Unacceptable behaviour in a group (which is a “blind spot”

to that specific member), if not corrected, will be accepted
as a norm by the group.

• The group will be negatively affected in the process.

c. The Connect Group Leader should model these qualities for his
members.

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Copyright © June 2014 Adapted from 1988; Victory Family Centre