Small-group members are just as important to the success of a small group as good leadership. Here are a few questions small-group members can ask themselves as they think about their participation so far this year (pass these along to your group):

• Do I prepare well before we meet (prayer, Bible study passage)?

• Do I come with an expectant attitude, willing to learn from others?

• Do I really listen to others in my group? Do I give full attention to the discussion?

• Am I sensitive to how others feel about the things they are talking about?

• Do I monopolize the group, or speak too little? Are my comments relevant to the discussion at hand?

• Do I help when a problem arises, either by offering a good question, a reference to what we have studied before or a thoughtful response to another person? Or do I feel critical and do nothing?

• Am I honest about myself and my thinking? Or do I simply say what I think the group expects to hear?

• Do I help the discussion stay on topic and help maintain the group’s purpose?

• Do I look for applications for my own thinking and action?

• Do I encourage others and pray for others in their various ministries from week to week?

• Do I accept encouragement from others in the group? Do I share my successes and failures with others in the group?

—Adapted from The Small Group Letter, volume 1, issue 10.