Moving from the relational portion of the evening into the more structured portion of the night can be difficult and seem somewhat cold in tone if done poorly. 
Our goal is that participants would be introduced to the curriculum in a way that would help them understand the importance of the material and the structure of our groups. Again, much like the group introductions this will be different for each group depending on the number of participants, current place in the curriculum, and how group leaders use the curriculum within the context of the group. Continue reading
Author: John Chapman
Dealing with Difficult Issues in Group
Inevitably, issues are going to arise within the group. 
No matter how well you facilitate the group, there will be times that the group will be difficult because these groups are comprised of hurting, broken people. The most important thing to remember when dealing with difficult people is that to the best of your ability, be sure that you are able to keep your cool. Below are some of the most common issues that might arise during group: Continue reading
Assessing the Group
In order to gauge the effectiveness of the group, there are key markers that distinguish an effective group. At semi-regular intervals, it is important that you evaluate the group to ensure that there is effectiveness and consistency among the groups. The following are questions that we as a ministry will use to assess groups for effectiveness and consistency: Continue reading
Basics of Group Dynamics
Leading recovery-support groups is as much about the group as it is about the capacity of the leader. Understanding what makes a healthy group will help you as a leader foster healthy group interaction so that participants are able to work both individually on their personal struggle but collectively as a unit. 
We cannot put individuals together and immediately expect them to work together, this will take time and typically follows a pattern of development. Below are the five standard progressions that each group will go through in its development. Continue reading
Navigating the Holidays Healthily
While Christmas and other holidays are meant to be some of the happiest times of the year, often for many people it quickly becomes a time of difficult emotions including but not limited to: stress, anxiety, depression, and grief.
Compounding the problem of those emotions with the irregularities of schedule during the holiday and the overabundance of people crowding in on you, it can be increasingly difficult to catch your breath and make it through the holidays well. Below are a few recommendations for making it through the holidays well so that they can be restful and enjoyable. Continue reading
John H. Chapman 