Running head: PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL GROUP

Psychoeducational Group: Session Summary One Ugunda Parson HSER 511 November 25th, 2012 Dr. Kelly Gorbett

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The group dynamics of the group in which I am leading consists of a targeted audience or group of church ministry leaders. This group has a leader from each level of ministry from my local church. I have recruited the Childrens Ministry Leader, Teen Ministry Leader, Young Adult Ministry Leader, College Ministry Leader, Mens Ministry Leader, and the Womens Ministry Leader to form my group. The members of this group are at various ages and different levels of understanding in regards to the ministry each individual leader is currently involved in. According to Jacobs et al, The dynamics for an education group become difficult when members are at different levels of understanding regarding the subject matter or when some are much more comfortable with the topic than others. (Jacobs et al, 2012, pg.41) The topic of focus for our group is change. We will attempt to identify the best way to change current ministry practices in regards to better connecting each level of ministry within our church.

Group Stage The beginning stage refers to the time period used for introductions and for discussion of such topics as the purpose of the group, what to expect, fears, group rules, comfort levels, and the content of the group. (Jacobs et al, 2012, pg. 36) My group was in the beginning stage during this session. During this stage, I took the opportunity to introduce myself and explain the topic of the group, which is change. I went on to describe the purpose, which is to identify the best way to change current ministry practices in regards to better connecting each level of ministry within our church. One of the main tasks during the initial stage is for the leader to assist members in identifying clear and specific goals that will influence their participation. (Corey, Corey, Haynes, 2006, pg. 19) I asked the members to introduce themselves and to share at least one thing they expected to gain from our group sessions. I also asked them to share what

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their initial thoughts and fears were about the group following being asked to join. Most of the group members were open about who they are and the reason they first entered into ministry. There were a couple of group members that would just nod their head while the others spoke about themselves and shared very little about themselves when it was their turn. I sensed that some may not have felt their story was as grand as some of the others and chose not to share their story. For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. (Zechariah 4:10, NASB 1995) There are so many ministers that measure their ministry by anothers experience.

Leadership I have chosen the active leader-directed style of leadership. The leader directed style of leadership does not mean that the leader is on an ego trip or that the group has to serve the personality of the leader. (Jacobs et al, 2012, pg.22) According to Jacobs et al, People dont mind being led when they are led well. (Jacobs et al, 2012, pg.22) I take the responsibility of understanding the needs of the members in my group and I am also responsible for structuring and leading the group according to those needs. Since this is an educational group I will need to be firm in directing the group and maintaining focus. Leading the group using this style of leadership has affected the group in a positive way. I have found that people feel safer whenever structure and rules exist. All groups have a natural leader, someone who stands out from the very beginning. The natural leader in my group is the 32 year old womens ministry leader. She is comfortable with herself and with the others in the group. She has a meet no strangers type of attitude. She is

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confident in that which she knows and has experienced and is not afraid to ask questions about that which she does not know. She is very observant and aware of the emotions and feelings of the others in the group.

Expected and Unexpected I expected to experience a power tug of war due to the group consisting of all leaders (within their respective ministries). I expected those that lead the youth ministry to be a little intimidated by those that led womens and mens ministries. These expectations were met in a sense, however, without much validation at this point. What I did not expect was the non-verbal defensiveness of the leaders whenever I asked them about the weaknesses they identify within their ministry. Though many struggled with verbally expressing their weaknesses it got them to thinking about how there is always room for improvement and that improvement can only take place if change is embraced.

Conclusion In conclusion, I believe my group is off to a great start. Sure there will be challenges, but I think the key to handling the challenges will be how effectively I am able to identify the type of person each member is and their role in the group. Establishing trust and maintaining focus are tasks that will be addressed throughout or next few sessions. Our Lord taught about change in His sermon on the mount, to go the next mile, and to love our enemies (Matthew 5:38-48, KJV, 2010). Just as teaching that change may have been difficult so may it is with change of any kind.

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References

Corey, G., Corey, M., & Haynes, R. (2006). Groups in action: Evolution and challenges. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. Forsyth, D. (2010). Group dynamics (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing. Jacobs, E. E., Masson, R. L., & Harvill, R. L., Schimmel, C.J. (2012). Group counseling: Strategies & skills (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.