A time-tested resource for pastors and small group leaders to help them understand how to manage the tensions that result when a variety of good objectives compete for a group's attention.

Foundational resources such as Building a Church of Small Groups and The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry were written for those who launch and lead small group ministries. Now there is a proven resource from Willow Creek created specifically for small group leaders who serve in the trenches of small group life. Walking the Small Group Tightrope applies "polarity management" training to group life. Polarity management teaches that in every area of life we must learn to manage the tension that exists between two good things rather than choosing one over the other. There are six challenges or "tensions" every small group leader faces and must learn to manage well. Each challenge must be met by managing two good values that exist along a continuum:

o Learning Challenge: Truth-Life Continuum
o Relational Challenge: Friendship-Accountability Continuum
o Development Challenge: Care-Discipleship Continuum
o Reconciliation Challenge: Kindness-Confrontation Continuum
o Impact Challenge: Task-People Continuum
o Connection Challenge: Openness-Intimacy Continuum

About the Author

Bill Donahue (Ph.D., University of North Texas) is Executive Director of Small Group Ministries for the Willow Creek Association (WCA) and works to train and develop small group leaders at Willow Creek Community Church, Barrington, IL. He serves as an adjunct teacher at a number of seminaries training both masters and doctoral students in church leadership and small groups ministry. Prior to serving as an associate pastor in Texas and Pennsylvania, he worked for Proctor & Gamble and PNC Financial Corporation.