Fall 2008
Coach’s Role in Zion’s Small Group Ministry
Polly Suntken, and husband Dave, have been members of small groups for about the last twelve years. They were involved with five different groups in ten years. Through it all, Bertha Erickson gently encouraged Polly to consider being a leader. Towards the end, Polly attended a Zion leadership training class she found very helpful. When their final group launched, she took over, and yes, she was nervous. The first year, she did all the lesson leading and quickly realized that the person leading, learns the most. Then the group started taking turns, and that worked out very well. Besides giving others more experience, it also freed her up. Becoming a coach seemed the next logical step, although it was all about the right timing. She was retiring from teaching and her schedule was about to change. She and Dave wanted to do more traveling, needed to be available for aging parents and wanted to be involved with their grandchildren. The role of a coach fit in nicely with those changes since it was fairly flexible. Dave then took the opportunity to join a men’s group. As a coach Polly is responsible for four small groups. She meets with the leaders of those groups quarterly, usually at a supper get together. “It’s all about the relationship,” says Polly. She sees her coaching role as having the following components: · Communication — she relays information from the small group administrator (Al Berge) to the leaders who can then tell their people. She is also readily available to be a listening ear for any concerns they may have. · Prayer — she lets her leaders know that she regularly prays for them and they know they can go to her with specific prayer concerns. · Encouragement — She works to give her leaders little perks to show them they are appreciated. Things like written notes, Emails, Bible verse messages or even little gifts like refrigerator magnets. · Helps with curriculum ideas · Helps with placement of new members · Helps to raise up new leaders through identifying apprentices · Helps the group when it comes time to launch · Encourages service projects. Some of those had been getting school supplies together for a teacher in Alaska, gift certificates to Fareway for a family in need, taking part in the Clear Lake Mirror Reporter Angel Tree to help a needy family, washing the windows of an elderly Zion couple, providing cookies for prime time programs. At least once a year, Polly attends a regular meeting with each of her four small groups. She enjoys meeting the many different people and hearing their concerns and sharing their celebrations. She encourages her small groups to do something social every three months like doing a potluck, going out to eat, taking in a movie, going on a picnic, going boating, etc. It’s a chance to see and bond with group members in a different way and helps to build the relationship. Polly has always been a very social person one who likes to serve. She enjoys building relationships with others. This ability to care for others has truly inspired her. And being responsible for helping others in their faith walk has definitely helped to build up her own faith. She continues to learn from others through their discussions. In addition to being a coach and a busy grandma, Polly is also a first grade volunteer at Clear Creek, does one-on-one mentoring through Becky Finstad, is a member of a circle, is on the Wedding consultant committee at Zion, loves to watch sports with Dave, plays golf (but NOT with Dave!), is in Zion’s family choir, and is on the education committee at the Clear Lake Arts Center. So just because you may be busy, doesn’t necessarily preclude you from being a coach, especially if you’ve been in the small group system for awhile. When asked what type of person would make for a good coach, Polly replied, “It helps to be a people person who likes to communicate and pray for others.” A favorite verse of Polly’s is 1 Peter 4:10-11, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” When we use our gifts to serve others, that pleases God and brings him glory. What can be better than that?
An interview with Tony and Amy Brownlee
By Naomi Nowland
I first met Tony and Amy Brownlee when I went to interview them for this article. I was greeted at the door by their two year old daughter, Reese. I soon found that she was a bundle of excited energy as her blond pigtails darted around the living room and kitchen.
I sat on a couch across from Tony’s lazy-boy chair. Amy sat on a couch perpendicular to mine as Reese climbed into mom’s lap. She wasn’t there long.
Tony and Amy first joined Zion nearly three years ago after visiting quite a few of the area’s churches. Since they had come from a big church, they weren’t intimidated by the size of Zion. And even though they heard there was a church that met in the park, their first impression of Zion was from inside its walls. They liked the contemporary worship style and the good reputation Zion has for its youth programs.
Since their former church also had small groups, they knew they wanted to get involved with that ministry. “By first taking the New Partner Class,” said Tony, “we got to meet others and become more familiar with what goes on at Zion.”
Then they took Gift-Link. Their former church had a similar class where they learned about their unique spiritual gifts and how they could use them to better serve the church. But they wanted to see how Zion handled it.
Then they signed up to join a small group. “If you want to meet people,” said Amy, “what better way is there than to get involved?”
They joined a group of couples with small children. The group would hire a babysitter to entertain the kids in the basement while the adults had their study upstairs. Amy explained that two of the gals were teachers and knew a fair amount of twelve and thirteen year old girls who made great babysitters.
“One of the first things our small group leader did, was have us write down prayer requests on a 3x5 card. Then everyone passed them to the next couple,” said Tony. “During the two weeks between meetings we were to pray for what was on the card.”
“It was comforting and humbling to know people were praying for you,” added Amy.
Reese giggled and hopped as she pulled a blanket across the carpet. She pulled until she was right in front of our feet. “It’s so good to know what’s going on with other people’s lives,” continued Amy. “That way you can pray for them instead of just for yourself and your needs.”
Reese stomped her feet and let out a frustrated scream. The blanket wasn’t laying as flat as she seemed to want.
“Use your words,” advised Mom as Reese gave the blanket a powerful scowl. Dad reached down and smoothed it out.
“Oh, thank-you,” I said in an overly sweet voice. Reese gave me a puzzled look before throwing herself on the blanket. She closed her eyes and announced in a loud voice, “Nigh-night.”
Both Tony and Amy agree they had a very rewarding experience with their first group. “It was great to observe other parenting styles and see how other couples interact.”
They have since launched out of that group. Tony is now in a men’s Bible study that meets at 6:30 on Friday mornings. They’re currently working their way through the gospel of Luke. And Amy is in an all women’s small group that has done several Beth Moore studies.
“Awe done,” said Reese, popping straight up. Her big eyes looked around to make sure all were paying attention before again slamming her body onto the blanket. She closed her eyes and said, “Nigh-night.” I sensed a pattern and wondered how long she’d keep it up. As it turned out, it took many repetitions before she tired of the game.
“List some benefits of joining a small group.” I challenged.
“It becomes your community,” said Tony.
“It’s nice to talk to someone you know after church services,” added Amy. “And,” she shook her head at her pretend-sleeping daughter, “it’s important to build a network of support especially if you’re like us and don’t have family nearby.”
“It helps to grow your own faith,” said Tony, “and to go deep into the Bible.”
Both Tony and Amy encourage and challenge newcomers to Zion to get involved right away. They know that once you get to know a few people, it’s easier to get to know more. Then Zion will truly feel like home.
I’ll end with a quote from Reese. “Awe done!”
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