MRT Training Chris Rivers

In episode five, by reviewing the MRT Facilitator (http://gracechurchsc.org/MRThandbook), Chris Rivers and cohost Turner Vaughn address how to troubleshoot and handle common issues that may arise in an MRT study. While each problem is situational and specific to a group, it is important to think through practical steps to take should any of the issues arise.

HIGHLIGHTS:


During this episode, Turner and Chris address communication issues such as going off-topic, how to handle someone who never talks, or someone who might try to dominate a conversation. With this, they provide tips on how to guide a group discussion in ways that allow collective group participation. In addition to this, Turner and Chris provide practical tips and resources that tackle how to handle group tension. For example, if no one is prepared, the group does not click, or there are members who are particularly argumentative. This episode exists for preventative purposes too.  Through listening to this episode and being aware of common group concerns, you will be equipped with how to deal with these issues if they occur in a group you are leading.

NEXT STEPS:


Review pg.10 and pg.11 and then meet with your MRT leader to identify which common problems you anticipate might be challenging to think through. Then come up with a strategy for implementing what you learn.

In episode four, by reviewing the MRT Facilitator Handbook (http://gracechurchsc.org/MRThandbook), Chris Rivers and cohost Turner Vaughn address how leaders can encourage men to take ownership of the discipleship process happening within their groups. In addition to encouraging men to lead, it is equally necessary for leaders to evaluate themselves on a spectrum between over-committing or over delegating in leadership responsibilities. As always, it is important to remember that as men of God, feeling the weight of discipleship is a task to grow in whether you are a leader or group member involved in MRT.



HIGHLIGHTS:


As a leader, it is important to recognize that every member of your group starts out in a different stage of owning responsibility. Chris and Turner emphasize the importance of setting the expectation of a member’s personal involvement within discipleship, as well as their learning to carry the weight of discipleship among peers within the MRT group. There are four stages to replicating leaders that explain practical ways to challenge your group members in owning the cause of MRT.
While these steps to ownership are important, it is crucial as a leader to do the work of knowing the group, being intentional with each of them, and encouraging member’s in their leadership involvement regardless of the organizational wins or losses that may take place. Strategically assign responsibility in a way to not only grow the men around you but to put yourself in positions to be discipled in humility by those that you are leading.



NEXT STEPS:


Review pg .14 and p.15 and the four stages of replicating leaders with your MRT coach, and brainstorm ways to implement each stage and a strategy for doing so.

In episode three, Chris Rivers and cohost Turner Vaughn unpack several key components of being a great MRT facilitator through reviewing the MRT Facilitator Handbook (http://gracechurchsc.org/MRThandbook). Although this role is multifaceted, there are several practical and relational ways to lead a group that best facilitate growth and participation among members.



HIGHLIGHTS:


It is important to create a rhythm of expectation for weekly meetings by being clear and consistent in communication with group members. This can be accomplished by holding yourself accountable and setting a precedent for communicating the expectations for the week. Leading by example in sharing the questions that you have been thinking through, discussions that you wish to have, and assigning group members responsibilities in a discussion can be transformative in the quality of group dialogue.
As a leader, learning how to dig deeper in the midst of member’s sharing is an essential tool that helps to foster growth in a group setting. Being willing to share your own stories and struggles is the first step in learning to dig deeper. Using language such as “core comfort/core sin” and identifying this for yourself will allow you to help other members identify areas of sin in their own lives. As a leader, it is important to identify deficits that you may have in the leading discussions. Do you overshare in order to relate? Do you participate in discussion enough, and do you lead well? Do you allow discipleship to happen within a group by allowing members to counsel each other? All of these questions are worth exploring as you are encouraged to review Peter Hubbard’s message in “Asking Great Questions,” which is linked in “Next Steps” below.



NEXT STEPS:


Get with an MRT leader coach and review Peter Hubbard’s message: “Asking Great Questions” (apple.co/3fwNvJK).
Review p.13 in the MRT Facilitator Handbook and challenge yourself by analyzing what “question-killer” you identify with most, and create a next-step plan that allows you to least identify with each.

In episode two, by reviewing the MRT Facilitator Handbook (http://gracechurchsc.org/MRThandbook), Chris Rivers and cohost Turner Vaughn address three key areas of opportunity for new MRT leaders: expectations for MRT leaders, preparing for groups, and ideas to set in motion prior to MRT meetings.

HIGHLIGHTS:


The mindset of an MRT leader should be that of a disciple-making approach in order to help group members grow spiritually. This starts with stewarding your own spiritual growth first and follows with your own transparency and vulnerability as a leader.  In order to continue cultivating spiritual growth, reach out to members regularly, create a safe environment, pray for guys individually, call out strengths, and encourage them by handing out responsibility. Additionally, it is important to keep an open line of communication with the MRT lead or campus pastor as a constant resource of accountability and direction to best lead your MRT group.
Cultivating an environment of true vulnerability can be challenging, especially in a group setting. Chris and Turner talk about the importance of doing relational and organizational work before meetings that will set the precedent for true transformation in the lives of men in your group. This can be accomplished through knowing your material well, recognizing your own story, leading in humility, and creating organizational pieces to help encourage connection.

NEXT STEPS:


Create a google spreadsheet of contact information for members of your group, and hand a copy out to every member. See Appendix A for an example.
Send a welcome email to introduce yourself and clearly explain details involving group logistics. See Appendix B for an example.
Start communicating now! Get to know each MRT member by calling/ texting them. This will create a “personal hook” to draw group members in.
Incorporate prayer cards (located in your MRT Kit) and icebreakers (See Appendix C) into your meetings.
Take meeting notes in order to remember important details and to give opportunities to create a connection with members.

In episode one, Chris Rivers and Turner Vaughn review the MRT (Men's Roundtable) Facilitator Handbook (http://gracechurchsc.org/MRThandbook), share insights as to why leading an MRT study is so important, and give some practical next steps for new MRT Facilitators.



HIGHLIGHTS:


The role of an MRT Facilitator is different from a teacher. They are not responsible for repackaging or creating content. A facilitator’s role is to create an environment conducive to discussion and collaboration.  This may include asking follow-up questions, managing time in the group, moving the conversation along when needed, and taking an interest in your group members.  MRT Facilitators do not exist in isolation. They are working alongside MRT leads and campus pastors who are available to help and offer guidance.
The two main goals of an MRT Facilitator are relational and directional. Relational involves getting to know group members, spending time with them outside of the group, and following up through text messages and phone calls. The directional piece involves seeking opportunities to help group members apply what they are learning to their personal lives and challenging them in these areas. Most people will feel more comfortable in one of these 2 areas. This may require more intentionality in an area of weakness.



NEXT STEPS:


Commit to this process. Sign/print/date the document on pg.3 of your facilitator handbook (http://gracechurchsc.org/MRThandbook). 
Take a picture of this document and send it to whoever invited you to listen to this podcast.
Take 15 minutes to look at the MRT Leadership Recruiting Training Case Study on pg.12 in your handbook. 
Review the scenarios and think through how you might handle these situations. Talk them over with your MRT lead or campus pastor.