Interaction Patterns Within Groups

I Corinthians 9:22,23 - "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible... I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessing."

All individuals within groups tend to communicate from four basic frame of reference points - at least that's what some experts say. Christians have the capacity to choose which perspective to take in allowing the Lord to accomplish His purposes through in every group encounter. The following descriptions are designed to help us learn how to supplement, understand and harmonize each others' communications styles in the groups that God has called us to serve. All four interactive types are necessary in the body of Christ.

1. DOMINANCE - To have a commanding influence over others.

a. This person seeks respect compulsively. He is nearly obsessed with being in control. He is pedantic, (narrow-minded) authoritative and dogmatic. This individual may also appear to others as boastful, proud and narcissistic in his motivations.

b. This person expects obedience to his wishes, orders, and rules. He demands that other people respect him regardless of whether they fear him or admire him.

c. This individual likes to be the manager who directs people in ways that demonstrates his control of every situation, person, auld opportunity that arises. He is suspicious of others that might try to take his position of Authority. If this person does not get what they want out of their people he will take action to see that they are punished, disciplined, rejected or made to pay for their lack of submission.

d. This person tends to provoke mistrust from others because of the leader's tendency to take advantage of others Peoples' weaknesses. Many people do not like to be around this person because he makes them feel inferior

e. This person loves to compete with others because he likes to demonstrate his sense of superiority.

f. This person's aggressive tendencies are often misunderstood to be nothing more than selfish ambitions.

2. SUBMISSION - To surrender one's control over to another.

a.This person is self-effacing to a fault. He is so eager to feel accepted that that he is willing to go along with the leader's wishes in order to become a part of the group.

b. Others tend to see this person as weak and spineless. This individual tends to have a low self-image since he is not sure about who he is or what he is suppose to do or how to get things accomplished.

c. This person tends to get a lot of advice from others because it gives him a sense that other people accept him and genuinely want him to belong to their group. He craves friendships.

d. This person tendency disallows them from contributing to the group unless he is asked for his opinion. However inside this individual tends to feel hurt, abused, and distrustful of people who are out to exploit him.

e. Inwardly this person can become very bitter towards those who are in positions of authority because of his own sense of resentment over his feelings of powerlessness.

f. Often this person feels rejected because of his inability to feel apart of a group.

3. SKEPTICAL - To look to others with suspicion or indifference.

a. This person tends to be sarcastic, cynical, and angry towards people who appear different.

b. He often acts hurt in interactions because of his sense of frustration over unfulfilled expectations.

c. He is often overly critical of himself and others because he is not sure of who he is or what are his major purposes in life.

d. This person is suspicious of other people because he actually does not have a trusting relationship with anyone.

e. This individual's attitude provokes rejection from others because of a standoffish attitude.

f. This person tends to carry a chip on their shoulder feeling victimized by people, circumstances, and whatever is bothering him at the time.

g. His tendency to be wary of change is often a reason why people do not like to associate with him.

h. He feels and acts like a rebel without a cause. In many ways this person is searching for an identity and a meaning in life.

i. Often this person is bold enough to point out mistakes, misconceptions, or misunderstandings that others are too shy to express.

j. Without this person's contributions organizations tend to lose their edge and settle for mediocrity.

4. FRIENDLY - A person who displays affection. interest or understanding for others.

a. This person wants to feel liked, accepted, and in good relations with those around him, almost to a fault.