Small Group Dynamics

Well I just returned from a trip to Idaho. A very interesting state I have not been to before. I was surprised to find the Boise area to look like the southwest, kind of like Arizona or Nevada. Flat and dry. The area we stayed in was north of there and looked like New Hampshire. My mission; not really sure, but it had something to do with worship training and missions training. The first day we met with a great group of church people, very diverse in background and area of ministry. They came from all over, but it seemed like mostly from Utah. I have never been to Utah either. On our first day, we did the ceremonial introductions, and here I noticed you learn a good deal about the people you are about to work with.
When asked your name, most people feel satisfied giving the name their parents gave them. However, in certain situations, I have learned it seems to be necessary to also give rank and title, like we are in a game of Stratego. That way if you come upon a General, you will know how important they are.  For example, a conversation may have gone like this; "Hello, my name is David." (this is me talking) "Hello David, what is your last name?" Now I can pause for a second to think, why are they asking me this? Do they think they may know me or a relative of mine? Perhaps I am like Madonna or Usher and only have one name. Is the knowledge of my last name going to make a difference in our time together? Will they call me by my full name? Oh well, anyway...they proceed to introduce themselves.  As we move around the room I begin to see how this goes. Each person casually labeling their rank, (I am Pastor, or Doctor, or something leader so-and-so) while submitting a portion of their resume as evidence for rank, not really for my benefit, but for the others in the room.
The first session was great because I was in the role of observer. I can honestly say I did not sit there thinking how this would wind up in my blog, until I saw the characters of a sitcom in front of me evolve from the small group. These same characters exist in just about every small group I have ever been in, but they came to life and I was able to identify them because of my role as observer.
First we have "the fisherman". This person can sit still for quite some time, and then will cast an idea out into the middle and let it float.  If nobody bites on his idea, he reels it back in and will toss another out there soon enough when he feels the bait is good.  If they take his idea, he gives it some slack so they get hooked on and then reels in enough slack to let you know he floated the idea and you liked it.
Next is "the interpreter". This kind person explains to everyone in the room the very thing you thought you just said, but they are a spokesperson for the group and make everything you say more easily understandable for the group. Very helpful.
Also we have "the court stenographer". This person will never say a word but take notes like, well... like a court stenographer. You are never sure if they agree or disagree with your points, but that really doesn't matter. They will be able to provide a written transcript of your talk if you should need one.
Not always in the mix, but in this case we did have one, "the terrorist". This person sits quietly listening and seems quite innocent, until they stand up, open their shirt to reveal a large explosive strapped to their body which will tear apart the group. An example of the terrorist in action might be a person who listens to your teaching quietly and without expression, then suddenly stands and declares to the whole group "we tried that before and it didn't work! What else do you have?" Booom!
A few more characters in the mix are "the game show host" and "the hypochondriac". The game show host includes everyone in the group by asking questions that require input from everyone. They may even interview other guests for you.  The hypochondriac has every problem known to ministry and is usually a master in the art of hypothetical questions, completing the hypo theme.
Finally rounding out the group is "the mediator". This person sometimes plays the role of interpreter, but only by mistake. The mediator is the one in the group who feels tension and makes sure everyone is happy. This is done with the giving of verbal flowers. "Oh Steve, that was really great! I think you are saying what we all think, just like David just said!"
The session actually went quite well. Maybe you know of a few characters I left out. Feel free to comment and tell me your favorites!