Whether you're a small group coordinator, leader, or member, this is the place to connect with others who are passionate about small groups ministry.
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Rather than evaluate the success of a small group by the percentage of a church’s people involved, I’m much more likely to ask questions about how people are demonstrating discipleship and mission in their lives. How are people growing in spiritual disciplines? How many are inviting friends to try out the group? How deep are the relationships within the group? How does the group care for one another and their neighbors?
The call of community isn’t about finding people just like us, at the exclusion of others. Community, in the biblical sense, is clearly about unlike people finding Christ at the center of their inclusive life together. Thus, issues of community reflect powerful dynamics of how God brings very diverse people together for his glory and his witness in the world.
If we want to develop ways of relating in groups that results in mission, then we as pastors must look at what we are emphasizing. Let me simply list five points.
These answers sound so obvious to those of us who have been around small groups for a while, but we should take note of them as we evaluate our groups.
Here we go! The Network discussion on small groups is making the transition from “discussion network” to “guided network”. Congratulations to us!
Recruiting small group leaders in a way that casts vision and presents leadership as a God-given opportunity will contribute to the health of a church's small group ministry. This tool gives suggestions on where to find potential leaders and how to go about recruiting them.
This is a form from Small Group Leadership Planning Tools to gather information about the purpose and context of a small group.
Recruiting small group leaders is an on-going task of the Small Group Leadership Team. This resource provides suggestions on key traits to consider when recruiting small group leaders and allows you to map groups by type, age and gender.
Imagine a Small Group Ministry Worksheet - help for creating a vibrant small group ministry.
Most people who have been around a church for a while have a pretty good idea about what a small group is. Or do they? The following definition may give new understanding to the term “small group.”
However coaching is done, the most important thing it that it IS done for the sake developing healthy leaders and small groups. Here are a couple of proven conversational coaching methods.
Sometimes small groups or individuals might feel like they are "lonely little petunias in an onion patch". This longing may be the Holy Spirit’s nudging to shape small groups that exist not merely for the sake of experiencing community, but for the sake of participating in God’s redemptive plan.
As a small group leader, how will you plan your calendar to grow your group members? Download the sample calendar for more information.
A calendar for Small Group leaders and coordinators to help implement the vision of their ministry.
Did you know that outreach has a way of actually turning small groups inside out? This article will present how missions benefits small groups and how small groups can reach out together.
How do I handle the person who talks too much in a group? What about the person who talks too little? Here are some ways to deal with them.
The resources on this website help small group leaders in their vision to build life-tranforming community in their settings. You'll find study materials, coaching helps, information about conferences and small group campaigns; all designed to help tranform your community through community.
Are you looking for study materials for your small group? Be sure to check out Faith Alive's many resources. You'll find topical studies as well as Bible studies, all designed to help people grow as disciples of Jesus.
This site takes a broader look at church leadership. Those involved in church leadership on a variety of fronts will find valuable samples, downloads, training tools, and opportunities to connect with other leaders. Small Group leaders will especially like the tab, "Mentor and Disciple."
This is an invaluable tool for those who lead small group Bible studies. Read and research Scripture online in the language or translation of your choice.
I’m concerned with developing small groups of people who covenant to a shared life together as they grow in Christlikeness and join God’s mission together. That leaves me with this question. How do we establish counter-cultural groups in a culturally relevant way?
At least twice a year, those who lead small group ministries need to ask, “What are the next steps for this small group ministry? Where is God leading us?” If you don’t, chances are you’ll become stuck and ineffective.
We would love to form a neighborhood small group where everyone on our block knows each other well, joins in spiritual conversations, prays for one another, and finds ways to serve in our community together. It’s a wonderful dream that we talk about often. The problem is, we don’t know our neighbors!
Secondly, I need to remember that part of developing a disciple-making, mission-shaped small group ministry means offering safe places for those who find themselves needing extra support as they go rough patches in life.