Fix My Small Groups!

 

Furthermore, almost all of the church’s Growth Groups study a sermon-based curriculum, making corporate worship a springboard for group discussion. For any newcomer attending a small group for the first time, discussions are less intimidating because they’ve heard an entire sermon on the topic. The opportunity for further discussion of the sermon hopefully compels newcomers to want to attend a small group, not just for the fellowship, but also for more interaction with the topic and scriptures.

Bottom Line: Introduce newcomers to their small group options immediately and often. Utilize sermon-based curriculum to ease newcomers into small group discussions.

Facing the above six challenges is a normal part of small groups ministry. While addressing each problem is necessary, the best solution is to establish a church culture that values small groups. “Are people building their lifestyles around Christian community, or are small groups just another obligation to your members?” Lentz asks.

 

For a truly flourishing small groups ministry, ensure that the ethos of your church community values the benefits small groups bring—fellowship, spiritual growth and empowered lay ministry.

 

Small Group Rx

 

To help you take steps toward improving your small group ministry, Outreach has compiled a list of the best resources to guide you. Reference any and all of these books, small group studies and Web sites as you work to fix your small groups.

 

Books:

   • Biblical Foundations for Small Group Ministry: An Integrational Approach by Gareth Weldon Icenogle (InterVarsity)

   • The Big Book on Small Groups by Jeffrey Arnold (IVP Connect)

   • Building a Church of Small Groups: A Place Where Nobody Stands Alone by Bill Donahue and Russ Robinson (Zondervan)

   • Creating Community: 5 Keys to Building a Small Group Culture by Andy Stanley and Bill Willits (Multnomah)

   • Great Beginnings: Your First Small-Group Study by Rick Howerton (Serendipity House)

   • Go Big With Small Groups: Eleven Steps to an Explosive Small Group Ministry by Bill Easum and John Atkinson (Abingdon)

   • Leading from Your Strengths: Building Intimacy in Your Small Group by John Trent, Rodney Cox and Eric Tooker (B&H)

   • Leading Life-Changing Small Groups by Bill Donahue (Zondervan)

   • Making Small Groups Work by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend (Zondervan)

   • Prepare Your Church for the Future by Carl F. George (Revell)

   • Small Group Leaders’ Handbook: The Next Generation by Ann Beyerlein (IVP)

   • Seeker Small Groups: Engaging Spiritual Seekers in Life-Changing Discussions by Garry Poole (Zondervan)

   • The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry: A Troubleshooting Guide for Church Leaders by Bill Donahue and Russ Robinson (Zondervan)

   • Small Group Idea Book: Resources to Enrich Community, Worship & Prayer, Nurture & Outreach edited by Cindy Bunch (IVP)

   • Small Group Outreach: Turning Groups Inside Out by Jeffrey Arnold (IVP)

   • Small Group Starter Kit: 6 Studies for New Groups by Jeff Arnold (IVP)

   • A Spiritual Formation Workbook: Small Group Resources for Nurturing Christian Growth by James Bryan Smith with Lynda Graybeal (HarperSanFrancisco)

   • Starting (& Ending) a Small Group: For Leaders & Group Members by Dan Williams (IVP)

   • Walking the Small Group Tightrope: Meeting the Challenges Every Group Faces by Bill Donahue and Russ Robinson (Zondervan)

 

Small Group Studies:

   • 3:16: A Study for Small Groups by Max Lucado; 12 small group sessions on John 3:16 (Thomas Nelson)

   • CANVAS: Distortions; six DVD-based sessions, including original short films (Serendipity House)

   • Deeper Connections: The Parables of Jesus by Matt Williams; six small group sessions connecting the Bible to life (Zondervan/Groupware)

   • Finding Jesus in the Movies; eight dinner-and-a-movie sessions exploring the Gospel through films (Serendipity House)

   • Outflow: Everyday Outreach for Everyday People; five small group sessions to inspire outreach (Group)

   • Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? by Philip Yancey; six DVD-based small group sessions adapted from the book (Zondervan/Groupware)

   • Spiritual Friendship by Mindy Caliguire; small group study appropriate for new believers (IVP/Soul Care Resources) 

 

Keri Wyatt Kent is a writer and speaker and has been leading small groups for 20 years. Learn more about her at keriwyattkent.com.

 

Copyright © by Outreach magazine.  All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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keriwyattkent@churchleaders.com'
Keri Wyatt Kent is the author of six books and a co-author or contributor to several others, and is currently working on another book. When sheÂ’s not busy traveling around the country to speak and lead retreats, sheÂ’s writing. SheÂ’s a regular contributor to several magazines, including TodayÂ’s Christian Woman, MomSense and Outreach magazine, as well as several websites and blogs. SheÂ’s a member of Willow Creek Community Church, where she has taught, led groups, and volunteered in a variety of ministries over the last 21 years.