Small Groups Small Group ModelsSmall Group Models
Description
Similar to the Cell Group model, house churches view small groups as the basic unit of a congregation. Taken to the next logical step, small groups then become churches in and of themselves. This does not mean that members of a house church automatically abandon corporate worship with other groups and believers--although sometimes that is the case. But it does mean that the primary burden of ministry falls on the house-church leader and members--not on paid church staff members.

House churches often operate independently when it comes to discipleship, accountability, and other areas of traditional church ministry. Often they form networks or collections in order to worship corporately or finance larger events.
Advantages
Advantages

Strength 1: House churches represent a return to Early Church ideals of community and "doing life together."

Strength 2: They provide a successful platform for intergenerational ministry and learning.

Strength 3: They produce high levels of intimacy, accountability, and trust.

Disadvantages
Disadvantages

Weakness 1: House churches can be vulnerable to poor teaching and heresy when not connected and accountable to an "established" body.

Weakness 2: House churches are often disconnected from the financial resources of larger churches, which can limit opportunities for ministry.

Weakness 3: House church leaders often lack established coaches who can assist with the sometimes volatile nature of group dynamics (e.g., handling a difficult group member).

Bring Structure to Your Ministry

Bring Structure to Your Ministry

Everything you need for the behind-the-scenes work of small-group ministry
Create Sermon-Based Bible Studies

Create Sermon-Based Bible Studies

How to write engaging group studies that tie into your pastor's sermons
Develop a Small-Group Strategy

Develop a Small-Group Strategy

Expert advice on creating a custom plan for your ministry
Multiethnic Small Groups

Multiethnic Small Groups

Diversity helps us grow in Christlikeness.
Successful Short-Term Groups

Successful Short-Term Groups

Whether you're doing a campaign or trying out some specialty groups, use this resource to make them successful.
Missional Small Groups

Missional Small Groups

Learn the benefits and how to make your group missional.
Multigenerational Small Groups

Multigenerational Small Groups

Engaging multiple generations in one group
Meaningful Groups for Emerging Adults

Meaningful Groups for Emerging Adults

Ministering to the life stage of 18- to 30-year-olds

Effective Online Small Groups

It's time to boldly go where few small groups have gone before.
Effective Small Groups for Men

Effective Small Groups for Men

Get great advice and practical tips on ministering to a neglected demographic
Life-Changing Small Groups for Couples

Life-Changing Small Groups for Couples

How to minister effectively to a key demographic

Effective Small Groups for Women

Get great advice and practical tips on ministering to an important demographic
Effective Intergenerational Small Groups

Effective Intergenerational Small Groups

Consider moving beyond age segregation in your church communities.
Starting a House Church

Starting a House Church

Helpful advice from experienced leaders in the simple-church movement
Effective Affinity Groups

Effective Affinity Groups

Train both new and experienced group leaders to build a successful community around affinity.
Recovery Ministries

Recovery Ministries

Make sure your church is reaching out to fallen people.
Effective Turbo Groups

Effective Turbo Groups

Learn about this method of training several new group leaders at once.
Family-Friendly Small Groups

Family-Friendly Small Groups

Why you, and your church, should support the families of group members

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