Before you start a small-group ministry make sure you believe in it.
by Brett Eastman
So many of us have been there—you wake up in the middle of the night feeling pulled toward starting a small group ministry at your church. But by morning you still have no clue how to go about it.
I'll tell you this: If you're a pastor wondering how to go about launching a small group ministry, start by asking yourself, "Is a small group ministry something I truly value and can excite others with?" ...
My favorite burrito is nearly 1,000 calories and has almost 40 grams of fat. Thanks to the company website, I was able to check out the nutritional value (or lack thereof) of my typical lunch at a popular restaurant. I was shocked an appalled—especially because I assumed that the burrito was healthier than other fast food options. I was wrong.
The health disaster discovery was made after a friend ...
Small group ministry facilitates true Christian community. But are your groups focused and helping to grow the church? Whether you're just beginning small group ministry or considering retooling your current groups, this theme provides key discussions on purpose, outreach, and community building. Included are several assessment ...
How one church connected an entire congregation through small groups.
Allen White
"Connect 100 percent of your congregation into small groups."
Now that's a sales pitch.
Our church was stuck: A small number of our adults—only 30 percent—were involved in small groups. After seven long years of slugging it out the old fashioned way—raising up apprentices to birth new groups—we were headed nowhere. Only one leader started a new group. Connecting everyone in a group ...
The core philosophy of the Purpose-Driven Small Groups movement
Steve Gladen
I'm often asked what Saddleback Church does differently in our small group strategy. My answer is, "not one thing." Because, in fact, we probably do several things that many other churches also do. But what has been so interesting is to watch how God uses the combination of many different things to reach people and connect them into life-changing small groups.
This Training Theme is designed for churches that have launched small-groups programs in the past, but are still waiting for the ministry to fully take root. It's also for churches that encountered a negative experience with small groups in the past, but want to try again. As a Training Theme, this download is designed ...
Small-group strategies are diverse across the country (and world). Some are based on relational affinity; others are focused on spiritual growth through intense study. There are a few strategies out there that focus on groups that share a mission or common hobbies or interests. So the strategy of your small-group ministry should be taken into consideration before you encourage all of your groups to ...
Apply the success of Saddleback church to your small group program.
by Brett Eastman
I can remember it like it was yesterday. I had only been on staff at Saddleback Church for a few weeks when I learned that over 800 men from our congregation were planning to attend the Promise Keepers rally in Washington, DC. I suggested we try to launch some new small groups among the men going to the event. Over 300 said they were interested, but I only had half a dozen men to lead them—the ...
Successfully transitioning out of a small-groups campaign is as challenging as launching one. Churches that wait until the campaign is over in order to plan the next step will lose momentum and spend valuable leadership equity. Instead, use these four keys to create a smooth transition ...
Four keys to thriving after a small groups campaign.
Bill Search
All church small group campaigns are like fireworks—they can be powerful and inspiring, but if you are not prepared for the long haul, they have the potential to blow your hands off! Coordinating weekend services with small group curriculum can be a great way to deepen and develop a small group ministry.
Ada Bible Church, a church of over 3,000 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has run through three ...
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