A collection of resources to help you practice spiritual disciplines individually and as part of a group
"Small Groups in Depth" collections are assembled by the editors of SmallGroups.com as a method of continuing education for people participating in small-groups ministry. Each collection offers step-by-step training on a specific ministry skill or practice. Individuals may read through each resource on their own as a method of self improvement, or may customize the articles, discussion questions, ...
Remind your group that various different writers composed the Psalms. Both the common man and king penned the Psalms in the beautiful form of poetry. They were written with a range of emotions that we all feel from time to time. They were not composed by theologians but by individuals trying to figure out life and who God is. The Psalms are wonderful ways to express to God what we are feeling at times ...
Bring a pair of eye-glasses to the meeting and use as a prop. As you pass around the glasses ask the question, "What helps you focus on life more clearly?" i.e. getting away by myself, journaling, worship, Bible study.
Read through Scripture passages that remind us of our new identity in Christ.
Tami Rudkin
Take a few minutes and let your group look over this list. Explain that each describes our identity in Christ. As a part of worship have your group randomly pray thanksgiving using these descriptions. (See the one sentence prayer below.) Encourage them to pray "popcorn" style, praying short phrases several different times. Be sure, as the leader, to model what you expect.
Leader: Ask your group: "In one word, what would your life be like without Jesus?" Give everyone a chance to share their one word.And then ask, "In what ways has Jesus changed your life?"
Take a moment and read these "Christmas" passages as a way of worship.
Luke 1:26-33
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, [27] to a virgin pledged to be married to a man ...
Lead your group in worship by focusing on the names and character of Jesus.
Tami Rudkin
Leader: Ask your group to speak about what comes to their minds when you mention a certain title. For example: You (leader) say, "Mom," and your group responds in popcorn style saying, "nurture, laughter, compassionate, disciplinarian, etc.
Once you have exhausted one title, move through the list. You will end with Jesus. After the group has shared, have several people help you read the following ...
What we can learn from the leading and prayer of Jesus
by Regi Campbell
Note: The following article has been excerpted from Mentor Like Jesus, by Regi Campbell.
Jesus must have been a fantastic pray-er. Imagine the intimacy, the love, the shared experiences, the common ground with the Father. He prayed often, going off by himself away from his followers and his mentorees.
On one key occasion, documented in Luke 11:1, Jesus had been praying. It seems that this time he had ...
Download this hymn for free to enhance your group worship time.
The Hymn Project
Worship should be an essential part of most small groups. However, few group leaders are professional musicians, and many feel nervous or inadequate when it comes to leading other people in song. Fortunately, SmallGroups.com has partnered with The Hymn Project to bring you a variety of classic hymns that can be used in your group. Each hymn includes an MP3 track played on solo piano, as well as the ...
Read Scripture verses that pertain to the word "new."
Tami Rudkin
Leader: When you look up the word "new" in your Bible concordance, be ready for a wonderful experience! The word "new" appears over and over again. The promise of "new" is there for every person who chooses God. God brings a sense of "new" to us as we live in his presence. Repeatedly, we are promised a new morning, a new covenant, a new heart, a new spirit, a new joy, a new life. And I am so thankful. ...
Participate in a group activity that reminds us to be grateful to God.
Tami Rudkin
Things you will need:
One large pitcher full of water. (Two if your group is large)
Small paper cups/Dixie cups would be perfect.
Markers.
A place to meet outside for worship or a large tub or basin to catch the excess water.
Leader:
Give each person in your group a small paper cup and have them write on the outside of the cup any three words that would describe their lives right now.
Have your group begin writing down all the things for which they are thankful. Give them a couple of minutes.
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