How one ministry partners with churches to put the homeless back on their feet.
by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra
Belinda Bowden couldn't believe she was homeless. The 41-year-old had been ascending the corporate ladder, making $50,000 a year as a Kmart assistant store manager, when one by one the rungs snapped.
Asked to lie about the store's stability to potential employees, Bowden quit her job. Her savings account depleted by credit-card debt and medical bills, Bowden couldn't pay her rent. Two months later, ...
One church learned that prayer is the essential ingredient for small group success.
by Life Together
Linda lay in bed recuperating from knee surgery. As much as she wanted to go to church and participate in the weeks leading up to the 40 Days of Purpose campaign, Linda could barely get out of bed.
She kept thinking about Pastor John's challenge to host a group for the 6-week campaign. How could that be possible? Though she couldn't sign up group members at church, she prayed people would become a ...
These trusted leaders can help your ministry move to the next level.
by Russ Robinson, Randall Neighbor, Patrick Morley, and others
Note: Click E-Groups to see a free article from this resource.
Discover the transforming power of small groups. Whether you are starting a new small groups ministry in your church or revitalizing an existing one, this theme offers you many valuable tools. An interview with Russ Robinson, pastor of Meadowbrook Church in New Jersey and former Director of Small Groups at Willow Creek Community Church, ...
Group members discuss how they've changed since junior high.
Tami Rudkin
In what way have you changed the most since junior high? (answers can include answers in any of the following areas: physical, emotional, relational, spiritual)
Darryl's group has diminished over time; how should he bring new people in?
The Small Group Network Community
Several people in Darryl's group have moved away, and now the group is down to five people. He wants to bring new life to the group. Darryl's not really sure where to start in inviting new people.
What Should Darryl do?
Here are Your Responses:
Darryl needs to talk to the group about adding new people. More specifically, Darryl needs to identify some new people and ask the group to invite those specific ...
Small groups can meet one another's needs and reach out to others.
Michael C. Mack
What is the biggest issue on which people disagree regarding small groups? As I have led small group workshops, I think I've found the answer to that question: Should groups be open or closed? If the emphasis leans too far toward meeting believers' needs in a closed group, an unchurched person would not feel comfortable. And after all, says the open-group adherents, the mission of the church is to ...
No matter how chaotic things may seem at the time, multiplication is all for the greater good of the kingdom of God.
Dan Smith
The small group was meeting together for the last time. Things couldn't have been worse. Their leader was leaving, the intern was unreliable, others in the group were squabbling and vying for positions of prominence, and one member was about to be exposed for embezzlement, fraud, and disloyalty. Defeat and fear permeated the atmosphere of the room as the leader stood to speak. He said,
Ask these questions about your group to determine if it may be time to split-up, bring in new people, or focus on a new purpose.
Keith Wright
Great things happen in small groups! Danger arises when you enjoy what's happening so much that you become a "holy huddle".
Ask these questions about your group to determine if it may be time to split-up, bring in new people, or focus on a new purpose.
1. Has your group become a clique? Signs of a clique include inside jokes, no newcomers in years, and less involvement with other's in your church fellowship. ...
Birthing a new small group can be exciting; it can also be painful.
Murphy Belding
Birthing—that is, multiplying—a new small group can be one of the most exciting events in the Christian life. It can be a painful experience too. Leaving our Christian friends who have shared our lives is tough. The process is much easier if we focus on others instead of ourselves. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you birth your next small group.
A case study on Grace Community Church's small group program
Ron Stohler
Worship attendance? 6000+
Number of small groups currently meeting? Offsite Adult Groups: 250+ Onsite Women's Groups: 50+ Jr. and Sr. High: 50+ Children: 180+ small groups Ministry Teams: 100+
Number of people currently in small groups? (these are not mutually exclusive) Offsite Adult Groups: 2,500+ Onsite Women's Groups: 500+ Jr. and Sr. High: 500+ Children: 1,500+ Ministry Teams: 1000+
Printer view of these results
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