How to start exploring the Bible with non-believers.
Michael C. Mack
Set a time and place for the meeting. Choose a time that is relatively free from conflicts.
Keep the meetings short, usually no longer than an hour.
Set a definite duration, such as six weeks. People will not respond to something that seems like it might last forever.
Meet in someone else's home or apartment. It's better to be on their "turf." Make sure the place has plenty of room, is comfortable (air-conditioned in summer), and is convenient for participants to get to.
All those looking for a small group, please raise your hands!
by Tom Bandy
People want intimacy, and your church is ready to start small groups. A natural fit! But how do you connect the yearning of the public with the opportunity of your ministry?
Let's imagine you have a mission to connect with seekers and mature disciples. You have appointed a great small-group leadership trainer, and you have trained some terrific small-group leaders. Some of the groups may be based ...
First off, it's awesome that your group members are very focused on evangelism and are bringing new people to your group meetings. This is vital for groups to stay healthy and balanced, and unfortunately not all groups get to experience that.
The belief that new members actually interrupt a small group's intimacy and momentum is largely unsubstantiated and unbiblical. It is a false premise that has ...
Most people get a little nervous about starting a small group for the first time. Some people get a little terrified. There are so many things to keep track of and plan for.
Fortunately, the "Starting a New Small Group" E-Training Module is a great tool for any leader in any church. This downloadable module plays easily on all computers and offers practical guidance on subjects like embracing the ...
When your group number goes down, should you disband or revamp?
Michael C. Mack
The following article is excerpted from Discipleship Journal, "DJ Plus," Issue 88, 1995.
In Issue 86 we introduced Jeff, whose small group had shrunk from 12 members to four. This left him wondering whether to disband the group or keep going with the faithful few.
David Colburn of Lexington, Massachusetts, believes there are options other than just disbanding the group. First, Jeff and the others need ...
Four phases to introduce small group ministry in a declining church.
Dan Bonner
(This model of renewal for declining congregations is based on The Servant-Witness Model for Congregational Renewal, which is explained in more detail in an upcoming book by Dan Bonner. Much of the work of implementing this model has particularly been centered on urban congregations.)
The servant-witness model for renewal consists of four interactive phases. For a church beginning the process of renewal ...
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 ...
It's easy to see that small groups have a lot of potential for helping church visitors and new members become fully integrated into the life of a church. But potential doesn't always bring results. In the same way, it can be hard to convince small-group visitors to become more involved in other ministries. ...
Small group health depends on preparing for success.
by Brett Eastman
When I first joined the staff at Saddleback Church. Rick told me he reserved seats for over 800 men on 7 different 747s headed to Washington, DC for Promise Keepers. I suggested we recruit leaders from some of the existing men's groups to launch a few more men's groups from the 800+ men going to the event. Over 300 men said they wanted to join a group, and half dozen men agreed to lead them.
Printer view of these results
