Five practices that take small groups beyond polite sharing to the disciplines that change lives.
by John Ortberg
God has entrusted us with his most precious treasure—people. He asks us to shepherd and mold them into strong disciples, with brave faith, and good character. I would not give my life to any church that was not serious about this calling—the transformation of human beings. God has decided, for his own good reasons, that people are not transformed outside of community.
This study plan will help you think about bioethics from a biblical perspective.
In this 13-session quarterly plan, we look at how Christians should view the ethical debate that swirls around scientific discoveries that both extend and take life. This innovative resource will help you think about bioethical issues from a Christian perspective, and how we can be wise and compassionate. Use these handouts for personal study, a Sunday school class, or a small group.
Encouragement for men to live a life of integrity.
The men of the Bible were mostly a courageous bunch. Consider Adam, who was less than perfect but still sought God, or Caleb, who stood against popular opinion to believe God's promise to Israel. And who could be more courageous than Daniel, who trusted his sovereign God even as he was thrown to the lions? In the New Testament, we see Thomas courageously turn his doubt into a vital faith, Barnabas ...
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 ...
There are several different approaches to conflict; which one you choose depends on the situation.
Boyd Pelley
I was talking with one of our small group leaders the other day. He told me that he was really concerned that there was an elitist attitude in his group coming from the parents who had chosen to home school or private school their children. His kids were in public school. It was clearly beginning to create a rift in the group. Upon further discussion, I discovered that each family was handling childcare ...
In a world ravaged by the Fall, there are three bedrock realities to cling to as we experience the varying levels of community.
Len Woods
My wife and I were standing in our yard yesterday, and I was grimly pointing out all the problem areas—shrubs that did not survive winter, azalea bushes infested with lacebugs, undesirable chickweed, dandelions, and wild onions flourishing in the same circular brown patches where our carefully fertilized and sprayed centipede grass is gradually being consumed by some kind of killer fungus (Bunny ...
Why mentoring is a prerequisite to multiplication.
Dave Earley
Jim led a group for several years and did a good job. It was a strong group that met the needs of the members. Yet, he never seemed to be able to find an apprentice to mentor. So the group did not multiply. Then Jim had a stroke. He was physically unable to lead his group anymore. Since there was no one mentored to take his place, his group soon died. Looking back, Jim did nearly everything right, ...
Any easy way to use technology as a method of encouragement
Sue Skalicky
Last year I was invited by a student of mine to a graduation dinner put on by her church. The youth pastors, a young couple hired only three months previously, appeared a little nervous and unsure of making the night special for all in attendance graduates. However, the night was a huge success—not because of the journal given to each graduate, not because of the chardonnay chicken with sour ...
Printer view of these results
