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 ...
In 1994, Wayne Cordeiro founded New Hope Christian Fellowship on the un-extraordinary notion of people putting their natural gifts and passions to work for the kingdom of God. But the results have been extraordinary. Using the concept of "fractals," Cordeiro has devised a radical ...
Practical tips for recruiting leaders and launching groups
Brett Eastman
In this interview, Brett Eastman provides solutions to many problems usually associated with small groups and small-group leaders. Brett is the founder and president of LifeTogether.
It seems that there are never enough qualified and willing leaders for small groups. Where do you find them?
Most churches in America look at the ball field and try to identify nine star players. Take your eyes off the ...
Use the Bible to help identify leadership in your church.
Steven Reames
Here are a few methods and qualifications for small group leaders straight from the Bible.
Methods:
God raises up: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them'" (Acts 13:2). God is sovereign, and we should not oppose whom He calls.
We raise up: "They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons" (1 Timothy 3:10). We identify people who might be leaders, give them a chance to serve, and then appoint them to a place of leadership.
Great Commission leaders must be influencing those "allotted to your charge" to become multiplying leaders who will at the same time develop a multiplying strategy to reach the world for Christ.
Rod Dempsey
When you think of difficult tasks, what comes to mind? Becoming a violin virtuoso? Competing in the Olympics? Building a house? Having a great marriage? Raising kids? Maybe it is patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time! Go ahead; try it. There are many difficult challenges in the world today. Life is not easy.
When it comes to the church, one of the most difficult challenges that ...
Does the search for small group leaders ever end? If you are the small groups pastor or lay leader and your ministry is multiplying, and it needs to be to keep it healthy, the answer is no. When I first started the small group ministry at Bay Area Fellowship, I looked up and realized I was spending a huge amount of my time trying to find new leaders. I remember thinking how great it would be someday ...
Emphasize discipleship of individuals over multiplication of groups.
Michael C. Mack
When I first became involved in small group ministry, there were two options for how small groups finish: multiply or die.
Years ago, we told groups they had to split or divide within a given time period, usually one or two years. Many of our groups resisted, and even revolted, so we got rid of the negative terms split and divide and began using more constructive terms like multiply or birth. Changing ...
We got a lot of people into small groups—what do we do now?
Brett Eastman
I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was only on staff at Saddleback Church for a few weeks and Rick told me he reserved seats for over 800 men on 7 different 747's headed for Washington, DC for the Promise Keeper Event. I had the bright idea of suggesting 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 ...
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 ...
Printer view of these results
