Real commitment can lead to a deep small group experience.
by Life Together
I got involved with my small group about one year ago. At first, it seemed like the group wouldn't be able to relate to one another. There was such a mix of ethnic groups and varying ages; we also had a mix of both singles and couples. But I quickly found that we all shared one desirewe all wanted more of the Lord in our lives.
So we made a commitment to one another. We decided that for the six ...
Understanding the essence of God helps us to interact with and bring glory to him.
This five-session course is by John Piper, the pastor of preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has written numerous books including, Desiring God, Don't Waste Your Life, and Let the Nations Be Glad.
Week One
Does God Know Your Next Move? God's freedom, our freedom, and spiritual confidence in a changing world
Week Two
Has God Played Fair?Why did an omniscient God create humankind ...
There are several practical ways you can include people with special needs in your group.
Esther M. Bailey
As a teacher or leader, you want everyone to receive benefit from your group session. When someone with special needs could benefit from your group, you wonder how to meet his or her needs. How can you bring a sense of belonging to someone who usually feels like a misfit?
Here are some suggestions I have used in various situations to integrate special persons into a group:
People need to belong in a number of different ways.
by Joe Myers
Intimacy may be a worthy goal, but small groups are mostly about learning how to talk to one another. At least that's what Joe Myers, "multi-preneur" and author of The Search to Belong: Rethinking Intimacy, Community, and Small Groups (Zondervan), believes.
Myers shared his thoughts on small groups and community recently with Brett Eastman, CEO and Founder of Lifetogether:
Even if your group doesn't seem a good fit right now, God may have big plans for it.
by Life Together
When I first started attending my group, I felt really uncomfortable. Actually, I shouldn't even call it a "group." It was just a couple and myself, and I found that extremely awkward. It just felt way too small for me. I really wanted to quit the group.
But thankfully, I didn't. Instead, I talked with the other couple about inviting others into our group. They were enthusiastic about the idea. And ...