Build Relationships
Growing relationships set the scene for deep discussions and life change. Develop real relationships in your group through relationship-building activities, incorporating food, and more.
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Effectively Manage Group Conflict
Conflict can be the fuel your team (or group) needs to maximize its impact.
The Sacrament of Party
Somewhere along the way, the church lost the art of inviting people to celebrate.
How to Respond to Mental Illness
Practical, healthy ways to help people in your small group who are affected by mental illness
11 Resources to Help Your Group Understand True Unity
Stories and tips for coming together in diversity
5 Steps to Get to Know Your Group Members
The elements of story can help you uncover important details about the people in your group.
How Should I Handle Issues with Group Dynamics?
Strategically lead your meetings so everyone feels safe, heard, and valued.
Assumptions Make It Hard to Love Group Members
How to stop your inner judgments and really care for people
The Gift of Listening
Attentive listening is hard work, but it's necessary for healthy community.
Four Levels of Connection for Healthy Groups
Move your group beyond the basics to compelling community.
The Case for Mixed-Gender Small Groups
The compelling witness of men and women together in groups
Shepherd New Believers
Learn what you can do to steer new believers in your group toward growth.
Create Safe Places for Questioning
How your small group can become a welcoming place for people on a journey back to God
Create a Safe Environment in Your Small Group
Modeling, confidentiality, and other tips to create safety
Help Group Members Face Difficult Holidays
Bring comfort on Mother's Day and Father's Day to those who have lost parents.
Your Small Group Can Help People Affected by Mental Illness
Make your group welcoming and safe for all.
Four Opportunities for Multi-Stage Groups
A mixture of spiritual maturity can help small-group members move closer to God and to one another.
My Journey from Extinction to Life
Small groups brought me hope and healing when I was desperate.
Make a Facebook Group for Your Group
The benefits of prviate online connections for small groups
I'm Dreaming of a ... Small Group
How small groups can help the lonely during the holiday season
Loving Our Neighbors
Missional living is all about presence with those in our circles of influence.
Are We Building Accountability?
Determine whether you've created a safe environment and modeled accountability well.
Social Media for Small-Group Ministry
How to use social media to connect, inform, and mobilize group members
Staying Connected to Your Church
Tools for getting and keeping your small groups connected to your church's mission
Eliminating the Walls between Insider and Outsider Activities
Inviting unbelievers to fully participate in our group life can be our best witness.
Group Leader Assessment: Building Relationships
How rock-solid are the bonds between your group members?
Nine Principles of Relational Evangelism
And all of them great items for discussion in your group.
Understand the Value of Commitment
Here's how to fully participate in the life of your small group.
Why "Making Room" Is Not Enough
It's vital that we don't lose sight of our new group members.
Life-Changing Small Groups for Couples
How to minister effectively to a key demographic
An Open Letter to Small-Group Pastors
Why you need to focus on fun with your small groups, and how to actually do it
Come One, Come All
Small groups are for all broken people, including the physically challenged
Loving Those You Disagree With
A helpful reminder from the practices of John Wesley and the early Methodists
Twittering Jesus
Social media provides a number of useful tools to small groups and small-group leaders.
Effective Intergenerational Small Groups
Consider moving beyond age segregation in your church communities.
Small Groups as Community
Here is a deeper look at what it really means to live as "community."
The Value of Relational Intelligence
A new way for leaders to understand the people around them
Helping Guests Feel Warm and Welcome
These helpful hints are applicable (and useful) for any small group.
Planning a Short-Term Missions Trip as a Group
Great advice to help you before and during your trip
Understanding the Connecting Continuum
Three stages of relationship formation that are important to every group
The Benefits of Transparency
Transparency among members is a pivot on which an effective small group turns.
Resource Review: Sacred Roads
A new study from Heather Zempel explores the historic paths of discipleship.
Basic Strategies for Authentic Christian Community
Tips that can improve the atmosphere of new and veteran small groups
Experiencing Authentic Worship in Small-Group Community
Take your group to new levels of worship and praise.
Achieving "Oneness" in a Small Group (pt 2)
Several strategies that can help your groups really connect
Achieving "Oneness" in a Small Group (pt 1)
Several strategies that can help your groups really connect
On Small Groups and Friendship
Relationships are a key ingredient to small-group life, but we need to understand how they work and what limits are involved.
Creating and Keeping an Outward Focus in Your Small Group
Computer-based training to help your groups avoid an inward shift
When You Have an Open Door
Here's how to incorporate new members into an existing small group.
Creating Authentic Fellowship in Small Groups
It's not as easy as it sounds, but it can be done.
Making Relational Deposits
"Relational banking" can help you go way beyond "just getting it done"
Are You Feeling "At Home" in Your Small Group?
Examine these four levels of fellowship with God and others to see where you stand.
A Safe Place to Heal
Participating in community is vital for those who have been spiritually damaged.
Planning a Group Service Project
This resource is full of practical tools for both group leaders and church staff.
Restoring the Relational Church (part 2)
How church leaders can move from "meeting" in community to "living" in community.
Overcome Relationship Obstacles in Your Group
Everything you need to tackle issues with group dynamics
Restoring the Relational Church (part 1)
How church leaders can move from "meeting" in community to "living" in community.
Resource Review: "Finding the Flow"
Finally, a book on community life that is designed for group leaders
Sharing a Meal
Take a minute to consider this natural and effective tool for building community.
Bringing Christian Community into Subcultures
How to make the most of the groups you already enjoy
The Odd Bunch
How to include a small group that doesn't naturally fit with the rest of your church.
Improving Small-Group Accountability
Help your groups find and maintain authentic relationships and spiritual growth.
Pay Attention to Details
Why the little things make a big difference in your group experience.
Meaningful Worship in Small Groups
Includes tips for singing and other methods of connecting with and praising God
Building a Culture of Discipleship
Encourage your entire congregation to grow spiritually as a community.
Never Underestimate the Importance of a Good Party
The value of social gatherings in a small-groups ministry
Stay Connected Through the Summer
Make the most of summer—whether or not you take a break.
Encouraging "Next Steps" for Your Group Members
Setting a goal for spiritual maturity and a realistic pace for spiritual growth
Community: Past, Present, and Future
What the Society page reveals about our need for each other
Worship in Small Groups
Why it's vital that your group maintain an upward connection with the Almighty
Coping with People Who Beef, Bite, and Bellyache
How to handle difficult relationships in your small group
Making Your Small Groups Models of Evangelism
How to excel at the most difficult of your church's five purposes
Upside-Down Assimilation
Moving people from outreach small groups to the larger church community
Having a Good Cry
Learn to deal honestly and openly with strong emotions in your small group.
Family-Friendly Small Groups
Why you, and your church, should support the families of group members
Facilitating Lively Discussions
Learn from these often-overlooked keys to making the most of your small-group lesson.
Holistic Small Groups are not Perfect Groups
Small groups are places where broken people are in the process of becoming whole.
Leading the Super Mixed Group
A few guidelines for leading a group of extremely diverse people.
One Anothers vs. Curriculum
Develop an agenda strategy that takes one-anothers into consideration.
Cultivating A Caring Atmosphere In Your Group
A critical factor in establishing a motivational small group climate is caring.
Cultivate a Disciple-Making Environment
You can create the right environment for a healthy group.
Community: The Wellspring of Spiritual Disciplines
A list of key spiritual disciplines that can be exercised in community, result in life-transformation, and keep your small groups and church on mission.
Family Friendly Small Groups
The small groups would seem to be the ideal place for families to come together.
Change the World by Meeting People and Walking With Them
Spending time knowing others, and letting them into your life and fellowship, will show them God.
Midsize groups and Small groups … Perfect Together!
Give the option for people to connect where they fit the best.
Breakthrough Moments that Transform the Group
By creating community, focusing on Jesus, and accepting each other, we can foster breakthrough moments that spur us towards deeper fellowship.
No More Mr. Nice Group
Five practices that take small groups beyond polite sharing to the disciplines that change lives.
Conducting Acts Of Hospitality
How to make serving the community an effective part of your ministry.
When Smaller Is Better
Sometimes issues arise in small groups that are best resolved by breaking into even smaller groups.
Why People's Stories Matter
Sharing life's imperfect stories deepens your fellowship and your walk with God.
Telling Stories To Build Community
Doctrine may spur constructive debate, but nothing stirs the heart like a story.
This is my Story…This is my Song!
When group members have struggled with life and trusted God, regardless of the outcome, a powerful testimony develops.
Building Community By Sharing Your Story
Telling life stories is one of the best ways to continually grow a group towards maturity in Christ.
Shepherding Group Members
Practical training that helps leaders embrace their role as shepherd
Why Make Space for Small Groups?
Discipleship is not something that we do to other people; discipleship is what we do with other believers.
Meeting Special Needs
There are several practical ways you can include people with special needs in your group.
Welcoming Children Into Community
Sunday is my son's favorite day, because he gets to worship in community.
Long Distance Community
Visiting non-believing family can be difficult, but that's what community is for.
What Would a Well-tracked Small Group Ministry Look Like?
Don't let people fall through the cracks of your small group ministry.
The Power of Small Group Statistics
Statistics force us to see the reality of what's occurring in our small groups program.
Small-Group Leaders Know Their Group Members
When a group leader knows their members, they're better able to spur them on towards spiritual maturity.
Small Groups – The New Front Door
Non-Christians can encounter God through witnessing oneness among Christians within small groups.
The Mystery of Community
In a world ravaged by the Fall, there are three bedrock realities to cling to as we experience the varying levels of community.
The Springboard for Deeper Relationships, Not the Whole Pool!
Just as Sunday morning cannot meet all of our spiritual needs, our small groups cannot meet all of our fellowship needs.
Winning In Life Together
Living life in relationship with others is God's pathway for living a life of purpose.
Transformation Takes Time
Follow these steps to lead people down the path of continued spiritual growth.
Making Your Group Real "Friends"
Follow these principles to help people fulfill their longing for true community.
Back to the Homes?
Showing hospitality in your home is one of the most strategic ministries you can have.
Hospitality Begins Now
Small groups need to provide an atmosphere conducive to new friendships and sharing.
God's Physical Arms
The members of a woman's small group show exceptional care during a difficult time.
Connecting through Intergenerational Community
Intergenerational community can be the family that the lonely people in our churches need.
Marrying Small Groups and the Sunday School …An Emerging Trend
Combine biblical teaching with strong community.
Learning a New Lifestyle
A Bible study group led a young woman to Christ through their love and acceptance.
Common Myths of Belonging
The emerging church is redefining community, relationships, intimacy, and small groups.
More Is More When Less Is More
Why not have both large groups and small groups in the same meeting?
Try A Small-Group Sandwich!
By sandwiching coed times with gender exclusive times, it is possible to gain the profits of both.
Bad Days Are Sometimes The Best Days
Small groups can be a great place for learning lessons about life.
Authentic Biblical Communities – Going to the Next Level
After laying the foundation, we saw the need to develop a platform to encourage our people to continue to live a life of purpose.
The Real Relationships We All Want
Authentic love for each other will draw others to your group.
God’s Sixteen Guidelines For Building Great Community
Biblical guidelines for creating community.
Divide, Connect and Grow
Dividing large groups into smaller ones for discussion and prayer can enliven the entire group.
Build Community Through Communion
Bring depth to a small group by participating in Communion together.
Life Support
The story of a group that cared for a couple in their small group during the wife's illness.
The First Meeting
Top 10 things heard in the car by a couple on the way home from their first small group meeting
Sermon Titles
Top 10 rejected sermon titles used by Small Group Pastors when their Senior Pastor is on vacation!
Apostolic Icebreakers
Top 10 icebreakers the disciples would use at their small group meetings.
Marriage-Friendly Small Groups
Several tips to help your small group towards the goal of strengthening marriages and families.
Intergenerational Small Groups Mobilize Families
In an intergenerational setting, people of all ages can get the support and mentoring that they need.
Your Small Group and Your Family
Your small group and your family are ministries that God has given you; use them together.
Kids and Small Groups—Handling Difficult Children
Children have the same needs as adults in many areas of their lives.
Creating Community in Our Communities
Equipping and encouraging people to pursue intimacy with God, community with believers, and influence with nonbelievers.
From Large to Small Groups
In the US, many people prefer to begin in large group gatherings, and then move on to small group community.
From Anonymity to Intimacy
If anonymity is a person's goal, small groups can be threatening; here's how to make them less so.
Tools that Help Small Groups Keep an Outward Focus
Ways to keep your small group from becoming cliquish.
Community Standards
Authentic relationships are essential to small group—and individual—life.
Circles of Indemnity
God has called us to surround one another in the midst of our circumstances.
Loving Beyond Barriers
Ways you can extend the hand of fellowship beyond the perimeter of your group.
Small Group Support and Recovery – A Case Study of Judas vs. Peter
Having the support you need can make a world of difference.
Making the Family a Priority in Small Groups
Family care is at the center of what we're trying to achieve in small groups.
Give The Meeting A Break And Let Group Life Begin
Sometimes it's essential to take a break in order to practice what you're learning.
Group Evaluation and Celebration
Plan to conclude your year with your group in a positive way.
Discovering Spiritual Gifts in the Small Group Setting
Small group members can provide valuable insight when assessing an individual's spiritual gifts.
Spiritual Gifts and Small Group Life
I believe that small groups are the best place to practice spiritual gifts.
How Small Groups "Discover" Spiritual Gifts
It is in the Body of Christ—in community and at work—that we discern our gifts.
A Church WITH Small Groups
Through small groups and other mid-size ministries, everyone can experience more in-depth community.
Ministering to Children & Youth in a Two-Chop Stick Church
We believe that children and youth are an integral part of the church now—not just in the future.
Developing Small Group Accountability
Creating a "safe place" where people can truly open up and share at a deep intimate level is an important step in developing real intimacy in small group community.
Resolutions Worth Making … and Keeping
It's easier to keep resolutions when you're in community than if you're going at it alone.
The Freedom that Comes from Vulnerability
Experiencing love from those who know our imperfections is a very powerful thing.
Expose Your Thorn in the Flesh
Being honest about your own shortcomings can be encouraging to those you're leading.
Rolling Out the Welcome Mat
There are many people groups and sub-cultures right around us that we can invite into our group life.
Three Keys Open the Door to Small Groups
Small group mission can be summed up in three concepts: root, one another, and walk.
Becoming More Obedient to God's Word . . . Not Just Smarter
The big difference between large-group gatherings and a small group is accountability.
Bringing Your Bible Study to Life
How group role playing can change the way we view Bible stories.
Don't Lose Control of Your Group, Recovenant!
Revisiting your group covenant can ensure that needs continue to be met.
Get Your Group to Loosen Up
Humor can help bring your group closer, and reveal biblical truths.
Six Ways to Serve Your Community
Is your group looking for creative way to serve your community?
Be a Friend of Sinners
The front door of the church is the front door of every person's home.
Overcoming Excuses
It's hard for people to believe we want them in heaven if we don't want them in our living room.
Open Home, Open Hearts
By providing a comfortable atmosphere where Christianity is lived out and where non-Christians feel at ease, homes can be great tools for bringing people to Christ.
What's the age limit for small group participation?
Make inclusion of older adults an intentional part of your small group planning and implementation.
Do Something That Will Outlast You
Discipling individuals is primary; leading groups and teaching the crowds is secondary.
How Small Groups Build Community
Fellowship does happen when we come face to face with one another—and with God
Clancy Cliché—The Person Who Uses Jargon
How to draw a specific answer out of someone who's fluent in Christianese.
Willy Wrong—The Person Who Doesn't Understand
How can you help Willy correct his thinking without embarassing him?
Peter Problem—The Emotionally Disturbed Person
How to handle a member with clinical emotional or psychological difficulty.
Donna Dogmatic—The Legalistic Person
How can you offer constructive criticism to the person who's always right?
Worship and Prayer: The Power Behind Small Group Ministry
Prayer and worship invite God's presence into the group.
Stanley Spiritual—The "Super-Spiritual" Person
How to talk to the person whose approach is intimidating your group.
