First-Time Leaders of Small Groups


Book Description

First-Time Leaders of Small Groups offers novice and experienced leaders the information they need to keep their members interested and involved, resolve conflicts and deal with difficult people, and ultimately have their group achieve results . . . quickly. The book includes four steps for preparing to lead (selecting members, setting the groundwork for high performance, planning, and establishing your leadership style) and four steps for taking the lead (starting right, working smart, coaching, and assessing). These steps will help you take the lead with confidence. First-Time Leaders of Small Groups is filled with illustrative examples of a wide range of small groups and provides clear suggestions for action. The book includes: Questions and answers based on research on what works well, and what does not Diagnostics for determining your group’s strengths and weaknesses Leadership challenges—ideas for overcoming common difficulties Self-assessments to help build confidence as a group leader Examples of approaches for different group situations Models for understanding how groups work Activities for improving group functions Key research findings Easy-to-follow suggestions for practice




Leading Life-Changing Small Groups


Book Description

Like nothing else, small groups have the power to change lives. They are the ideal route to discipleship—a place where the rubber of biblical truth meets the road of human relationships. However, church leaders often feel at a loss when it comes to assessing the strengths and weaknesses of group life in a church, and they struggle with understanding and solving the root causes of problems. Group Life resources provide in ebook format the practical tools and training resources needed to develop life-changing small group leaders, coaches to shepherd group leaders, and ultimately, a thriving church-wide small group ministry. These resources include the updated and revised versions of the best-selling Leading Life-Changing Small Groups and Coaching Life-Changing Small Group Leaders, the new Building a Life-Changing Small Group Ministry and the supplemental Group Life Training DVD. Appropriate for individual or group study, the books function as manuals and workbooks that teach and allow readers to process and record information as they learn. Downloadable web-based vision clips and supplemental videos in the DVD help readers explore and discuss topics further. Group Life Resources conveniently integrate with the ReGroupTM curriculum, giving trainers the option to use them together. The updated and revised third edition of Bill Donahue’s best-selling Leading Life-Changing Small Groups will help church leaders prepare small group leaders who can successfully facilitate gatherings and shepherd group participants.




Simple Small Groups


Book Description

Over the past two decades, small groups have gone from spontaneous gatherings among friends to a major and elaborate phenomenon in the church. Many evangelical churches have some form of small groups ministry in place. But there's just one problem, says Bill Search--what started as a simple get-together has become a complicated process, especially for small group leaders. They are often not sure what is expected of them or what to expect from their groups as a result of their efforts. In Simple Small Groups, Search lays out the three C's of small groups--connecting, changing, and cultivating. This paradigm helps to simplify leading small groups in a way that is helpful, rewarding, and life changing. Unlike many other books geared toward small group leaders, Simple Small Groups does not require a church-wide adoption of an intricately designed system of assimilation, making it useful to any small group leader looking for guidance.




Lead Small


Book Description

If you're a small group leader, you believe in the power of community. You know that every stage and phase of life needs a unique kind of influence. But what exactly do you do? What exactly is your job?It's possible that you may feel lost at times, like your role falls somewhere between a parent and a friend, a coach and a teacher. But remember, you aren't supposed to be any of those things. You are a little of all of those things.Small groups come in many sizes. Those who wear diapers. Those who watch Disney. Those who are learning to drive. Those who are picking a college.Lead Small: Five Big Ideas Every Small Group Leader Needs to Know clarifies the responsibilities of the small group leader who works with children and teenagers. It establishes five common threads so that those who choose to lead in any size church can work off the same blueprint.When you lead small, you realize that what you do for a few has more potential than what you do for many. When you lead small, you choose to invest in the lives of a few to encourage authentic faith.With personal insight and practical advice, Reggie Joiner and Tom Shefchunas will show you how to do something small for a big impact.




Leading Small Groups


Book Description

Leading a small group can literally change the world. We have been commissioned to make disciples who make disciples, and Jesus showed us that the best way to carry that out is through small groups of believers. Just like the first-century church, small groups form the foundation to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Chris Surratt, Discipleship and Small Groups Specialist for Lifeway Christian Resources, and author of Small Groups for the Rest of Us, wants to help you get from here to there. Regardless of whether you have never lead a small group or have been leading one for years, all of us want to know how to create environments where spiritual growth takes place and communities are changed. Leading Small Groups walks the reader through the stages of gathering, launching, leading, and multiplying a gospel-centered small group. There are also follow-up questions for discussion and reflection at the end of each section, and practical resources that can be implemented immediately by the small group leader. Jesus left his followers with a task—the Great Commission. This book will help small group leaders and churches in their obedience to this task.




Leading Small Groups with Purpose


Book Description

"Steve Gladen, pastor of small groups at Saddleback Church for more than a decade, takes you step-by-step toward a healthy, dynamic group with focus and purpose. For the new small group leader, the seasoned leader who feels their small group lacks purpose, or the leader who is itching to move their small group to the next level, Leading Small Groups with Purpose is the road map to follow. Every chapter includes ideas that you can implement immediately, as well as ways to shape your small group over time. With Gladen's expert help, you will define success clearly, develop a personal leadership plan, invite members into your group, and help members fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment." -- Publisher description.




Called to Act


Book Description

If you are a man who feels that spiritual growth is at times frustrating--you are not alone! Most men find spiritual growth overcomplicated and the needed discipline beyond their reach. But it doesn't need to be that way. In Called to Act: 5 Uncomplicated Disciplines for Men, author Vince Miller provides a simple understanding of five core spiritual disciplines that will ignite a lifelong journey of spiritual development. Leave the ranks of the hesitant and stuck, and join a movement of men.




Small-Group Leader's Quick Guide to (Almost) Everything


Book Description

The goal of youth ministry is “real” transformation. But “polite” youth ministry—when teenagers show up, say nice things to each other, yet never get real with one another—is not how transformational discipleship happens. Authors Tighe and Thomas believe leading young people into an intimate, abiding relationship with Jesus is the most important investment small-group leaders can make in life. And they truly believe that anyone who cares for teenagers can do it! Real ministry happens when volunteers/small-group leaders are equipped and empowered to reach and develop relationships that make a difference in the lives of the teenagers. But so many don’t feel like they really know how. Small-Group Leader’s Quick Guide to (Almost) Everything gives your volunteers the practical training they need in the bite-size format they’ll appreciate. This book is like a satisfying “protein bar” for youth ministry volunteers. It’s made for busy people who want to make a big difference in the lives of teenagers. Here’s some of what you’ll find packed into this quick guide: • Why relationships are EVERYTHING in youth ministry, and how to pour fuel on that fire • How to “decode” teenagers’ behavior in the moment and respond in a meaningful way • Why experiencing a relationship with Jesus matters more than just knowing facts • How to help hurting teenagers • How to set healthy boundaries for you and the teenagers • And so much more! If you’re a volunteer youth worker who cares for teenagers, you don’t have to be “cool” or wear skinny jeans or have a theological degree. You just need to have a desire to be present in the lives of students and feel equipped to respond. This book helps you do that...




The 8 Habits of Effective Small Group Leaders


Book Description

After years of leading and overseeing growing small groups, Pastor Dave Earley has identified 8 core habits of effective leaders. When adopted, these habits will transform your leadership too. The habits include: Dreaming - Prayer - Invitations - Contact - Preparation - Mentoring - Fellowship - Growth When your leaders adopt and practice these habits, your groups will move from once-a-week meetings to an exciting lifestyle of ministry to one another and the lost! Each habit is discussed in detail, providing "how-to" steps with an implementation guide at the end of each chapter. This resource will also be a valuable teaching tool for training your leaders and guiding your coaches as they mentor your group leaders. Help your leaders discover how to make each habit a part of their life . . . and watch them become more effective!




100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart


Book Description

Clearer thoughts, steadier nerves, healthier emotions, purer habits, happier homes, greater respect, and eternal optimism are the rewards promised in 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart.