Equipped

Small Group Leadership Training

2
Introducing Equipped
Acts2:46saysofthedisciples,Daybydaytheycontinuedmeetingtogetherin
thetemple,andbreakingbreadfromhousetohouse.WhentheSpiritcame
uponthepeople,transformationhappened.Thedisciplesbecameonein
Christ.AfterthiseventtheycontinuedtomeettogetherintheJerusalem
temple.Buttheyalsomettogetherinsmallergroupsinhomes.
AtNorthRidgeChurch,webelieveingatheringtogetherforthe
proclamationoftheWord,forcorporateworshipandprayer,andfor
celebratingbaptismsandtheLordsSuppertogetherinourSunday
meetings.Wewanteverybodyinourbodytomakethatapriority.
ButwealsoencourageinvolvementinaSmallGroup.Thisisbecause
SmallGroupsareagreatcontextforencouragingdeeperrelationshipsand
growthinourChristianlives.
SmallGroupsfacilitate
TheapplicationoftheWordtoourlives
Accountabilityforlivingagodlylifestyle
Caringforoneanother
Servicetoothers
Evangelism
Fellowship
Thedevelopmentofleaders

3
Small Groups at NorthRidge Church
AttheheartofourvisionfortheSmallGroupministryatNorthRidge
Churchisthedesiretoseeacommunityofbelievers(relationship)whoare
growingdeeperintheirloveforChristandtheirobediencetohim
(discipleship).

What is the Purpose of Small Groups?
TheScripturesindicatethattheChristianlifeistobelivedoutin
communitywithotherbelievers.Withinthatcommunity,weare
instructedtoencourageoneanother,serveoneanother,rejoiceandweep
withoneanother,correct,instruct,buildup,acceptandloveoneanother.
SmallGroupsprovideawonderfulcontexttofacilitateinvolvementinone
anotherslives.
Hebrews10:2425says,Andletusconsiderhowwemayspuroneanotheron
towardloveandgooddeeds.Letusnotgiveupmeetingtogether,assomearein
thehabitofdoing,butletusencourageoneanotherandallthemoreasyousee
theDayapproaching.Asachurch,wearehopefulthatourSmallGroup
ministrywillbeoneofthesignificantwaysweliveoutourobedienceto
thisexhortation.

How do Small Groups fit into

NorthRidge Church as a Whole?
ThoughtheBibledoesnotcommandustoorganizeaSmallGroup
ministry,itdoespresupposethatasignificantrelationallifeexistswithin
thechurch.SmallGroupsareachosenmeansofcultivatingrelationallife
anddiscipleshipatNorthRidgeChurch.Becauseoftheirfoundationalrole
inthelifeofourchurch,wehopethatasizablenumberofNorthRidge
ChurchattendeeswillbeinvolvedinaSmallGroup.

4
Two Goals of a Small Group:
Relationships and Discipleship
I. Relationships
TheChristianLifeisnotsolitary.Godcallsustoliveoutourliveswith
himinthecontextofrelationshipsespeciallythoserelationshipswith
othermembersofNorthRidgeChurch.Wearecalledtoworkoutour
relationshipwithChristincommunitywithourspiritualbrothersand
sisters.OneoftheprimarypurposesoftheSmallGroupstructureisto
provideacontextwherewecanestablishrealandlastingrelationships.
Relationally,SmallGroupsprovideacontextfor:
1.Developingfriendships.
2.Caringforoneanotherwithpracticalhelpandpersonalencouragement.
3.Celebratingjoyfuloccasions,andtohavefuntogether.
4.Servingsidebysidewithgroupmembersasweseektoserveothers.
5.Encouragingoutreach.

II. Biblical Discipleship
AdiscipleisafullydevotedfollowerofChristwhofindshis/heridentityin
ChristandexpressesthatidentitythroughlovingGod,lovingothers,and
obeyingthecommandsofChrist.
TheSmallGroupshouldbeaplacewhichencouragesourgrowthin
Christiandiscipleship.Wearecalledtobedisciplesandtomakedisciples.
Inourmeetings,weshouldstrivetoencouragingeachotherthrough
Scripture,prayingtogether,andchallengingoneanothertowardgrowthin
Christlikeness.







5

Biblical Leadership

Acts20:1735(ESV)NowfromMiletushesenttoEphesusandcalledthe
eldersofthechurchtocometohim.18Andwhentheycametohim,hesaid
tothem:YouyourselvesknowhowIlivedamongyouthewholetime
fromthefirstdaythatIsetfootinAsia,19servingtheLordwithall
humilityandwithtearsandwithtrialsthathappenedtomethroughthe
plotsoftheJews;20howIdidnotshrinkfromdeclaringtoyouanything
thatwasprofitable,andteachingyouinpublicandfromhousetohouse,
21testifyingbothtoJewsandtoGreeksofrepentancetowardGodandof
faithinourLordJesusChrist.22Andnow,behold,Iamgoingto
Jerusalem,constrainedbytheSpirit,notknowingwhatwillhappentome
there,23exceptthattheHolySpirittestifiestomeineverycitythat
imprisonmentandafflictionsawaitme.24ButIdonotaccountmylifeof
anyvaluenorasprecioustomyself,ifonlyImayfinishmycourseandthe
ministrythatIreceivedfromtheLordJesus,totestifytothegospelofthe
graceofGod.25Andnow,behold,IknowthatnoneofyouamongwhomI
havegoneaboutproclaimingthekingdomwillseemyfaceagain.26
ThereforeItestifytoyouthisdaythatIaminnocentofthebloodofallof
you,27forIdidnotshrinkfromdeclaringtoyouthewholecounselof
God.28Paycarefulattentiontoyourselvesandtoalltheflock,inwhich
theHolySpirithasmadeyouoverseers,tocareforthechurchofGod,
whichheobtainedwithhisownblood.29Iknowthataftermydeparture
fiercewolveswillcomeinamongyou,notsparingtheflock;30andfrom
amongyourownselveswillarisemenspeakingtwistedthings,todraw
awaythedisciplesafterthem.31Thereforebealert,rememberingthatfor
threeyearsIdidnotceasenightordaytoadmonisheveryonewithtears.
32AndnowIcommendyoutoGodandtothewordofhisgrace,whichis
abletobuildyouupandtogiveyoutheinheritanceamongallthosewho
aresanctified.33Icovetednoonessilverorgoldorapparel.34You
yourselvesknowthatthesehandsministeredtomynecessitiesandto
thosewhowerewithme.35InallthingsIhaveshownyouthatby
workinghardinthiswaywemusthelptheweakandrememberthewords
oftheLordJesus,howhehimselfsaid,Itismoreblessedtogivethanto
receive.
6
Small Group Leaders Lead By
Principle1Weleadbylivingasexamples.Paulpracticedwhathe
preached.HecouldtelltheEphesianselderstorememberhowhelived(v.
18),andhecouldevensay,Beimitatorsofme,asIamofChrist(1Cor.
11:1).Asleaders,ourlivesoughttoreflectthegloriousgospelthatwe
proclaim.
Principle2Weleadbyserving.PaulsaidheservedtheLordwithall
humilityandwithtears...(v.19).Hislifewascharacterizedbylaying
downhislifeinthemannerofChristwhohadcomenottobeservedbut
toserve(Mark10:45).So,asleaders,weleadbybecomingservants.
Principle3Weleadbypersevering.Noonesaidleadershipwouldbe
easy.Paulexperiencedconflictswithout(v.19,23)andconflicts
within(v.2930),buthecontinuedtoministerfaithfullytotheend.
Leadershipisnotforthefainthearted.
Principle4Weleadbyteaching.Paulwasfaithfultoteachbothinpublic
forumsaswellasfromhousetohouse(v.20).Hewasfaithfultotellhis
discipleswhateverwouldbeprofitabletothem,evenifhesuspectedit
mightbehardforthemtoaccept(v.20).Hewasfaithfulinteachingthe
wholecouncilofGod(v.27).
Principle5WeleadbybeingMissional.PaulsaidIdonotaccountmy
lifeofanyvaluenorasprecioustomyself,ifonlyImayfinishmycourse
andtheministryIreceivedfromtheLordJesusChrist,totestifytothe
gospelofthegraceofGod(v.24).Paulslifeshowedthathelivedtofulfill
thecallinggiventohimbytheLord:givingwitnesstothegospelofJesus
Christ.
Principle6Weleadbyprotectingtheflock.Paulcalledtheelderstopay
carefulattentionto(vs.28)andtobeawareofthosewhowouldcome
amongtheflockanddothemharm(v.2930).Leadersmustseektoprotect
theirpeoplefromerrantteachingsandtheirharmfuleffects.Thisiswhy
wehaveincludedourchurchdoctrinalstatementinthispacket.Theseare
theteachingswhichweconsideritimportanttoascribeto,toteach,andto
defend.
7
Principle7Weleadbybeingcommittedtotheword.Paulcommendedthe
EphesianelderstoGodandthewordofHisgrace(v.32),soleaders
mustbestudentsoftheWord,alwayspointingotherstotheWord.
Principle8Weleadbybeinghardworking.Paul,couldasanapostle,
havereceivedhissupportfromthosetowhomheserved,buthechoseto
workdayandnight,soastomeethisownneeds(v.3435).Servingothers
ingospelministryalwaysexactssacrifice.
Principle9Weleadbyloving.Paulexemplifiedthisbyloving
sacrificially.HeremindedhisdisciplesoftheLordswords,Itismore
blessedtogivethantoreceive(v.35).Leaderswhoputthisintopractice
willfindthatingiving,theywillenrichmany,whileatthesametime
enrichtheirownsouls.


































8
Building Biblical Community
Asstatedearlier,wehavetwogoalsforourSmallGroupsministry:
developingbiblicalcommunityandencouragingChristiandiscipleship.In
thissectionwearegoingtolookatthevalueofbiblicalrelationshipsand
howtopromotetheminyourSmallGroups.
RelationshipsshouldresultinBiblicalCommunity.
IntheSmallGroupcontext,Christianmenandwomencanform
relationshipsthatallowthemtobeknownatapersonallevel,andthat
enablethemtoexperiencecareandencouragement.
Relationshipsarenottheinevitableresultofmeetingtogether.Themost
successfulSmallGroupsvaluerelationships:theyliveouttheirlives
togetherandtheyseetheirSmallGroupasmorethanjustasocial
gathering.
Genuinerelationshipsrequireeffort,andleadersplayanimportantpartin
helpingthegroupcultivateanddevelopfriendshipsbyleadingand
motivatingtheirpeopleinthisdirection.
RelationshipsshouldaidTransformation.
GodhasgivenustheChristiancommunitywithallitsdifferencesand
giftingsasthecontextforchangeandgrowth.Thetruthis,Godusesyou
tohelpotherschangeandHeusesotherstohelpyouchange.Small
Groupsarecommunitieswherewehelponeanotherintheprocessof
discipleship.

9
The One-Anothers of the New Testament
Be at peace with one another (Mark 9:50)
Love one another (John 13:34)
Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10)
Honor one another (Romans 12:10)
Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)
Stop passing judgment on one another (Romans 14:13)
Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
Instruct one another (Romans 15:14)
Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
Carry each others burden (Galatians 6:2)
Be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2)
Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32)
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19)
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21)
In humility consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3)
Teach one another (Colossians 3:16)
Admonish one another (Colossians 3:16)
Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
Build each other up (1Thessalonians 5:11)
Spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24)
Do not slander one another (J ames 4:11)
Do not grumble against one another (J ames 5:9)
Confess your sins to one another (J ames 5:16)
Pray for one another (J ames 5:16)
Clothe yourself with humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5)

10
Leading the Group to Relationship
Through Meetings and Activities
Astheleaderofyourgroup,yourresponsibilityisalwaystoseek
toprovideamodelforotherstoimitate
Setanexamplebythewayyoupursuerelationshipswiththoseinthe
group.

Takeagenuineinterestinpeople

Drawpeopleoutbyaskingquestionsaboutsomethingyouknowisgoing
onintheirlife.Seekoutopportunitiestoshowaninterestinpeople.

Newgroup,newrelationships

NewpeoplecomingintoaSmallGroupoftendonotknowoneanother.
Wiseleaderswillseektohelpthegroupgettoknowoneanother.

Makemeetingsrelational

Trytoprovidesomerelationalelementineachmeeting.Thismeans
planningforit.Anaddendumofpossibleactivitiesandpossiblerelational
questionsisprovidedinappendixofthismanual.

Beawareoftheissuesthatpertaintoseasonoflife

Keepinmindtherealitiesofeachuniqueseasonoflifeandseektoleadin
waysthatreflectcareforyourgroupmembers.Agroupcomprisedof
peoplewhodonothavechildrenathometypicallyhavemoreavailable
timeandtheflexibilitytospendtimetogetherthanagroupcomprisedof
parentsofyoungchildrenorteenagers.Understandingtheneedsofyour
groupwillhelpyoutosetrealisticgoalsforrelatingtooneanother.

11
Leading the Group to Relationships -
Through Care
Weallneedhelpwiththebasiceventsoflife,andsometimesour
needisbig:atthebirthofababy,atragicaccidentand
hospitalization,thedeathofsomeoneclose.Typically,yourgroupis
goingtoberelationallyclosesttotheneed.Asaleader,youleadin
coordinatingcareandinsodoing,youhelpfosterdeeper
relationships.
Youmayneedtotalkinitiallywiththepersoninneedtodetermine
whetheryoushouldmobilizethegrouporsimplyaskanother
individualtohelpinthesituation.
Inacrisis,theleaderisresponsibletoinsurethatcareisbeing
provided.Thisdoesnotmeanthattheleaderistheoneprimarily
providingthecareorevenorganizingthecare.Infact,ifyou
providealloftheorganizationandcare,youdeprivethegroupof
practicalwaystohelpthembuildrelationships.
Someexamplesofpracticalservice:
Helpamembermove.
Careforthesickorinjuredwithmeals,cleaning,errands,child
care,orsimplyavisit.
Supplymoneyinatimeofgenuineneed.
Providemealsandsupportforafamilyduringatimeofgrief.
Providechildcaretoaparentwhocannotafforditorhasno
onetohelp.
Helpanelderlymemberorsinglemomwithbasicchores.

12
Leading the Group to Relationships -
Through Outreach
OneofthegreatprivilegesoftheChristianlifeissharingtheGospel.Yet
ourrelationshipswithunbelieversareoftenneglected.Investingin
relationshipswithunbelieversisapartofbeingawitnessoftheGospel.It
isinandthroughtheserelationalinvestmentsthatweoftenhavethe
opportunitytosharetheGospelorinvitesomeoneouttoourSmallGroup
orachurchactivitywheretheywillheartheGospel.
LeaderswhoareseekingtobuildGospelcenteredSmallGroupswillkeep
thisevangelisticmandateasanonnegotiableelementofthegroups
relationallifetogether.
GroupsgrowcloserastheyseektofurthertheGospeltogether.
Findwaysinwhichyourgroupcanworktogethertosupporttheoutreach
effortsofthechurch.
Prayfortheunbelieverswithwhomyouasagrouparedeveloping
relationshipswithagoalofsharingtheGospelandinvitingthemtoan
appropriatechurchevent.
Sponsoryourownoutreachactivities.Indoingthis,itisimportantthatthe
groupisexcitedabouttheidea,andyouencouragemaximum
participation.Oneeasywaytobuildgroupexcitementistoaskthegroup
fortheirideasforoutreachandbuildenthusiasmforthosethegroup
agreesaredoable.

13
Leading the Group to Relationships -
Through Praying Together
Suggestionsofhowyoucanleadinprayer:
InvitethegrouptostatewhattheyareaskingofGod.
Solicitthegroupforspecificrequests:
EncouragethegrouptoformrequestsaroundGodspromisesand
purposesstatedintheBible(SeeHebrews6:1215;2Corinthians1:2022)
Realizethatmanytimesprayerrequestsbecomeopportunitiesforusto
understandotherscircumstancesandwhatourresponsestothose
circumstancesshouldbe.
Restrictyourprayertime,attimes,togivingthanksforspecifichelporto
praisingGodforHischaracterandHisdeeds.Itcanhelptobeginatime
likethisbylookingataparticularpassageofScripture.Forexample,
TheextentofHislove(John3:16)
Hisremedyofourneed(Romans5:6;Eph.2:13)
Theblessingsassociatedwithsalvation(Romans8:32;Galatians3:14;
4:6;5:22)
OuraccesstoHisthroneofgrace(Heb.4:1416;Eph.3:1112)
Asanaid,theACTSoutlineishelpful:
Adoration(praiseandworship)
ConfessionofSin
Thanksgiving
Supplication(makingrequestsforothersandyourself)
SomeexamplesofprayerinScripture:
Luke11:113
Philippians4:68
Psalm5:13
John14:1314
Romans8:2627
1John5:1415
14
Leading a Small Group Discussion
Asmentionedearlier,akeyelementforbuildingaSmallGroupintoa
communityofdisciplesofJesusChristishavingeffectivediscussions.
Discussionleadinginvolvesaskinggoodquestionsandhelpingthegroup
grapplewiththesequestionsandtheiranswersasagroup.Yourroleis
tokeepthediscussionbiblicallyfocusedinordertoleadmenandwomen
ingreaterunderstandingofScriptureandapplicationofitsprinciplesto
theirlives.
LeadingDiscussions
OneofthemainjobsoftheSmallGroupleaderhasistofacilitate
discussion.Therearetimeswhenthefacilitatormightdomoretalkingto
explainsomethinginthematerial,butthentheymusttransitiontoopen
discussion.Leadersmustcreateanopenatmospherethatinvites
participationofgroupmembersandvaluestheirinput.Thefollowing
diagramsshowtwonegativeexamplesofSmallGroupdynamicstoavoid
andonepositiveexampleofSmallGroupdynamics.

NotThis:
Leaderdoingallthetalking

NotThis:
Grouprespondingonlytotheleader

ButThis:
Groupinteractingastheleaderguides
discussion

15
Leading Discussions
Thefollowingsuggestionswillaidyouinleadingdiscussionsand
fosteringhealthygroupdynamics:
Arrangethegroupinacircle,ifpossible,sothateveryonecansee
eachother.Ifsomeoneseparateshim/herselffromthegroup,
encouragethemtojoinin(MakesomeroomsoJohncansqueezein
here.etc.).
Letthegroupknowthatyoudonthavealltheanswers.Ifa
questionisaskedtowhichyoudonotknowtheanswer,tellthe
personyoudontknow.Offertodosomeresearch(oraskamember
toresearchthequestion)andcomebackthenexttimewitha
responseforthatperson.
Letthegroupknowthatitsokaytointerruptyouatanytimeifthey
haveaquestionandthatthereisnosuchthingasadumbquestion.
Askforinputandfeedbacktowhatyouhaveshared.
Directresponsesorquestionsbacktothegroupwhentheyare
initiallydirectedonlytoyou(Letmehearwhatsomeoftherestofyou
thinkaboutthatfirst.Anyonecaretorespond?Betty,whatwouldyou
say?).
Trytoincludeeveryone.Askamorereservedpersonwhatthey
thinkaboutthetopicyouarediscussing.Letthemknowtheydont
havetoshareiftheydontwantto(Letshearfromsomeonewho
hasnthadthechancetoshareyetLinda,howaboutyou?etc.).
Askopenendedquestionsasopposedtoyesornoquestions.
Not,DidyouliketheBiblepassageforthisweek?but,Whatdidyou
likeabouttheBiblepassageforthisweek?orWhatdidyougetoutofit?
Openendedquestionstendtopromotediscussion.
Askforclarificationordigdeeperintoananswertomakeitcome
alive(Doesthatworkinadifferentsituationtoo?orThatsagood
answer,buthoweasyisittoreallydothat?orDoanyoftherestofyou
findthathardtodo?orHowdoesthatworkineverydaylife?).
16
Allowtangents,butrefocusifnecessary.Thegroupmaywanderoff
fromthematerial,butthediscussionmaybewhatsontheheartof
thegroupatthattime.Ifthetangentistrivial,refocusthegroup
backtothematerial(Well,letsgetbacktoourmaterialwhatdoyou
think).
Acknowledgeeveryonewhoparticipates(anod,eyecontact,or
verbalencouragement,etc.).
Referbacktoapointthatsomeoneelsemade(Thatssimilarto
whatJanesaidalittlewhileagoaboutlettingGodhavecontrol).
Usesummarystatementstoclarifydiscussion(So,whatIhearyou
sayingisetc.).
Askquestionsinaconversationaltone.Donotsimplyreadthemout
ofabook,orsay,Whatdidyouputforquestionnumberfive?
Rephrasethequestiontoaskthesamethinginadifferentway.








17
Guarding Discussions
Whileleadersarenottodominatediscussions,thatdoesnotmeantheyare
tobackoutofthem.Appropriateinputatappropriatetimescanhelpthe
discussionstayontrack,adddepthtothediscussion,ortiethediscussion
backintothelessonforthatevening.
Itistheleadersresponsibilitytoguardthediscussionsteppingintostop
inappropriatesharing.Belowareafewsituationstowatchfor
Dontallowpeopletoconfessanyonesfaults(particularlytheir
spouses)buttheirown.Gossipingorgripingaboutanotherperson
isnotappropriate.
Dontallowdoctrinaldiscussiontobecomedivisiveorargumentative.
Healthydiscussion,evendisagreement,regardingthetenetsofthe
faithistobeencouraged,butmustalwaysbeattendedwithcharity.
Dontentertainnegativeattitudestowardthechurch.TheSmallGroup
leaderisexpectedtosupportthemissionofNorthRidgeChurch,its
philosophyofministry,anditsleadership.Encourageanyonewitha
specificconcerntobringittochurchleadership.Concernsforthe
churchcanbetalkedaboutbytheSmallGroupinahealthy,positive
waythatencouragesownership(Istheresomethingwecoulddoto
helpinthisarea?etc.).
Dontallowonepersonscontinualproblemtobethefocusofthegroup.
Thereareboundtobepersonsingroupsthatrequireextracare.
Someofthesepeoplecanbecaredforandministeredtowithinthe
contextofaSmallGroup;othersmayneedhelpfromsomeone
professionalorsomeoneoutsidethegroup.Soundjudgmentis
requiredhere.



18
The Goal is Application
Thegoalofdiscussionisnotsimplytogetnewinformationorhavea
stimulatingconversationaboutsomeonesideas.Wewantthediscussion
tomovefromgainingabasicgraspofthematerialtoallowingeach
memberofthegrouptomakepersonalapplicationtohisorherlife.When
leadingthediscussioninyourSmallGroup,thinkoftwosimplesteps:

AssessandApply
Assess
Startwiththeauthorspurpose.Helpthegrouporganizediscussion
aroundthebigpictureofthemessage.AskquestionslikeWhatisthe
authorspurposeinwriting?Whatisthespeakersmainpoint?Tryto
answeritinafewsimplesentences.
Considerhowtheauthoraccomplisheshispurpose.Thissecondstephelps
determinehowtheauthorhasorganizedhisthoughtsanddevelopedhis
material.
Askthegroupwhytheythinktheauthormakesthesepoints.Whyisheso
concernedaboutthissubject?

Encourageparticipantstoputtheauthorspointsintotheirownlanguage.
Thisenablesthegrouptobegintheprocessofengagingthematerialona
deeperlevel.Italsohelpsyou,asthegroupleader,toknowwhetherornot
groupmembersunderstandthematerialatabasiclevel.
Apply
Applicationquestionsshouldencouragethegrouptograpplewithhow
theseideasmakeaclaimontheirownlives.
Applicationisthegoalofyourdiscussion.Makesureyougetyourgroup
tothisstageearlyenoughtoallowforsignificantdiscussion.
Remember,applicationisthegoal.Beforeyoucangettothisstep,you
mustlistentowhatpeoplearesayinghowtheyareprocessingthe
material.Dotheyunderstandthemainpointsandtheirimplications?
19
Ifthegroupgetsthesensethatyouareonlylookingforarightanswer
i.e.theansweryouwanttheytypicallywillnotexplorethetopictogether
butrathertheywillseektotellyouwhatyouwanttohear.
Questionsthatonlyrequireayesornoanswerareusuallyineffective.
Formostpeople,theyleadthediscussionnowhere.
Tomoveadiscussionforward,buildonthecommentsofthegroup:
Clarification:Couldyourestatewhatyousaid?
Redirection:Ifsomeoneisleadingthediscussiononatangent,bringit
back,Thanksforyourthoughtsonthat.Iwonderifanyoneelse(restate
yourquestion).

Extension/openended:Couldyouexpoundonthat?Whatdoyouthink
aboutwhatHeathersaid?Hasanyoneelseeverfeltconvictioninthisarea?
Whatdidyoudo?Howdidyourespond?
Somesampleapplicationquestions:
Whatdothetruthstaughtmeantoyouhereandnow?
HowdoesknowingthistruthaboutGodmakeadifferenceinyour
life?Howcanyouapplythistruth?
Whataretheimplicationsofthistoyouandme?
Whatmustchangeinyourlifenowthatyouunderstandthis?
Isthereacommandinthispassagethatwearerequiredtoobey?
Whatexamplecanwefollowhere?
Wherehaveyouseenyourselffallshortintheseareasandhow
shouldyoucultivatechange?

20
Helpful Questions

Groupleadersshouldthinkthroughthefollowingfivemattersin
preparationforgroupmeetings:

ObservationHowcanIeffectivelyandcreativelyleadthegrouptoobserve
whatthetextsays?

InterpretationHowcanIleadthegrouptounderstandwhatthetextmeans?

ApplicationHowcanIleadthegrouptoapplythetexttotheirlife?

DynamicHowcanIfacilitateeffectivediscussionwhichleadstounderstanding
andapplication?

PracticalitiesHowcanIfacilitatethegroupmeetingtimeinordertoencourage
deepeningrelationships?




























21
Small Group Agenda/Schedule
Theschedulebelowprovidesasamplewayagroupmaywishtoorder
theirtimefora6090minutesession.Eachgroupisfreetodetermineits
ownagendaandmakeadjustmentsaswouldbestsuittheshepherding
needsofthegroup.
FellowshipandRefreshments(1520minutes)
(Thistimemaybedevotedtoinformaldiscussion,meetingnew
members,icebreakers,etc.)

OpeningPrayer(2minutes)
(ThistimemaybedevotedtoprayingforGodsSpirittohelpthe
groupunderstandandapplythetruthsofScripture.)

BibleStudy/Discussion(3040minutes)
(Thistimemaybedevotedtoaninteractivestudyofthetruthsof
Scripture.)

Prayerandaccountability(1520minutes)
(Thistimemaybedevotedtoprayerandaddressingthepersonal
needsofthegroup.)

Planning/FollowUp(10minutes)













22
Life Cycle of Small Groups
YoucanexpectyourSmallGrouptogothroughvariousrelationalstages,
whichinevitablyaffectgroupdynamics.
BIRTH(first13meetings)Anewgroupwillgothroughaninitial
timeofdiscoveryanddevelopmentoftrust.Itwillundoubtedly
needextranurturingandencouragementduringthisphase.Itis
helpfulinthisstagetoletgroupmemberssharetheirtestimonyand
becomeacquaintedwithoneanother.
CHILDHOOD(next26weeks)Asgroupsmeettogetherand
realitysetsin,theremaybesomeconflictandissuestowork
through.Skillfulleadershipisrequiredtonavigatethroughconflict
andleadtowardunderstandingandrespect.
TEENAGE(next6weeks)Atthisstage,thegroupisbecoming
moresettled.Itisimportantthatyouencouragememberstoseek
outoneanotherrelationallyandoffersupport.
ADULT(next10+meetings)Personalgrowthandministryto
otherspeaksduringthistimeperiod.Groupmembershavegottento
knoweachotherquitewellandknowwhattheneedsarewithinthe
group.Thegoalisgrouphealth.Theleadermustworktokeep
relationshipsdeepandhonest,aswellasmaintainthegroups
outwardfocus.
BIRTHING(last4meetings)Whetheragroupmultiplies,re
forms,orcloses,itshouldbeseenasnaturalprogressionnota
negativeoutcome!TaketimetocelebratewhattheLordhasdonein
andthroughthemembersofthegroup.Prepareandprayfornew
groupsthatarebeingbirthed.


23
Apprentice Development
AtNorthRidge,wedesiretobecontinuallydevelopingleadersinour
church.OneofthewayswedothisisthroughourSmallGroupministryis
encouragingapprenticeleaders.Youasagroupleadershouldconsider
howyoucanbedevelopingandapprenticewithinyourgroup.

1.Identifyapotentialapprentice.AskGodforthewisdomanddiscernment
todothis.Characteristicsandqualificationstolookfor:
LovesJesus(John14:15),lovestheChurch(John15:12),andlovesthe
lost(John17:8)
Listenstoothers,includesothersinconversation(James1:19;
Romans15:1)
HoldsScriptureastheirultimateauthorityfortruthandlife(2Tim.
3:16)
Eagertoservetheneedsofothers(Rom.12:113)
Humble(James4:6)
Abletoteach(1Tim.3:2)
Notarecentconvert(1Tim.3:6)
Regularlyattendschurchservices

2.Invitethepotentialapprenticetoconsiderit.Askyourpotentialapprentice
toconsidercomingalongsideyoutotrainforpotentialfuturegroup
leadership.Mostpeoplewillhavesomereservationsandmayevenfear
thattheyareunqualifiedorunpreparedfortheresponsibilitiesof
leadership.Discussanyoftheirconcernswiththemandmakesurethey
alsounderstandthatyouwillhelpthemdeveloptheirskillsand
confidenceasaleader.

3.Oncethereisagreementbytheindividualtobecomeanapprentice,sharewith
thegroupthatthisindividualisbeingrecognizedasbeingthegroupcoleaderand
isbeingtrainedforfutureSmallGroupleadership.Encouragetheapprentice
leadertotakeadvantageofchurchsponsoredtrainingevents.
Incrementallyincreasethelevelofresponsibilityfortheapprentice.Atthe
appropriatetime,encouragetheapprenticetotakeresponsibilityfortheir
groupbystartinganewoneorreproducingonewithmembersofthe
existinggroup.
24
Keeping the Gospel Central
TowardtheendofhislettertotheCorinthians,theApostlePaulreminded
thosethereinthecityofCorinthofthemessagethathepreachedtothem.
Hesaysthis:

Now,brothers,IwanttoremindyouoftheGOSPELIpreachedtoyou,
whichyoureceivedandonwhichyouhavetakenyourstand.Bythis
GOSPELyouaresaved,ifyouholdfirmlytothewordIpreachedtoyou.
Otherwise,youhavebelievedinvain.ForwhatIreceivedIpassedontoyou
asoffirstimportance:thatChristdiedforoursinsaccordingtothe
Scriptures,thathewasburied,thathewasraisedonthethirdday
accordingtotheScriptures(1Corinthians15:14).

ThedeathandresurrectionofJesusChristiscentraltothismessageofthe
GOSPEL(whichmeansliterallyGoodNews).Butwhyexactlyisthis
GOSPELmessagegoodnews?Itisbecauseitaddressesthefollowing
questions:

1. Whomadeus,andtowhomareweaccountable?
2. Whatisourproblem?Inotherwords,areweintroubleand
why?
3. WhatisGodssolutiontothatproblem?HowhasHeactedto
saveusfromit?
4. HowdoIcometobeincludedinthatsalvation?Whatmakes
thisGOODNEWSforme?

ThesepointshavebeenhelpfullysummarizedbyMarkDeveras

God,man,Christ,andresponse.

GOD:
Godisourallwise,allpowerfulCreatorandLordtowhomweare
accountable.HecreatedustoglorifyHimandenjoyHisgoodnessforever.
WeremadetoknowHimpersonally.
25

Youareworthy,ourLordandGod,toreceivegloryandhonorand
power,foryoucreatedallthings,andbyyourwilltheywerecreated
andhavetheirbeing(Revelation4:11).

Fromourfirstparents,AdamandEve,allthewaytoyouandme,wehave
rebelledagainstGodbybreakingHislaw(whattheBiblecallssin)and
pursuingthethingsofthisworldforourownselfishpurposes,ratherthan
forthepurposesthatGoddesignedthem.OursinseparatesusfromGod
andexposesustohisrighteousjudgment.

AllhavesinnedandfallshortofthegloryofGod(Romans3:23).

CHRIST:
Christisoursavior.GodsentHisownSontoearthtoliveasinlesslife(the
lifethatweshouldhavelived)anddiethedeaththatwedeserve.Through
Jesusdeathandresurrection,ourdebtispaidandourrelationshipwith
Godcanberestoredinthislifeandforalleternity.

ButGoddemonstratesHisownloveforusinthis:Whilewewere
stillsinners,Christdiedforus(Romans5:8).

RESPONSE:
TheonlysavingresponsetothisgreatestofGOODNEWSistorepentof
oursinandbelieve.Thatmeansturningawayfromwhatweknowis
wrongandturningtoGod,totrustandobeyprofessingthatJesusisour
salvationandourLord.

IfyouconfesswithyourmouththatJesusisLordandbelieveinyour
heartthatGodraisedhimfromthedead,youwillbesaved(Romans
10:9).




26
NorthRidge Church Doctrinal Statement
I.SCRIPTURE
TheBible,thesixtysixbooksoftheOldandNewTestaments,isGodswritten
revelation,divinelygiventhroughhumanauthorswhowereinspiredbytheHolySpirit.
Itscontentisentirelytrueandistobethesupremeandfinalauthorityforfaithand
practiceinthechurchandinthelifeoftheChristian.

II.GOD
TheBiblerevealsGodtobetheoneandonlytrueandlivingGod.Heisperfectinallhis
attributes,andthustrulyomniscient,omnipotent,omnipresent,timeless,andself
existent.Godexists,inhisbeing,asoneGodrevealedinthreepersonsFather,Son,and
HolySpirit.ThesePersonsarecoexistent,coequal,andcoeternal,yetdistinctinoffice
andactivity.

III.GODTHEFATHER
GodtheFatherisapersonalbeing,whoisperfectinHisholiness,power,knowledge,
love,andwisdom.Heconcernshimselfmercifullyintheaffairsofhiscreation,hearing
andansweringprayers,savingfromsinallwhocometohimthroughJesusChrist.Heis
worthytoreceiveallgloryandadoration.

IV.GODTHESONJESUSCHRIST
JesusisbothfullyGodandfullyhuman,inundilutedandunconfusedunion.Heis
Christ,theSonofGod.Borninthefleshofavirgin,livedalifewithoutsin,inperfect
obediencetotheFather,diedonthecrosstoprovidepeopletheappointedmeansof
forgivenessofsinandeternalsalvation,rosebodilyfromthedead,ascendedtotheright
handoftheFather,andwillreturninpowerandglory.

V.GODTHEHOLYSPIRIT
TheHolySpiritistheSpiritofGod,fullydivineandequalwiththeFatherandSon.In
HimalltrueChristiansarebaptizedintoChrist,indweltbeginningatthemomentof
salvation,empoweredforboldwitnessandeffectiveserviceastheyyieldtoHim,and
uniquelygiftedforthebuildingupofthechurch.TheHolySpiritconvictsindividualsof
sin,progressivelygrowsbelieversintothelikenessofChrist,andsecuresthemuntilthe
finaldayofredemption.

VI.HUMANITY
Godcreatedhumanbeings,maleandfemale,inHisimageandforHisglory.Yetevery
humanbeinghaswillfullydisobeyedGodanactknownassinthusinheritingboth
physicalandspiritualdeath.Allhumanbeingsarebornwithasinnatureandare
inclinedtowardsin.OnlybythegraceofGodthroughJesusChristcantheyexperience
salvation.
27
VII.SALVATION
Allhumanbeingsarebornwithasinnature,relationallyseparatedfromGod,underthe
justcondemnationofGod,andinneedofaSavior.Thatsalvationcomesonlythrough
faithinJesusChristasSavior,asapersonrepentsofsinandreceivesGodsgraceofthe
forgivenessofsinandeternallife.SalvationisinstantaneousandiswhollyofGodby
grace,onthebasisofthefinishedworkofJesusChrist,andnotonthebasisofhuman
works.

VIII.SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification,whichisasettingapartuntoGod,ispositional,progressive,andultimate
andbeginsatthemomentofsalvation.Positionally,itisalreadycompletesincethe
believerisinChristandissetapartuntoGodasChristissetapartuntoGod.Sincethe
believerinthisliferetainstheirsinfulflesh,thereisneedforprogressivesanctificationas
thebelievergrowsinthelikenessofChristbythepoweroftheSpirit.Ultimately,the
childofGodwillbesetapartfromsinintheirpracticeastheyarenowinpositionally,
whentheyarejoinedwithChristforeternity.

IX.THECHURCH
ThechurchconsistsofalltruebelieversofJesusChristwhoarebroughtintothe
fellowshipofChristsbody,withChristastheHead.AsmembersofthebodyofChrist,
allbelieversarecalledtojointhemselvestoalocalchurch.Thelocalexpressionofthe
churchisanassemblyofbelieversinJesusChristwhovoluntarilyjointogetherinone
localeforthepurposeofworship,biblicalinstruction,prayer,service,fellowship,allto
thegloryofGod.

BaptismandtheLordsSupperareordinancestobevaluedandobservedinthelocal
church.Theyarevisiblesignsrepresentingspiritualtruths;theydonotaccomplish
salvation.Baptismisaonetimeordinancewherethebelieverisimmersedinwaterin
thenameoftheFather,theSon,andtheHolySpirit.Baptismsignifiesthebelievers
unionwithacrucified,buriedandrisenSavior,andthebelieversdeathtosin,burialof
theoldlife,andtheresurrectiontowalkinnewnessoflifeinChristJesus.TheLords
Supperisarepeatedordinance,whichmemorializesthemeaningandsignificanceofthe
deathofChrist,andanticipateshisreturn.

X.LASTTHINGS
Godhasappointedasettimefortheconsummationofthepresentage,thoughHehas
notrevealeditsexacttime.Allowingfordiversityofendtimeviews,webelievethe
followingareessential:JesusChristwillreturnpersonallyandvisiblyinglorytothe
earth;thedeadwillberaised;andChristwilljudgeallmeninrighteousness.Asolemn
separationwilltakeplace:theunrighteouswillbeassignedtoendlesspunishmentand
therighteoustoendlessjoyinanewheavenandnewearth.Thisjudgmentwillfix
foreverthefinalstateofpeopleinheavenorhellinaccordancewithGods
righteousness.Amen.Come,LordJesus.
28



Appendix
(Helps for the Leader)

29
Ideas for
Building Your Group Relationally

IceBreakers

WhoAmI?Makeupstickers(enoughforeveryoneinyourgroup)with
thenamesoffamouspeopleorcharacters.Theycanbereal,historical,
cartoons,muppetswhatever.Theyshouldbeonesthatwouldbe
familiartomostofthepeopleinthegroup.Havepeoplepairup,pickout
astickerwithoutshowingtheirpartner,andputitontheirpartnersback.
Theobjectthenisforeveryonetofigureoutwhotheyare.Initiallythey
canasktwoquestionsofanotherperson,suchas,AmIalivetoday?or
AmIonTV?Afterawhileallowthemtoaskmorequestions.Ifpeople
arestillstrugglingtofigureitout,telltheotherstheycanstartgiving
clues.Thisactivityisagoodonetogetpeoplewhomaynotknoweach
otherthatwelltomixandtalkwitheachother.

ThingsInCommonHavethegrouppairup(ifthereisanoddnumber
ofpeopleintheroom,thegameleadercansitout).Giveeachpairasmall
pieceofpaperandapencil.Givethemthreetofiveminutestolistasmany
thingsaspossiblethattheyhaveincommonthingslike,theywereborn
inthesamemonth,ortheybothliveonstreetsthatbeginwithP,orthey
bothwearsize8shoethemoreinterestingorodd,thebetter.Tellthem
whenthereis30secondsleft.Whentimeisup,havethemcountthe
numberofthingsincommon.Thenstartwithonegroupandhavethem
sharetheirlists.Havethegroupvotethumbsuporthumbsdownon
questionableitems.Continuetoallowallgroupstoshare.Ifyouare
pressedfortime,askeachgroupjusttosharethemostinterestingoneor
twothingstheydiscoveredtheyhadincommon.Ifyouwouldlike,havea
prizeforthewinners.

PsychiatristSendoneperson(whohasnocluewhatthisactivityis
about)toleavetheroomandwaitsomewherewheretheycannothearthe
restofthegroup.Theninformtherestofthegroupthattheyhavea
30
problemeachoneofthemthinkstheyarethepersontotheirleft.Give
themafewminutestofindoutasmuchastheycanaboutthepersonto
theirleft(wheretheywereborn,whattheyliketodo,wheretheywork,
etc.).Thenbringtheotherpersonbackintheroomandtellhim/herthat
he/sheisapsychiatristandneedtofindoutwhatthegroupsproblemis
byaskingquestionsoftheindividualsinthegroup.Youmayneedtohelp
theindividualgetstartedwithsomesuggestionsforquestions,likeJoe,
whatdoyouliketodo?or,Wherewereyouborn?Youmaywantto
encouragehimtoaskthesamequestiontoothersinthegroup.Ifagroup
memberdoesnotknowtheanswertothequestionortheanswerwould
giveitawaytooeasily,thegroupmembersimplycananswer,Idont
know.Afterawhileyoucanhelpthepsychiatristwithmorecluesor
moredirectanswersifneeded.

GroupGamesThereareanumberoffungamesthataregreatgroup
games.Tabooisawordgamewhereapersondescribesawordinorderto
trytogettheirteamtosayit.Thetrickisthereareanumberofother
wordstheycannotusetodescribethemainword.Guessturesisaquick
charadestypegamewhereapersonactsoutthingsfortheirteamtoguess.
Pictionaryisadrawinggamewhereteammatesguesswhatisbeingdrawn.
Othersimilargamesarealsooutonthemarket.Ifthegroupisfairly
evenlymixed,youcouldplaythemenagainstthewomen.Otherwise,get
creativeandmixthegroupup.

GettingToKnowYouHaveeveryoneinthegroupfilloutapaperwith
thesequestionsonit:Whatisyourfavoritefood,animal,TVshow,hobby,
color,placeyouvebeenonvacation,etc.Makesurenamesareonthe
papersandhavethemhandedintotheleader.Theleaderthenreadseach
papertotheentiregroup.Thegroupmembersjotdownwhotheythink
eachpaperbelongsto.Onceallhavecompletedguessing,theleader
revealswhoswho.Theonewhoguessedthemostrightwins.

ShowandTellHavegroupmembersbringsomethingforshowandtell
thathassomespiritualsignificancetothem(perhapsanecklaceor
braceletwhichremindsthemtothinkaboutChrist,oranobjectthat
representsasignificantdecisionortimeofspiritualgrowth,oraBibleor
31
bookgiventothembyaChristianfriend,etc.).Havethemsharetheir
objectanditssignificance.

StatisticalTreasureHuntMakealistofthingsforpeopletofindout
abouteachothersuchashowmanymilestheytraveltochurch,how
manyphonestheyhaveintheirhouse,howmanybonestheyhavebroken,
etc.Divideintogroupsoffourtosixpeople.Addtheresponsesofeach
groupmemberforeachquestion(ifallfourpeoplehavetwophonesin
theirhouse,theyputdowneightforthatitem).Addupresponsesfromall
thequestionsandseewhichteamcameupwiththehighesttotal.

QuestionsinaHatMakealistofquestions.Cutthemintoindividual
questionsandputtheminahat.Passthehatandhavepeoplepickouta
question.Theycanansweritorgiveittoanotherpersoninthegroup.
Anotherwaytodoitispassoutasheetwithallthequestionsandpick
correspondingnumbersoutofthehat.Youcouldalsohavetheoptionof
referringthatquestiontoanothergroupmember.Givepeoplethe
opportunitytopassiftheytrulydonotwanttoaddresstheirquestion.

TwoTruths/OneLieHavegroupmemberswritedownthreethingsona
pieceofpaper(twothingsthataretrueaboutthemandonethingthatisa
lie).Tellthemnottomakeitobvious.Thenreadeachpersonspaper
havingpeopleguesswhichitemwasthelie.

TimelineHavegroupmembersdrawatimelineoftheirlife,recounting
fivemajorlifeevents.Haveeachpersonsharehisorhertimeline.

ThreekeymaterialpossessionsExplaintothegroupthattheyhavejust
discoveredamajorfireintheirhome.Assumingthattheyhavebeenable
togettheirfamilyoutsafely,whatthreematerialpossessionswouldthey
takewiththemfromtheirburninghome.Havethemexplainwhatand
why.

32
Getting to Know YouQuestions
PERSONAL
Whatdayofyourlifewouldyoumostliketoreliveandwhy?
Inwhatareaofyourlifewouldyoulikegreaterpeaceandwhy?
Whatdoyoufindyourselfprayingaboutrecently?
Whatisthemostimportantdecisionfacingyouinthenearfuture?
PARENTSANDSIBLINGS
Wherewereyouborn?
Wherewereyouraised?
Howmanybrothersandsistersdoyouhave?
Tellastoryfromyourchildhoodoradolescencethatgivesinsightintoyourfamily.
SPOUSEANDCHILDREN
Howdidyoumeetyourspouse?
Howdoesyourspousecompleteyou?
Howmanychildren,ifany,doyouhaveandwhataretheirnamesandages?
Whenyourchildrenaregrown,whatwouldmakeyouthinkyouweresuccessfulin
raisingthem?
Ifyourspouseandchildrencouldwriteyourepitaph,whatwouldyouwantitto
say?
Whatcreativethingshaveyoudonetocultivateromanceinyourmarriage?
Whatcreativewayshaveyoucreatedmemorieswithyourchildren?
Whatdreamsdoyouhaveforyourfutureasacoupleorasafamily?
VOCATIONANDEDUCATION
Wheredidyougotoschool?
Whatdidyoustudyorwhatdoyounowwishyouhadstudied?
Wheredoyouwork,andhowdoyouspendyourwakinghours?
Ifyoucoulddoanythingbutwhatyoudonow,whatwoulditbe?

33
HOBBIESANDINTERESTS
Whatdoyouenjoydoingwithyoursparetime?
IfrichUncleGeorgediedandleftyou$50,000thatyouhadtospendandyouhad
onemonthoff,whatwouldyoudowiththemoneyandtime?
Whathaveyouneverdonethatyouwishyoucoulddo?
GODANDCHURCH
Inwhatchurch/denomination,ifany,wereyouraised?
WhatwereyoutaughtaboutGodasachild?
WhathasbeenyourmostsignificantencounterwithGod?
DescribethestateofyourrelationshipwithGodnow.
Tellushowyouexperiencedconversion?
WhathashelpedyougrowinyourwalkwithGod?
WhohasbeenthemostsignificantinfluenceinyourrelationshipwithGod,and
why?
WhatwouldyoulikeyourrelationshipwithGodtobefiveyearsfromnow?
WhenyoudieandstandbeforeGod,whatwouldyoulikeforhisfirstwordstoyou
tobe?
Howareyouservinginthechurch?Isthereanotherministryinwhichyouwould
liketobeinvolved?
WhathasGodbeenteachingyou?
Whatareyoureading?
SPIRITUALGROWTH
Whatareaofgrowthinyour(oryourspouses)character(inthelast36months)
haveyoubeenmostencourageabout?
HowhaveyouseentheLordatworkthroughyouinthepastseveralweeks?
Whatthingsareyoumostthankfulforinyour(church,spouse,friends,workplace,
family)?
WhathaveyoubeengivingthanksforasyouhavewalkedwithGodthisweek?

34
Getting to Know YouGroup Ideas
Startthegroupoffbydoinganactivitytogetherthatwillhelpbreaktheice.
Havingdinnertogetherisalwaysaneasywaytostart.Beginbytellingyour
stories.Youdonthavetogettoeveryonethefirstweek.Youmaywanttoask
twoorthreepeopletoshareabouttheirlives.Astheleader,youcansetthetone
andanexamplebysharingfirst.
Havegroupmembersbringafewphotosfromtheirchildhoodandintroduceus
totheirfamilymembers.
Sittogetheratchurch.
Ridetogethertospecialchurcheventslikeconferencesorretreats.
Roomtogetherateventsinvolvinghotelstays.Arrangeforthegrouptoeat
mealstogetherattheseevents.
Establishwaysthegroupcanbetogetheroutsideofameeting,likeasupper(or
dessert)club.
Couples:Havegroupmembersbringphotosoftheirweddingsandtellthestory
oftheircourtshipandengagement.
ThanksgivingDinner:PrepareaThanksgivingdinnerandthenplayagameafter
dinner.
SemiformalDinner:Theguysmakeanelegantdinnerfortheladies.Thenthey
honoreachwomanindividuallywitheachreceivingflowers.
Takearetreattogether(orjustasmenorjustaswomen)toseekGodtogether.
Spendaneveningplayingboardgamestogether.
SmallgroupCookOuts:Havecookoutsatdifferenthomesorparks.Playgroup
gamesorjusthangoutandfellowship.
ChristmasParty:Exchangewhiteelephant(i.e.sillyorold)gifts,playgames,
singcarols,andworship.
Gocampingtogether.
Gooutforbreakfastasagroup,orasmenoraswomen.
Plantimestohavethegrouptogetherwhentheirchildrenareabletoparticipate
intheactivities.
Takeagroupphotoandmakesureeveryonehasacopyfortheirrefrigerator.

35
Childcare Options for Small Groups
ChildcareisanimportantandsometimesdifficultareaforSmallGroups.
Hereareafewpossibleoptionsandideasonhowtoapproachthe
childcareissue
Participationmodel:ChildrenattendtheSmallGroupand
participatewiththegroupthroughouttheevening.

Individualsitters:Groupmembersleavetheirchildrenathomewith
theirownsitter.Everyoneinthegroupwithchildrenfindsandhires
theirownsitters.Somegroupsthatchoosethisoptionalsoplana
quarterlyfamilytimewhereallthefamiliesmeettogetherarounda
mealandatimeofstudyandprayer.

Rotatingchildcareresponsibilities:Allthechildrencomewiththeir
parentstotheSmallGroup.Parentsrotatetheresponsibilityof
watchingthechildreninadifferentroomofthehouseateach
meeting.

Groupsitter(samelocation):Allthechildrencomewiththeir
parentstotheSmallGroupandasitterwatchestheminanother
roomwhilethegroupisinsession.

Groupsitter(differentlocation):Allthechildrenaredroppedoffat
oneofthegroupmembershomes(preferablyneartothemeeting
location)whereasitterwatchesthemduringthegrouptime.

Alternatingweeksbetweenspouses:Thewomenofthegroupget
togetherthefirstandthirdweekofthemonthwhilethechildren
stayathomeandhavespecialtimewithDad.Themengettogether
thesecondandthefourthweekofthemonthwhilethechildrenstay
athomeandhavespecialtimewithMom.Periodicallyorpossibly
onmonthswhenthereisafifthweekforSmallGroupnight,the
entiregroupcomestogether.
36
Recommended Small Group Resources
BOOKBIBLESTUDIES

LifeChangeBibleStudiesEachstudyincludesscenesettinghistoricalinsights,helpfulword
definitions,discussionquestions,andminileaderguides.

LifeGuideBibleStudiesWorkbookstyleguideswithsolidbiblicalcontentandapplicationto
everydaylife.

LifeGuideTopicalStudiesTopicalApproachtoBiblicalthemes.

NavigatorsDesignforDiscipleshipSeries
YourLifeinChrist
TheSpiritFilledFollower
WalkingwithChrist
TheCharacteroftheChristian
FoundationsforFaith
GrowinginDiscipleship
OurHopeinChrist

JohnStottBibleStudiesStudieswhichfeatureStottsexpositionofkeyScripturepassages,
plusinductivestudyquestions.
JesusChrist
TheBeatitudes
Acts
Romans
Galatians
Ephesians
1&2Thessalonians
1Timothy&Titus
2Timothy
Revelation

MacArthurOldTestamentandNewTestamentStudyGuides

NavPressLifeBibleStudy6Week,InDepth,TopicalStudies
NoMatterWhat
DarkestHours
Jesus
HowtobeHuman
Awestruck
37
Sealed
Uncommon
Flawed
Collision

RedeemerPresbyterianChurchsSmallGroupMaterials
PrayingwiththePsalms
StudiesinPrayer:DevelopingaStrongPrayerLife
FirstJohn:ChristianHolinessandLove
Galatians:LivinginLinewiththeTruthoftheGospel
Genesis:WhatwereweputintheWorldtoDo?
TheGospelofMark
Romans:AStudyCourseintheGospel
2Timothy
James:TheGospelinAction
Evangelism:StudiesintheBookofActs
LivinginaPluralisticSociety:Judges,Daniel&Joseph

DVDBASEDSTUDIES

FaithLessonswithRayVanderLannSetonlocationofbiblicalsitestoilluminatethe
contextinwhichthebiblicaleventshappenedandthenVanderLannaimstoapplythebiblical
truthstoourcontemporarysetting.
ThePromisedLand
TheProphets&KingsofIsrael
TheLife&MinistryoftheMessiah
TheDeath&Resurrectionofthemessiah
TheEarlyChurch
IntheDustoftheRabbi
WalkAsJesusWalked
GodHeardTheirCry
FireontheMountain
WithAllYourHeart
ThePathtotheCross
WalkingwithGodintheDesert

LeeStrobelFormerlegaleditorfortheChicagoTribune,Strobeluseshisinvestigativeskillsin
uncoveringtheevidencefortheexistenceofGodandthereliabilityofthescripturalrecordof
JesusChrist.
TheCaseforChristAnapologeticinvestigationintotheBibleandthelifeofJesus.
TheCaseforFaithBiblicalapologeticthattakesthedifficultquestionsaboutFaith
andtheexistenceofGod.
TheCaseforaCreatorHowthescientificevidencepointstowardaCreator.
38
AndyStanleySeniorPastorofthecampusesofNorthPointministriesintheAtlanta,Georgia
area.
GuardrailsAvoidingregretsinyourlife
TakingResponsibilityforYourLifeHowtotakeauthenticresponsibilityforthe
thingsinyourlife.
StayinginLoveFallinginLoveisEasy,StayinginLoveRequiresaPlan
FiveThingsGodUsestoGrowYourFaith
TwistingtheTruthLearningtoDiscerninaCultureofDeception
TakeIttotheLimitHowtoGetMostOutofLife
GoFishBecauseofWhatsontheLine
YourMoveFourQuestionstoAskWhenYouDontKnowWhattoDo
Faith,Hope&Luck
BreakawayBecauseYouDontSetOuttoBeJustLikeEverybodyElse
iMarriageTransformingYourExpectations
ParentalGuidanceRequiredHowtoEnhance,Advance&InfluenceYour
ChildrensRelationships

D.A.CarsonResearchProfessoratTrinityEvangelicalDivinitySchool.
TheGodWhoisThereWhatistheBibleReallyAboutandFindingYourPlacein
GodsStory.

TommyNelsonSeniorPastorofDentonBibleChurchDenton,TX.
SongofSolomonGodsbestforlove,marriage,sexandromance.
EcclesiastesAlifewelllived,indepthstudyofthebookofEcclesiastes.

PaulTrippCounselorandfacultymemberwiththeChristianCounselingandEducational
Foundation.
GettingtotheHeartofParenting
WhatdidyouExpect?RedeemingtheRealitiesofMarriage
InstrumentsintheRedeemersHands
ChangingHearts,ChangingLives
ShepherdingaChildsHeart(TeddTripp)

JohnPiperPastorforPreachingatBethlehemBaptistChurchinMinneapolis,MN.
DesiringGod
ThePleasuresofGod
WhenIDontDesireGod
DontWasteYourLife
BattlingUnbelief
LettheNationsBeGlad

RickWarrenSeniorPastorofSaddlebackChurchinLakeForest,CA.
40DaysofLove
40DaysofCommunity
39
GaryThomasAuthorandspeakerwhoemphasizesdisciplineintheChristianlifeand
frequentlycitesspiritualmaterialfromChristiansdownthroughthecenturiesinhiswritings.
SacredMarriage
SacredParenting

MarkDeverSeniorPastorofCapitolHillBaptistChurchinWashingtonD.C.
ChurchEssentials

J.D.GreearSeniorPastorattheSummitChurchinRaleighDurham,NC.
GospelRevolution

GeorgeGuthrieProfessoratUnionUniversity,Jackson,TN.
ReadtheBibleforLife:YourGuidetoUnderstandingandLivingGodsWord

Emerson&SarahEggerichsHusbandandwifeteamwhospeakandwriteonmalefemale
relationshipmatters.
LoveandRespect

TimKellerPastorofRedeemerPresbyterianChurchinNewYorkCity.
TheProdigalGod
TheReasonforGod
GospelinLife

RandyAlcornAuthorandfounderofEternalPerspectiveMinistries.
Heaven

MaxLucadoPopularAuthorandPastorofOakHillsChurchinSanAntonio,TX.
OutLiveYourLife

KyleIdlemanPastorofSoutheastChristianChurchinLouisville,KY.
NotAFanBecomingaCompletelyCommittedFollowerofJesus

FrancisChanFormerPastorofCornerstoneCommunityChurchinSimiValley,CA.
CrazyLove
ForgottenGod

BethMooreFounderofLivingProofMinistriesinHouston,TX.
Daniel:LivesofIntegrity,WordsofProphecy
Esther:ItsToughBeingaWoman
WhoWillYouTrust?HowToMoveFaithFromYourHeadtoYourHeart
LivingBeyondYourself:ExploringtheFruitoftheSpirit
AWomansHeart:GodsDwellingPlace
JesustheOneandOnly
40
MattChandlerLeadPastoroftheVillageChurchinDallas,TX.
TheExplicitGospel
PhilippiansToLiveisChrist&toDieisGain

PhilipYanceyChristianauthorandcolumnistforChristianityToday.
PrayerDoesitMakeAnyDifference?
TheJesusINeverKnewTheLifeofChrist
WhatsSoAmazingaboutGrace?AnInvestigationofGrace
TheBibleJesusReadAnExplorationoftheOldTestament

DavidPlattSecretChurchPastoratTheChurchofBrookHills,Birmingham,AL.
SurveyoftheOldTestament
SurveyoftheNewTestament
HowtoStudytheBible
WhoisGod?
ExploringtheHolySpirit
TheBodyofChrist
Angels,DemonsandSpiritualWarfare
Crucifixion,Salvation,andtheGloryofGod
TheCrossofChrist
TheGospel,Possessions,andProsperity
Family,Marriage,Sex,andtheGospel
TheCrossandSuffering

TheTruthProjectFocusontheFamilyproduction.
A12lessionstudydesignedtoequipbelieverswithacomprehensivebiblical
worldview.

ModernParablesCompassCinemaproduction.
A12lessonstudywhichincludesshortdramaticfilmsthatdepictandexplainJesus
parables.

TheArtofMarriageFamilyLifeTodayproduction.
A6sessionvideostudywhichcoverstopicslikeGodspurposesformarriage,
avoidingthedriftintoisolation,rolesinmarriage,communication,romanceandsex,
andleavingagodlylegacy.

Finances
FinancialPeaceDaveRamsey
TheTreasurePrincipleRandyAlcorn