Seven Factors of Healthy,

Growing Small Groups

Copyright 2002
Missions International
PO Box 159247
Nashville, TN 37215

What we will Discover

Four Small Group Factors
Three Church Related

Factors

2003 Missions International

Surveyed 2,700 Small

Group Leaders

In 20 countries
3 years
3 generations of the survey
2003 Missions International

Our Question Was:

What are the drivers
behind conversion growth
through small groups?

2003 Missions International

If we understand what factors

impact each other through path
analysis, we can determine how
to invest our time wisely in
leadership development activities
to strengthen our small group
system.
DO THE RIGHT THINGS!!
2003 Missions International

path analysis
2003 Missions International

Four Small Group Factors

Prayer Life of the Leader
Focused Outreach
Vibrant Body Life
Leadership Development

2003 Missions International

FourSmallGroupFactors

Prayer Life of the

Leader
Daily prayer

for members of the

group
Personal devotional time time with
God daily
Focused prayer for the small group
meeting
Prayer daily for non-Christians by
name
2003 Missions International

FourSmallGroupFactors

Focused Outreach
The groups are purpose driven.

We exist to reach out, to multiply.

This is clear to everyone who is a
member of the group.
An effective leader is an encourager.
He encourages the group members
to be involved in outreach. This is
critical to the growth of the group.
2003 Missions International

FourSmallGroupFactors

Focused Outreach
Reminding and encouraging members to

pray daily for their non-Christian friends

to come to know Christ, our research
shows is critical to success.
The art of inviting is seen as important,
and reminding group members to invite
is done regularly.

2003 Missions International

FourSmallGroupFactors

Focused Outreach
The small group leader who is effective in

leading a group that grows by conversion

growth and multiplies, spends time with
non-Christians for the purpose of
relationship building.

2003 Missions International

FourSmallGroupFactors

Vibrant Body Life

The small group has a strong sense

of family. Not only sharing problems

but celebrating life events, is
important.
Prayer for each other is the
foundation of a caring, supportive
small group.

2003 Missions International

FourSmallGroupFactors

Vibrant Body Life

Groups that assimilate new

members cultivate a strong sense of

commitment to each other.
An occasional visit by the group
leader to the homes of group
members and visitors in many
cultures strengthens assimilation.

2003 Missions International

FourSmallGroupFactors

Leadership Development
The leader of the group is

vigilant
about developing new leaders.
Leaders encourage small group
members to participate in the
leadership training class.
The wise leader gives away to others
as many leadership roles for the
weekly group meeting as possible.
2003 Missions International

FourSmallGroupFactors

Leadership Development
In groups that multiply, there is an

appreciation for the mentoring

model.
The leader meets regularly with his
apprentice to discuss issues in the
group and personal spiritual
development.

2003 Missions International

What we Have Discovered

Four Small Group Factors

Prayer Life of the Leader

Focused Outreach
Vibrant Body Life
Leadership Development
2003 Missions International

What we will Discover

Four Small Group Factors
Three Church Related

Factors

2003 Missions International

Three Church Related Factors

A Praying Church
Support for Small Groups
Systematic Leadership

Training

2003 Missions International

ThreeChurchRelatedFactors

A Praying Church
A Culture of

Prayer is encouraged
and modeled in the church.
Sermons are preached on prayer,
and the pastor shares his personal
stories of answered prayer.
The Pastor models praying for the
unchurched and relates Gods work
through his prayer and outreach to
the larger church.
2003 Missions International

ThreeChurchRelatedFactors

Support for Small Groups

The church places a high

value on
practical support for small group leaders.
The groups need to be visited regularly
by the coach, pastor, or G12 discipler.
The group leader needs personal time
with the coach, pastor, or G12 leader to
discuss problems, pray together, be
mentored and encouraged.
2003 Missions International

ThreeChurchRelatedFactors

Systematic Leadership Training

Having a systematic leadership training

program that regularly offers training on

becoming a small group leader, is critical
to a growing system of small groups.
Leadership development becomes a
passion of the pastors and staff, which
generates a desire on the part of the
church to participate.
2003 Missions International

ThreeChurchRelatedFactors

Systematic Leadership Training

Apprentices, interns or G12 members are

strongly encouraged to attend the

training and prepare to start their own
groups as quickly as possible.

2003 Missions International

What we Have Discovered

Four Small Group Factors

Prayer Life of the Leader

Focused Outreach
Vibrant Body Life
Leadership Development
2003 Missions International

What we Have Discovered

Three Church Related

Factors
A Praying Church
Support for Small Groups
Systematic Leadership
Training
2003 Missions International

path analysis
2003 Missions International