Dec

31

Happy New Year

December 31, 2007 | Leave a Comment

As we enter 2008, I want to wish you a very happy and healthy new year. May it be your best yet—a year filled to the brim with joy, health, purpose, and contentment. May the problems and concerns that have plagued you in 2007 melt away in 2008. May you learn more about yourself, your […]

Dec

25

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment

I want to wish a belated Merry Christmas to all of you, my wonderful readers. I hope that you can take time to enjoy time with family and friends.

Dec

13

Four Types of Groups–Part 4

December 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Action Groups
An action group is one that comes together for a different purpose, but that incorporates many of the elements of small groups, especially community. For example, a choir can be a choir, or a choir that shares a brief Bible study, prayer requests, or care for one another. This type of group is perfect […]

Dec

12

Four Types of Groups–Part 3

December 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Focused Groups
This is the type we are in now. Our group came together during a Purpose Driven Life focus and found that we have a lot in common. We are all older and new empty nesters. We’ve all been involved in active ministry for what seems like forever, and we’ve each gone through some events […]

Dec

11

Four Types of Groups–Part 2

December 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Closed, Limited Duration Discipleship Groups
These have been my favorite types of group over the years, meeting for a specified time and having a closed membership during that time. These groups may meet for anywhere from six weeks to a year. They’re perfect for the September to June schedule or the quarter schedule many churches follow. […]

Dec

10

Four Types of Groups–Part 1

December 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Do you have groups for every need? Do you know that when it comes to small groups, one style won’t fit everyone? As I’ve led groups over the years, I’ve identified four types of groups. If you have some of each in your church, your ministry will be more effective than if you have only […]

Dec

9

Keeping Your Small Group Small

December 9, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Jamie commented on my last post. I thought her question was worth bringing up and answering on a main post. She said,
Curious: how do you count “people” in a couples group? Six would be way too small, because if one couple misses, you’ve lost a third of the group. But we currently have better than […]

Dec

4

To Cell or Not to Cell—That is the Question

December 4, 2007 | 1 Comment

It seems that most of what I read about small groups these days focuses on cell groups—that is, groups with a focus on “the empty chair,” on multiplication. While such groups are wonderful they aren’t the only type of effective group.
Cell groups focused on multiplication are an excellent evangelism tool. They’re essential if your focus […]