First Time Leaders Of Small Groups

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

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.

"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.

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.

What do we mean when we talk about small groups? And more importantly: what do we expect to happen when people gather in this way? The small group that wrote this book—made up of current and former campus ministry professionals with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship—explores these questions and gives you everything you need to know about small groups, including foundations, key components, life stages, planning, communication, conflict, leadership and more!

Now completely rewritten, updated and expanded for a new generation of small group leaders, this IVP classic contains everything you need to know about small groups: starting with a strong biblical and strategic foundation; building in 4 key components--community, nurture, worship and outreach; guiding the group through its life stages; creating good communication; handling conflict in the group; encouraging members to "own" the group; planning group meetings; and developing leadership skills.And besides warm, wise counsel, Small Group Leaders' Handbook includes a resource section that's overflowing with great ideas: ice breakers, application steps, community-building projects, outreach tips and much more!Whether you are starting a new group, working to get a group back on track, or introducing a small group program as part of church or parachurch ministry, here is your ticket to effective foundations, training and practice.

With more than thirty years of experience in leading small groups, pioneer Larry Kreider writes, "I am completely convinced that if God can use me, He can use anyone!" Most people have untapped leadership potential, and unleashing those abilities is often just a matter of equipment and motivation. What Every Small-Group Leader Should Know is the go-to guide for plenty of both. Whether readers have already taken a step of faith into a leadership position or are still praying about the possibility, this will become an indispensable handbook of practical tips, tools, and suggestions. At the heart of this book is a big-picture vision of biblical service. Jesus said that whoever wants to be great in His kingdom must become a servant (see Mark 10:43). That passion for meeting others' needs is the difference between ho-hum and effective, thriving leaders.

The Field Guide for Small Group Leaders provides basic training and support to help small group leaders succeed in the critical mission of leading others toward spiritual growth and transformation. The premise of serving as a small group leader sounds simple: Invite people to join you in studying the Bible. But the real-world implications of that role are incredibly complex. Today's small group leaders are asked to function as semi-experts in theology, psychology, evangelism, worship, apologetics, counseling, education, and nutrition--all in service to God and His church. Most of today's group leaders receive little or no training on how to carry out this important work. They are told to "Go and make disciples," then left to figure out the details on their own. Sam O'Neal (a small group leader himself), wrote The Field Guide for Small Group Leaders to help fellow leaders navigate this confusion and map out a plan for successful, transformational, and rewarding meetings. The Field Guide provides helpful information on: Curriculum and planning. Learning styles. Icebreakers and learning activities. Crafting discussion questions. Worship and prayer. What to do when things don't go as planned. And more. Whether you lead a small group, life group, or Sunday school class, this guide will give you confidence and practical tools for fostering meaningful connections, genuine community, and spiritual growth that so many are desperate for.