Leading Life-Changing Small Groups

by Bill Donahue and the Willow Creek Small Groups Team

• ISBN13: 9780310247500
• ISBN10: 0310247500
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-08-01
• Publisher: Harpercollins Christian Pub

Summary

The executive director of the Willow Creek Association, a small group of ministries, shares in-depth, practical insights that have made this group so effective. This revised edition includes updated charts and diagrams, discussions of new practices, and resource lists at the end of each section.

Table of Contents

Preface	11	(2)
Introduction: A Structure That Serves People	13	(8)
Part 1: Small Group Philosophy
Mission, Values, and Vision
Mission Statement and Ministry Philosophy for Small Groups	21	(1)
Five Core Values	22	(2)
Developing Fully Devoted Followers	24	(2)
Vision for Small Groups	26	(2)
Structure
Structure of Small Groups	28	(1)
A Typical Small Group	29	(2)
A Small Group Division	31	(1)
Resources
Commonly Asked Questions about Small Groups	32	(1)
Additional Resources	33	(4)
Part 2: Small Group Leadership
Biblical Leadership
The Call to Servanthood	37	(1)
Qualifications of Small Group Leaders	38	(4)
Motives for Leadership	42	(2)
Leadership Responsibilities
The Small Group Leader's Commitment	44	(1)
Small Group Leadership Responsibilities	44	(5)
Personal Growth
How to Study the Bible	49	(2)
Spiritual Practices	51	(3)
Becoming a Contagious Christian	54	(3)
The Prayer Life of a Leader	57	(3)
Spirit-led Leadership	60	(2)
Resources
Commonly Asked Questions about Leadership	62	(1)
Additional Resources	63	(4)
Part 3: Developing Apprentice Leaders
Apprentice Development
Identifying Apprentice Leaders	67	(5)
The Four Responsibilities of an Apprentice Leader	72	(1)
Developing an Apprentice Leader	73	(2)
Resources
Commonly Asked Questions about Apprentice Leadership	75	(1)
Additional Resources	76	(3)
Part 4: Group Life
Group Values
Key Small Group Values	79	(2)
Group Formation
Casting a Vision for Your Group	81	(1)
Developing Objectives for Your Group	82	(2)
Essential Components of Group Life	84	(1)
Communication in a Small Group	85	(1)
Stages of Group Life	86	(1)
Small Group Covenants	87	(3)
Resources
Commonly Asked Questions about Group Life	90	(1)
Additional Resources	91	(4)
Part 5: conducting Meetings
Preparation
Meeting Preparation	95	(6)
Choosing and Using the Right Curriculum	101	(3)
Group Dynamics
Group Roles	104	(1)
Learning Styles	105	(1)
Personalities-God Made Us All Different!	106	(1)
Helping Members Use Their Spiritual Gifts in Your Group	107	(3)
Skills
Ice Breakers and Group Openers	110	(4)
Facilitating Dynamic Discussion	114	(5)
Group Prayer	119	(3)
Conflict Management	122	(4)
Building Relationships	126	(8)
Troubleshooting Tips	134	(5)
Meeting Follow-Up
Gaining Feedback for Your Ministry	139	(5)
Resources
Commonly Asked Questions about Conducting Meetings	144	(1)
Additional Resources	144	(3)
Part 6: Shepherding Members
Making Disciples
Group-Based Discipleship	147	(1)
Promoting Spiritual Growth	147	(2)
Using the Shepherding Plan	149	(1)
Tips and Clarification for Using the Shepherding Plan	150	(1)
Encouraging Group Members	151	(2)
Providing Care
Caregiving and Shepherding	153	(2)
Responding to a Crisis
Crisis Caregiving	155	(2)
Resources
Commonly Asked Questions about Shepherding Members	157	(1)
Additional Resources	158	(3)
Part 7: Multiplying Your Ministry
Adding Members to Your Group
Group Multiplication	161	(2)
Finding Potential People	163	(3)
Inviting Seekers	166	(2)
Birthing
Day of Birth	168	(1)
Types of Births	169	(1)
Reducing the Trauma of Birthing	170	(1)
Birthing Follow-Up Care	170	(1)
Resources
Commonly Asked Questions about Multiplying Your Ministry	171	(2)
Additional Resources	173	(4)
Part 8: Starting Small Groups in Your Church
Getting Started
Eight Key Questions	177	(6)
Phasing In the Small Group Ministry
Four Phases	183	(4)
Developing Small Group Leader Training
Decentralized Training	187	(1)
Centralized Training	188	(4)
Evaluating Your Church's Small Group Ministry
Checkpoints along the Way	192	(2)
Resources
Commonly Asked Questions about Starting Small Groups	194	(1)
Additional Resources	194	(1)
Index	195