When I was about 10 years old, I made friends with two brothers in my neighborhood, Tim and Jeff Ward. Perhaps because I didn’t have a brother living at home, or just for fun, I told them I had a...
Category: Discipling
Discipling
Real Friends, Real Transformation
I’m blessed to have been part of many authentic small groups over the years that God used to transform my life. The following is one example—the first small group I ever attended. As you read this narrative, see how many...
Discipling
Invite People Into a Journey, Not Just a Relationship
We often define the Christian life as a relationship. It's a vital part of our theology and our language. We need a vertical relationship with God and horizontal relationships with others (ref., John 22:37-40; 1 John 1:3). That's absolutely true,...
Discipling
Make More Disciples by Making Less
As a small group leader, how many people do you think you can effectively lead, shepherd, and disciple? Eight? Ten? Twelve? Twenty? Let me ask this question another way: If you are to bear much fruit, fruit that will last...
Curriculum, Discipling, Facilitating Discussion
20 “Bible Dialogue” Questions
Here's a way you and your group can study the Bible without using a Bible-study guide. I developed these questions (some of which I picked up from other places) several years ago. Read a section of Scripture (a chapter, for...
Discipling, Spiritual Life
Safe or Dangerous?
One morning on the Christian radio station I usually listen to, a local pastor of the “church of the week” talked about the nature of the church. He said the teens from his congregation had written essays about the church,...
Discipling, Small Group Leaders
Creating Authentic, Ground-breaking Communities
A big part of your role as a leader is to do everything you can to help develop an authentic, ground-breaking community! As a shepherd, what do you do to make this happen? Pray regularly for and with the members of...
Discipling, Small Group Leaders
The Need for Accountability in Groups
GUEST POST by C.J. Stephens, Small Groups Minister at Northeast Christian Church, Louisville, Kentucky I hear the stories over and over again. They vary in subtle ways, yet they’re always about that person in your group—the one who seems...
Discipling, Small Group Leaders
The 7 Indispensable Elements Necessary for People to Grow Spiritually in Your Small Group
The following post is excerpted from my new eBook, Small Group Leader Toolbox. See more information about this resource at the end of this post. Just as a plant needs a number of specific elements in its environment in order...
Discipling, Facilitating Discussion
25 Tips for Dealing with Politics in Your Small Group
How do you discuss politics civilly in such a politically charged culture? Or should you even try? Your group members may debate whether you should even talk about politics in small group meetings. Some would maintain that this could fracture...