What is truth? It's a vital question because truth is foundational for our faith, our lives, our small groups, and our churches. But I want to approach the question, “What is truth?” by asking it another way: What isn’t truth? Truth is not my...
Tag: small groups
SG Coaching
10 Recommended Books for Small Group Coaches
I recently asked some of my small group ministry friends for their recommendations for small group coaching books. The first five are their recommendations, followed by five I regularly recommend.
Discipling
The Power of Authenticity
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...
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...
Church Leadership
Four Reasons Every Lead Pastor Should Be in a Small Group
Lead pastors who lead a small group create a win-win dynamic. The pastors and the churches they lead both become healthier and grow as a result. Jim Egli, who has served as a senior pastor, associate pastor, missions pastor, and...
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...
Ministry Leaders, Small Group Leaders
Return of the Small Group Leadership Blog!
Reader, forgive me. It's been 7 months since my last blog post. (If you grew up Catholic, as I did, I'm sure that first line has a familiar ring to it.) So . . . where have I been? As...
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, 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...
Small Group Leaders, Spiritual Life
Don’t Let the Sheep Lead the Flock!
God often takes us places we didn't plan to go. As I got into my rental car in Louisville, Kentucky, to head out to The Groups Conference in Mattoon, Illinois, where I was speaking last weekend, I set the route...