Small groups are essential for the development and growth of believers in the Church. To build strong small groups, it is crucial to have well-trained small group leaders. Here are 11 tips from Life.Church on how to train small group leaders effectively: have the right mindset, tell leaders what you see in them, provide clear expectations for the role, honor their time, help them find the best fit, start a relationship, ask tough questions, redirect the conversation if necessary, create a small group plan, encourage relationships, and pray for your leaders.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Well-trained small group leaders are crucial for the success of small groups in the Church.
- Effective training involves having the right mindset, clear expectations, and honoring leaders’ time.
- Building relationships, asking tough questions, and encouraging connections are essential for small group leaders.
- Creating a small group plan and praying for leaders can enhance their effectiveness in leading small groups.
- Life.Church provides helpful resources and tips for training small group leaders.
Finding the Right Curriculum for Small Groups
When leading a small group, choosing the right curriculum is crucial. A well-designed curriculum provides structure, resources, and engaging content to facilitate meaningful discussions and spiritual growth. Christianbook.com offers a wide range of highly recommended and diverse curriculum and book studies suitable for small groups. Whether you’re looking for Bible-based curriculum, topical studies, or discipleship resources, you’ll find a variety of options to meet the unique needs of your small group.
Engaging Curriculum Options
Here are some popular curriculum resources available:
- Highlands Curriculum: Designed to help small groups explore specific topics, such as prayer, discipleship, and relationships.
- Pastor Chris’ Book Study: A series of book studies led by Pastor Chris that dive deep into relevant topics for small group discussions.
- Daniel Dilemma: A curriculum based on the book of Daniel, exploring how to navigate the challenges of living a faithful life in a secular world.
- Fresh Air: A curriculum that focuses on the Holy Spirit’s role in the life of believers, empowering and equipping small groups for spiritual growth.
- Four Cups: Based on the Jewish Passover celebration, this curriculum helps small groups understand the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and redemption.
- Pray First: A prayer-focused curriculum that guides small groups in developing a vibrant and transformative prayer life.
- What’s Next: A curriculum that helps small groups explore God’s purpose for their lives and take practical steps to live it out.
These curriculum resources provide a variety of engaging content and discussion topics, ensuring that your small group sessions are enriching, thought-provoking, and spiritually impactful.
Choosing the right curriculum is essential to meet the specific needs and interests of your small group members. Whether you’re seeking a study on marriage, parenting, spiritual growth, or evangelism, Christianbook.com offers a vast selection of resources to support your small group journey. Take the time to explore the available options and select a curriculum that aligns with your group’s goals, values, and faith journey.
Training and Equipping Small Group Leaders
To equip small group leaders, there are several valuable resources available. These resources offer practical guidance, strategies, and insights to help leaders effectively lead and facilitate meaningful small group discussions. Here are some recommended books for training and equipping small group leaders:
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“A Short Guide to Groups: The Art of Leading Community” by Jared Musgrove and Justin Elafros
This book provides practical guidance on how to build a thriving small group community and offers strategies for effective leadership. -
“Creating Community, Revised and Updated Edition: Five Keys to Building a Thriving Small-Group Culture” by Andy Stanley and Bill Willits
This resource offers insights into creating a healthy small group culture and provides practical tips for leading successful small groups. -
“How to Lead a Healthy Small Group: A Practical and Easy-to-Use Guide” by Kevin Mills
This guide offers practical advice and tools for leading small groups, including tips for fostering meaningful connections, facilitating discussions, and addressing common challenges. -
“Leading Small Groups: How to Gather, Launch, Lead, and Multiply Your Small Group” by Chris Surratt
This book offers practical advice on every aspect of leading small groups, from launching a group to developing leaders and multiplying the impact of the group. -
“Breakthrough: Creating a New Scorecard for Group Ministry Success” by Ken Braddy
This resource explores key principles and strategies for leading successful small groups and provides insights into measuring and evaluating group ministry success.
These resources will equip small group leaders with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead their groups effectively and create a transformative small group experience.
Developing Discipleship in Small Groups
Developing discipleship within small groups is a crucial goal for leaders seeking to foster spiritual growth and empower believers. By utilizing effective small group teaching materials and curriculum resources, leaders can facilitate a transformative learning experience. These small group educational materials provide in-depth studies, guidance, and tools to help participants deepen their faith and understanding of God’s Word.
Experiencing God – Bible Study Book with Video Access
| Author(s) | Description |
|---|---|
| Henry T. Blackaby, Richard Blackaby, Mike Blackaby, Claude V. King |
Experiencing God takes participants on a journey to discover God’s will and to learn how to join Him in His work. This Bible study book, accompanied by video access, explores seven realities of experiencing God and provides practical ways to develop a personal relationship with Him. |
The Purple Book: Biblical Foundations for Building Strong Disciples, Updated Edition
| Author(s) | Description |
|---|---|
| Rice Broocks, Steve Murrell |
The Purple Book is a discipleship resource designed to help believers establish strong foundations in the Christian faith. This updated edition offers a comprehensive study based on biblical principles and encourages participants to build a solid spiritual foundation. |
Seeking Him: Experiencing the Joy of Personal Revival
| Author(s) | Description |
|---|---|
| Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth, Tim Grissom |
Seeking Him is a powerful study that explores the principles of personal revival and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. This resource guides small groups in seeking a deeper, more intimate relationship with God and experiencing the joy of spiritual revival. |
These small group teaching materials provide a solid foundation for developing discipleship within small groups. By utilizing these curriculum resources for small groups, leaders can create a rich learning environment that promotes spiritual growth and fosters a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
Small Group Resources for Marriage and Family
Small group resources for marriage and family are crucial for strengthening relationships and fostering spiritual growth. These resources provide valuable insights, practical advice, and guidance for couples and parents within a Christian context.
| Book | Author |
|---|---|
| “The Art of Marriage” | by Family Life |
| “Five Love Languages” | by Gary Chapman |
| “Love and Respect” | by Emmerson Eggerichs |
| “Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World” | by Kristen Welch |
| “Raising Kingdom Kids” | by Tony Evans |
Facilitating Meaningful Discussions
Utilize these resources in small groups to create engaging and meaningful discussions that provide support and guidance for families in their faith journey. Couples can gain valuable insights into building a strong marriage, understanding each other’s love languages, and cultivating love and respect within their relationship.
Parents can explore practical strategies for raising grateful and kingdom-minded children, equipping them with a strong moral foundation and a deep understanding of their faith.
“The family is the foundation of society and the Church.”
By investing in small group resources for marriage and family, individuals can strengthen their relationships, deepen their spiritual growth, and create a lasting impact on their families and communities.
Small Group Resources for Men
Small group resources for men are designed to address the unique challenges and spiritual needs of men. These resources provide biblical insights and practical advice for men to live out their faith. Here are some highly recommended resources:
- “Drawing Near” by John Bevere
- “Kingdom Man” by Tony Evans
- “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge
These books offer valuable teachings on topics such as personal growth, leadership, and relationships. They can be used in small groups to encourage and support men on their spiritual journey.
Inspirational Quotes:
“The Bible is the portal through which we peer into eternity and see an eternal God holding eternal laws designed to govern temporary and eternal spheres.” – John Bevere
“A Kingdom Man is not afraid to live by the standards and principles of God’s Word, even when others are not.” – Tony Evans
“Every man wants a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.” – John Eldredge
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| “Drawing Near” by John Bevere | Provides insights on developing a closer relationship with God. |
| “Kingdom Man” by Tony Evans | Offers guidance for men to fulfill their God-given roles and responsibilities. |
| “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge | Explores the masculine soul and encourages men to embrace their true identity. |
Small Group Resources for Women
Small group resources for women offer a space for women to connect, grow, and support one another. These resources provide biblically based teachings and encouragement, helping women on their spiritual journey. Here are some highly recommended books for small groups of women:
| Book Title | Author(s) |
|---|---|
| Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed | Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, Kay Arthur |
| The Armor of God | Priscilla Shirer |
| Unashamed | Christine Caine |
These resources can be used in small groups to facilitate discussions on relevant topics and foster spiritual growth among women. Through meaningful conversations and shared experiences, women can support each other and deepen their faith.
Small Group Resources for Outreach and Evangelism
Small groups have the power to make a significant impact in outreach and evangelism efforts. By equipping members with the right resources, small groups can actively engage in acts of kindness and share the love of Christ with their communities. Here are some recommended resources:
1. “The Cause Within You” by Matthew Barnett
This inspiring book provides practical guidance for discovering and fulfilling your unique God-given purpose. It encourages small group members to take action and make a difference in their communities.
2. “Serve Your City” by Dino Rizzo
This resource offers insights and practical tips for engaging in local outreach initiatives. It provides a blueprint for small groups to impact their cities and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
3. “When Helping Hurts” by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert
This thought-provoking book explores the complexities of poverty alleviation and provides a biblical framework for effective outreach. It equips small group members with the knowledge and perspective needed to engage in meaningful and sustainable acts of compassion.
By utilizing these small group teaching materials, small groups can become catalysts for change and transformation in their communities. Through intentional outreach activities, they have the opportunity to share the hope and love of Christ with those who need it most.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| “The Cause Within You” by Matthew Barnett | Practical guidance for discovering and fulfilling God-given purpose |
| “Serve Your City” by Dino Rizzo | Insights and tips for engaging in local outreach initiatives |
| “When Helping Hurts” by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert | Biblical framework for effective and sustainable outreach |
Small Group Resources for Prayer
Prayer is an essential component of small group gatherings, fostering spiritual growth and guidance. With the right resources, individuals and small groups can deepen their prayer life and experience transformative moments. Below are three highly recommended books for small group prayer:
The Circle Maker – Mark Batterson
“The Circle Maker” by Mark Batterson offers powerful insights and strategies for effective prayer. Through this book, small groups can learn about the importance of persistency and faith in prayer, drawing inspiration from the inspiring story of Honi, the Circle Maker. With practical tips and encouraging anecdotes, “The Circle Maker” will empower individuals and small groups to approach prayer with boldness and expectant hearts.
Fervent – Priscilla Shirer
In “Fervent,” Priscilla Shirer provides a comprehensive guide to strategic prayer. This book explores different aspects of life, such as relationships, identity, and purpose, and offers specific prayers addressing each area. By following the strategies outlined in “Fervent,” small groups can develop a focused and intentional prayer life, transforming their perspectives and bringing about powerful breakthroughs.
The Armor of God – Priscilla Shirer
Another remarkable book by Priscilla Shirer, “The Armor of God” equips small groups to engage in spiritual warfare through prayer. This resource delves into the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:10-18, guiding readers through each piece and its significance in their daily lives. By exploring the concepts of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God, small groups can develop a robust prayer life that effectively combats spiritual challenges.
“Prayer is simply a time-based invitation for the Holy Spirit to set the agenda, to lead our prayer time, to intercede through us.” – Priscilla Shirer
These books, “The Circle Maker,” “Fervent,” and “The Armor of God,” provide valuable insights and practical guidance for individuals and small groups seeking to deepen their prayer life. By incorporating the strategies and principles shared in these resources, small group participants can experience a greater connection with God and witness the transformative power of prayer.
Small Group Resources for Youth and Student Ministries
Small groups for youth and student ministries are instrumental in fostering discipleship and facilitating spiritual growth among young people. Engaging and relevant curriculum resources can greatly enhance the small group experience, providing biblically based teachings that resonate with the lives of youth. The following resources are highly recommended for youth and student ministries:
1. “Crash the Chatterbox” by Steven Furtick
“Crash the Chatterbox” is a thought-provoking book that helps young people overcome negative thoughts and insecurities, empowering them to live a life grounded in God’s truth.
2. “Greater” by Steven Furtick
“Greater” encourages young people to embrace their potential and purpose, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and make a lasting impact in their communities.
3. “Jesus Is” by Judah Smith
“Jesus Is” explores the true character and nature of Jesus, inviting young people to deepen their relationship with Him and discover the life-transforming power of His love and grace.
These curriculum resources can be used in small groups to engage young people in meaningful discussions, encourage personal reflection, and foster spiritual growth. By utilizing these resources, leaders can create an environment where youth can explore their faith, ask challenging questions, and develop a vibrant and authentic relationship with God.
Small Group Resources for Church Ministries
Small groups in different church ministries can benefit from specialized resources. These resources provide valuable teaching materials, curriculum resources, and lesson plans specifically tailored for small groups within different ministries. By utilizing these resources, leaders can effectively equip small group leaders and facilitate meaningful discussions within specific church ministries.
Books for Women’s Ministry
For women’s ministry small groups, “Women’s Ministry in the Local Church” by Susan Hunt offers a comprehensive guide to running a successful women’s ministry. This resource provides practical advice on organizing events, discipleship, and nurturing spiritual growth among women in the church.
Books for General Church Ministries
“Making Small Groups Work” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend is a valuable resource for small groups across different church ministries. This book discusses the importance of small groups within the church, explores effective group dynamics, and provides practical tips for small group leaders.
“Small group resources play a vital role in equipping leaders and facilitating meaningful discussions within specific church ministries. By utilizing these resources, small groups can engage members and foster spiritual growth within their ministry contexts.”
Comparative Table of Small Group Resources for Church Ministries:
| Small Group Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| “Women’s Ministry in the Local Church” by Susan Hunt | A comprehensive guide for organizing and nurturing women’s ministry in the church. |
| “Making Small Groups Work” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend | A resource that explores the importance of small groups and provides practical tips for leaders across different church ministries. |
These small group resources offer valuable insight and guidance for leaders in various church ministries. By incorporating these resources into small group curricula, leaders can enhance the effectiveness of their ministry contexts and create transformative small group experiences.
Conclusion
Small group curriculum resources are essential for the success and effectiveness of small groups. By utilizing the right curriculum, leaders can create engaging and transformative small group experiences. Whether the focus is on marriage and family, men’s and women’s ministries, outreach and evangelism, or youth and student ministries, there are abundant resources available to support small group leaders and participants on their spiritual journey.
Choosing the appropriate small group teaching materials is crucial for fostering meaningful discussions and facilitating spiritual growth within a small group setting. From curriculum resources for small groups that focus on marriage enrichment to those that address the unique needs of men and women, there are options available to cater to every group’s specific requirements.
Furthermore, curriculum resources for small groups centered around outreach and evangelism can equip participants to actively engage with their communities and share the love of Christ. Additionally, resources for prayer can help deepen individuals’ prayer lives and foster a greater sense of connection with God. For youth and student ministries, there are curriculum activities and resources available that speak to their unique challenges and spiritual needs.
In conclusion, small group curriculum resources provide the necessary guidance, structure, and content to create impactful small group experiences. By utilizing these resources, small group leaders and participants can grow in their faith, strengthen relationships, and make a lasting impact in their communities.
FAQ
What are some top small group curriculum resources for leaders?
Some top small group curriculum resources for leaders include Highlands Curriculum, Pastor Chris’ Book Study, Daniel Dilemma, Fresh Air, Four Cups, Pray First, and What’s Next.
How can I find the right curriculum for my small group?
Christianbook.com offers a wide range of highly recommended and diverse curriculum and book studies suitable for small groups.
How can I effectively train and equip small group leaders?
To effectively train and equip small group leaders, have the right mindset, tell leaders what you see in them, provide clear expectations for the role, honor their time, help them find the best fit, start a relationship, ask tough questions, redirect the conversation if necessary, create a small group plan, encourage relationships, and pray for your leaders.
How can I develop discipleship within my small group?
To develop discipleship within a small group, utilize resources like “Experiencing God – Bible Study Book with Video Access” by Henry T. Blackaby, Richard Blackaby, Mike Blackaby, and Claude V. King, “The Purple Book: Biblical Foundations for Building Strong Disciples, Updated Edition” by Rice Broocks and Steve Murrell, and “Seeking Him: Experiencing the Joy of Personal Revival” by Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth and Tim Grissom.
What are some small group resources for marriage and family?
Some small group resources for marriage and family include “The Art of Marriage” by Family Life, “Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, and “Love and Respect” by Emmerson Eggerichs.
Are there any resources specifically designed for men’s small groups?
Yes, there are resources specifically designed for men’s small groups, such as “Drawing Near” by John Bevere, “Kingdom Man” by Tony Evans, and “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge.
What small group resources are available for women?
For women’s small groups, resources like “Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed” by Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, and Kay Arthur, “The Armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer, and “Unashamed” by Christine Caine are highly recommended.
How can small groups engage in outreach and evangelism?
Resources like “The Cause Within You” by Matthew Barnett, “Serve Your City” by Dino Rizzo, and “When Helping Hurts” by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert provide practical guidance and inspiration for engaging in acts of kindness and spreading the love of Christ.
Are there any resources to enhance our small group’s prayer life?
Yes, books like “The Circle Maker” by Mark Batterson, “Fervent” by Priscilla Shirer, and “The Armor of God” by Priscilla Shirer offer insights and strategies for effective prayer in small groups.
What resources are available for youth and student ministries?
Resources like “Crash the Chatterbox” by Steven Furtick, “Greater” by Steven Furtick, and “Jesus Is” by Judah Smith provide biblically based teachings and discussions relevant to the lives of youth.
Are there resources specifically designed for church ministries?
Yes, books like “Women’s Ministry in the Local Church” by Susan Hunt and “Making Small Groups Work” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend provide guidance for ministry-specific small groups.
Source Links
- https://openblog.life.church/11-tips-for-small-group-leader-training/
- https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/groups/recommended-curriculum
- https://www.christianbook.com/page/bible-studies/small-group-material-and-handbooks