Building a Life-Changing Small Group Ministry: Great New Addition to the Groups that Grow Series
Looking for real help in designing and building a dynamic small group ministry? I just finished looking over a new book that I think you’re going to want to see. Building a Life-Changing Small Group Ministry is an important addition to the collection of resources produced by Bill Donahue and his team of former Willow Creek compadres…and it is very good.
In my mind there are several things to love about Building a Life-Changing Small Group Ministry. First, it begins and ends with some very good instruction on the possibility of change, how to break through barriers preventing change and strategic planning. The introduction gives “perspective about present reality and the prospects of change.” This is a very helpful way to begin and will really serve the change effort in many churches. The final two chapters are very pragmatic and instructive. Whether you’re just beginning the process of building a small group ministry or well along the way, this is invaluable materials.
Next, I think you’re going to find the design of the book very helpful for team development. Every chapter includes a set of built-in “process time” exercises that could easily form the basis for team involvement in the formation of a small group ministry.
The chapter on developing and implementing a coaching structure will get a lot of use by many, many churches. Whether you’re a long way down this road or just gathering the strength to try again, this is a great chapter and packed with the stuff that will help you on your way.
Although it may hit you differently, I found the chapter on measuring progress very helpful. The ten page assessment will help your team evaluate progress in a number of important areas:
- Ministry Strategy
- Point Leadership
- Support Structures
- Leadership Development
- Connection Strategy
- Range of Group Experiences
- Multiplying Group Life
In addition to a comprehensive set of questions, instruction on how to optimize the assessment has tremendous potential. This section alone is worth the price of the book.
In addition to everything else, I also love the fact that Building a Life-Changing Small Group Ministry has a companion DVD-driven resource: Equipping Life Changing Leaders, further enhancing the potential for this resource to truly equip and guide teams that are entrusted with the process of building (or restructuring) a small group ministry. This is a more than welcome addition to the newly revised series of great resources. I really found this guide helpful and I think you will too!
