How to Choose Curriculum to Start a Group

What curriculum helps a group get off to the best start?

I’m asked this question (or one like it) almost every week, so I thought I’d take a day and answer the question.  If you’ve asked it…here you go!  If you already have a favorite…use the comments below to add your favorite to the list!  But before I start naming names, how about a little philosophy?

First, keep in mind the skill level of your new leader.  By “skill level” I mean more than their reading level.  I’m talking about their ability to jump-start participation, to grab the attention of new members, and to facilitate interaction.  Unless I know differently, such as in the case of a new group with a seasoned leader, I know I need to choose material that is easy to use.

Second, keep in mind the maturity of the members of the new group.  This is very important.  And by maturity I don’t mean how long they’ve been at your church.  I’m really referring to the fact that they’re already living out a lot of what they’ve learned.  The Apostle Paul points out that you can look like an adult and still need milk (1 Corinthians 3:1) and the writer of Hebrews reminds us that “though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! (Hebrews 5:12).”  Unless they’re already living out what they’ve already learned…I look for material that helps with the basics to get a group started.

Third, I look for a topic that will peak the interest of the new members.  When I’m starting a group for men, I look for a title and topic that will make sense to men.  Same for women, couples, singles, etc.

Fourth, I look for a six week study.  Lyman Coleman said that six weeks is short enough to make a commitment to and long enough to begin to develop a sense of connection (very rough paraphrase).  I’ve found that to be very, very important.  There are some great 12 to 14 week studies.  They do not work well to start new groups.  They seem daunting to new people and they are tough to join after about week 3.  Six weeks is the perfect length.

Fifth, I lean toward a DVD-driven study.  I always say “there’s an upside and a downside to everything.”  The biggest upside of DVD-driven curriculum is that it makes it possible for an ordinary person to start a small group. Think about it…when you bring John Ortberg or Erwin McManus into the living room you allow them to get the discussion started.  That’s a big advantage.  When you’re using a curriculum to implement a strategy to help lots of people test-drive a small group…helping ordinary people open up their home and invite a few of their friends…that is a HUGE advantage.
I’ve found that most groups are ready to set the video aside after two or three series.  Some hang on much longer.  Most discover that they get a lot more out of their own Bible study and discussion.

Looking for a list of studies that work well?  Here are many of the studies that I’ve reviewed.  And, if you haven’t signed up to get my updates…you can do that right here.