ELDER’S LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATION
LEVEL - 1
Small Group Ministries
Small Group Ministries
Small groups are an effective tool
for spiritual growth, community
relationships, and evangelism.
The Structure of Small Groups
• Weekly meetings.
• The duration time is approximatly 1 hour.
• Have a leader, an associate leader, and a host.
The Structure of Small Groups
4. The members should define the day, place, and time to
meet.
5. They should meet for at least six months.
Biblical Basis For Small Groups
• The New Testament Model of Group-Based
Discipleship—Discipleship is often thought to take
place primarily in one-on-one Bible studies. But in the
New Testament, making disciples was a group event.
• The Example of the Early Christians—Acts 2:42-47
Biblical Basis For Small Groups
1. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching”
Element: Bible study
Purpose: continual spiritual growth
2. “and to the fellowship”
Element: sharing each other’s lives
Purpose: community
Biblical Basis For Small Groups
3. “to the breaking of bread”
Element: eating together
Purpose: community
4. “and to prayer.”
Element: prayer
Purpose: continual spiritual growth
Biblical Basis For Small Groups
5. “Everyone was filled with awe,”
Element: God shows up!
Purpose: worship, outreach
6. “. . . and many wonders and miraculous signs were
done by the apostles.”
Element: miracles
Purpose: outreach, service
Biblical Basis For Small Groups
7. “All the believers were together and had everything in
common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to
anyone as he had need.”
Element: in-reach ministry
Purpose: service, community, outreach
8. “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple
courts.”
Element: meeting together
Purpose: worship, community
Biblical Basis For Small Groups
9. “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with
glad and sincere hearts, praising God”
Element: small home groups
Purpose: community, worship, continual spiritual growth
Biblical Basis For Small Groups
10. “and enjoying the favor of all the people.”
Element: Purposeful presence in the community.
Purpose: outreach
11. “And the Lord added to their number daily those
who were being saved.”
Element: Life transformation
Purpose: outreach
God’s Instruction
“The formation of small companies
as a basis of Christian effort has been
presented to me by One who cannot
err.” (Christian Service, 72)
God’s Instruction
The presentation of Christ in the family,
by the fireside, and in small gatherings in
private houses, is often more successful
in winning souls to Jesus than are
sermons delivered in the open air, to the
moving throng, or even in halls or
churches.” (Christian Service, 122)
Essential Elements of Small Groups
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
People
Food
Bible study and life application
Sharing each other’s lives
Sing and Prayer
Purposeful presence in the community
What Makes Small Groups so Effective?
• The small group compared to the church service.
• Intrinsic human needs.
• More participation.
How to Implement
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Pray for each implementation step.
Do not impose the plan.
Do not start without training the leaders.
Bible study must be the main activity.
Step 1: Preparation
The Pastor’s Preparation:
• Study the topic.
• Be convinced that small groups are essential for
spiritual growth and evangelism for the church.
• Follow the steps without fear of failing.
Step 1: Preparation
The leader’s preparation:
• Preparation time can be
accomplished during free time (i.e.
weekend).
Step 1: Preparation
The church preparation:
• Discuss and vote for the strategy and plan
with the members of the church board.
• Have a program in the church for spiritual
revival.
• Present the church’s plan for small groups
to the members.
Step 2: Organizing
•
Prepare a list with all the participants’
names.
•
Decide what time the first meeting should
take place.
Step 3: Implementation
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•
•
•
•
Each group can choose a name, a hymn, a Bible
verse and a flag.
Have time to be become better acquainted with one
another.
Later, invite non-church members to come.
Set up extra chairs to motivate them to bring a new
guest.
Each small goup should have a missionary plan.
Suggested Program
• Reception and praise time - 10 min.
• Fellowship - 10 min.
• Testimony - 15 min.
• Prayer - 10 min.
Requests and gratitudes.
Intercessory prayer.
• Bible study - 35 min.
How to Find Small Group Leaders
• Look for group members who take the group seriously.
• Consider people who challenge your leadership. These
may be potential leaders who are frustrated.
• Look for gifted people.
• Pray regularly for guidance.
How to Find Small Groups Leaders
• Look for people who embrace the small group vision.
• Try to look for people who exhibit spiritual, emotional,
and social qualifications.
• At the end of the duration of your pilot group, talk with
potential leaders and hosts from your group to assess
their interest in leading the discussion or hosting a
group.
Dealing With Excuses
• “I just don’t have the time.”
• “I don’t have the gift of leadership.”
• “I’m not the leadership type.”
Training the Leaders
A. What qualities should a small
group leader have?
• A growing relationship with Jesus.
• A sense of God’s call.
• Character and skill.
Training the Leaders
B. Basic responsibilities for the leader.
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Find a host.
Conduct life-changing group meetings.
Prepare for your small group.
Find resources.
Share the responsibilities.
Training the Leaders
B. Basic responsibilities for the leader.
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Choose a person to mentor.
Shepherd the members of your group.
Expand the ministry.
Encourage each group member to
maintain a healthy relationship with the
church.
A Typical Small Group Meeting
• Gather the Group
• Study the Bible
• Pray Together
General and Festival Meetings
• What is that?
– They are motivational meetings.
• When does it occur?
– Each quarter.
• Who participates?
– The entire church and the small groups members
make a parade.
• Who leads?
– The pastor or the coordinator.