Birmingham Theological Seminary
2200 Briarwood Way
Birmingham, Alabama 35243
205-776-5650
Spring 2016- January 20- April 19, 2016
Cell Phone: 205-873-1989
Group Dynamics BC7735
E-mail address: dmatthews@briarwood.org
Professor: Dave Matthews, Th.M., D.Min.
Class Hours: 2
Course Purpose
The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of the biblical basis for group work
and human interpersonal dynamics. Students will be introduced to the biblical framework of
group structure, control and nurture. Contemporary and past literature coupled with actual group
experience and leadership will be introduced to the students. Discussions of how to start a group,
maintenance and its possible abuses will also be discussed.
Course Objectives
1. The student will be able to define a group in terms of growth, task, and the ability to lead
groups.
2. The student will be able to identify and express the different phases of a group life.
3. The student will be able to identify and manage difficult group members
4. The student will be able to employ group dynamics to facilitate the care of people in
group settings especially in a church context.
5. The student will learn the ethical guidelines for group work
Course Texts
Arnold, Jeffrey. The Big Book on Small Groups. IVP, Downers Grove, 2004.
ISBN: 0-8308-2370-0, Second Edition or current edition. (All students)
Corey, Marianne & Gerald Cory. Groups: Process and Practice. Brooks/Cole Publishing Co.
ISBN: 0-534-34224-8, Fifth Edition or current edition. (All students)
Long, Jimmy (Coordinator). Small Group Leader’s Handbook: The Next Generation.
IVP, Downers Grove, Ill. 1995. ISBN: 0-8308-1139-7. (All students)
Powell, Terry. You Can Lead a Bible Discussion Group! Sisters, Oregon: Multomah Books,
1996. To be sold in class. (All students)
Marshall, Colin. Growth Groups: A Training Course in How to Lead Small Groups.
Matthias Media, Kingsford NSW, Australia, 1998. ISBN 1 875 245 40 5 (Masters students)
Assignments:
1. Read textbooks by Arnold and Long. Create a study guide for each text in which you
propose three questions for each chapter. State the question in bold type. Following the
question, present the answer for the question (answers should be a 2 to 4 sentence
discussion, not just one or two word answers). This assignment is due on the day of midterm exam (20 % of grade). Study guide not required for certificate. (All students)
2. Mid-term exam covering the books by Arnold, Long and Corey (15%).
3. Attend a small group of your choice (Career Transition, Healing Hearts, Divorce Care,
AA) or other similar oriented groups at a church or in the community. You must at least
attend 2 sessions. Submit information (brochure) about the group that you will attend
along with your paper. (All students)
4. Write a paper on your small group experience pages and include these items: (40%) (1012) (Masters students)
I. Identify category of the group
II. Formation and purpose of the group (what was involved).
III. Discuss group leadership:
 What effective characteristics did you observe?
 What effective skills did you observe?
 What fallacies did you observe (principles not practiced)
IV. To the extent possible, give your observations regarding the four stages of
this group.
Certificate students: write a three page reflection paper on your group experience OR
interview a pastor about his experience leading small groups. Develop five questions to
ask him and then write up your interview. No more than four pages.
B) Participate in class group Bible Study in which you will lead, prepare lessons,
and facilitate discussions. You will be asked to prepare lessons from the
Gospel of Mark. In leading the study, it would be advisable that you read
Growth Groups: A Training Course in How to Lead Small Groups. Write a paper
about your experience in leading a bible study group. Include in your paper a
discussion of group leadership:
 What effective characteristics did you observe?
 What effective skills did you observe?
 What fallacies did you observe (principles not practiced)?
 How did you feel about leading a group?
 Would you change your style of leading a group if given another
opportunity?
Finally, in your conclusion include discussion how you think this class and
your experience helped you understand group dynamics (30%). These papers
are due on the day of the final.
5. Response paper on Terry Powell’s book. Outline the book in such a way that you can use
it personally to teach in a class. Highlight the main points in each chapter; use headings
and sub-headings (20 %). Due by February 17. Outline not required for certificate.
6. Final (15%) will cover reading and class discussions.
BTS FORMAT AND STYLE STANDARDS
BTS uses the Turabian style of formatting as a standard for papers. However, students should
regard individual professor preferences if they communicate any variance in outlining their
requirements for papers, as in this class (see below). Professors retain discretion in determining
how “formal” a paper must be. In this technological age, information is readily available; make
sure that you understand about giving reference sources the proper recognition.
Proper planning and timely completion of assignments is crucial.
Class Schedule
Jan. 20
Introduction/ Get Acquainted
Class Expectations
Biblical Basis/Historical Development of Group Dynamics
Formation of a Group, Introduction/ Bible Study
Jan. 27
Categories of Groups Most Often Found in the Church
(2nd Session) Group Bible Study
Feb. 3
Theory: An Essential Element for Group Work.
(2nd session) Group Bible Study
Feb.10
Open vs. Closed Groups
(2nd session) Group Bible Study
Feb. 17
The Group Leader’s Characteristics
(2nd session) Group Bible Study
Feb. 23
The Group Leader’s Personal Skills and Facilitation of Group
(2nd session) Group Bible Study
Mar. 1
Mid- term on Arnold & Corey
(2nd session) Group Bible Study
Mar. 8
Stages or Phases of group life
(2nd session) Group Bible Study
Mar. 15
SPRING BREAK (Classes not in session)
Mar. 22
Organism and De-organization stages
(2nd session) Group Bible Study
Mar. 29
Preparing Members to Function in the Group
(2nd session) Group Bible Study
Apr. 5
General and Specific Group Goals
(2nd session) Group Bible Study
Apr. 12
Organizational Stage and Problems You May Encounter
(2nd session) Group Bible Study
Apr. 19
Final Exam on Arnold and Corey
(2nd session) Group Bible Study
Closure of Group Bible Study
Bibliography
Arnold, Jeffrey. The Big Book on Small Groups. IVP, Downers Grove, 2004.
ISBN: 0-8308-2370-0, Second Edition or current edition.
Corey, Marianne & Gerald Cory. Groups: Process and Practice. Brooks/Cole Publishing Co.
ISBN: 0-534-34224-8, Fifth Edition or current edition.
Horne, Herman H. Teaching Techniques of Jesus. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1974.
Long, Jimmy (Coordinator). Small Group Leader’s Handbook: The Next Generation.
IVP, Downers Grove, Ill. 1995. ISBN: 0-8308-1139-7.
Powell, Terry. You Can Lead a Bible Discussion Group!, Sisters, Oregon: Multomah Books,
1996.
Stott, John. One People: Helping Your Church Become a Caring Community.
Christian Publications, Inc., Harrisburg, PA., 1982. ISBN 0-87509-324-8.
Stedman, Ray. Body Life. Discovery House Publishers, Grand Rapids, MI.
Revised Edition, 1995. ISBN: 978- 1-57293-000-1.
Marshall, Colin. Growth Groups: A Training Course in How to Lead Small Groups.
Matthias Media, Kingsford NSW, Australia, 1998. ISBN 1 875 245 40 5