Developing Dynamic Small Groups in Your Church A Training Course in Eight Sessions Leader’s Notes Prepared by David Cox General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists ®

Session One “Small Groups: Part of God’s Kingdom Plan”

“Small Groups: Part of God’s Kingdom Plan” We were designed to live in community A “God idea,” not just a good idea

Made in His Image Likeness in character God’s Character Love

Universal Need The need for close relationships lies at the heart of our longings

The Jethro Principle God provides solution through Moses’ father-in-law

Jesus’ model How many disciples? Why? Would not 20 have been more effective?

Heart to Heart Essence of Jesus’ ministry Evangelism and nurture

New Testament Church Small group church No church buildings for about 300 years

NT church growth Amazing growth How was it possible? How would we manage? Do we have a system?

Martin Luther Small groups have played an important part in reform movements within the church

Wesley’s Class System John Wesley Christian fellowship is necessary to spiritual growth of believers Method: preach simple Gospel to large crowds, then organize classes with well- trained teachers/pastors for discipling

Wesley’s Class System John Whitefield, a contemporary of Wesley’s Had little to show for his efforts because he had no small group system

8 Quality Characteristics All grouping churches worldwide share 8 basic characteristics

Most Important Principle The multiplication of holistic small groups is the single most important thing for maintaining health and growth

Preparing for 2 nd Advent Ellen White’s counsel led to small groups playing an important role in the early S.D.A church

SG/God’s People We were designed to live in community God’s character= love The need for close relationships lies at the heart of our longings. Christian fellowship is necessary to spiritual growth of believers

What SG’s Will Do Functions of small groups in the local church… Advantages of small groups in the local church…

Session Two “Life-Changing Small Groups: Some Definitions”

“Life-Changing Small Groups: Some Definitions” “small group” or “cell” Prayer group Bible study group Support group “Cottage meeting”

SG’s for Kingdom Community Primary function is to develop relationships – People and God – People an people Building loving relationships should be the primary concern of the church

Church Without Walls Where relationships are the priority of the church, there can be no wall– of any kind

The truth is… Church organizations have their place but the PEOPLE are the church

The Effective Small Group is… 1. Holistic A mini-church While groups serve many different functions, Jesus must be central to everything

The Effective Small Group is… 2. The Basic Building Block Small groups can only reach their maximum potential if their importance is fully understood and lived out

The Effective Small Group is… 3. Interactive Everyone learns from everyone else The group leader is a facilitator

The Effective Small Group is… 4. A basic Christian Community The primary purpose of the group is to make Jesus available or accessible to: people who have not met Him before, those who have so that they can grow in their relationship with Him

2-Winged Bird The small group serves as a “mini-church” but it does not take the place of the larger church

Community Wing Small group life is not just for “church members” Pastors and administrators miss out if they are not involved

System for Ministry “Small groups” are not a program at all They are a divinely ordained system or structure for personal and community growth and effectiveness

Not Independent House Churches Every group is different By applying the Jethro principle, groups are connected with each other by a system of “leaders of leaders”

No Absence of Departments Departments which offer expertise for training and resourcing for ministry will always be necessary

SG church provides… The relationship between the larger church with its departments and the network of small groups or cells

Session Three “Small Group Values: the Key to Growth

Small Group Values: the Key to Growth” Important values, "ground-rules“ and principles which govern the life of the group

Going Somewhere? Jesus spoke so much about the “kingdom of heaven” but are we really seeking to live like that now?

Kingdom of Heaven is Like… Jesus was much more concerned with kingdom principles such as generous grace, unlimited forgiveness, justice, faithfulness, etc.

Our Values His way is the best Values make us what we are

Life-changing Energy The only source of life-transforming energy is the Holy Spirit Is there anything we can do to block or facilitate the flow of God’s Spirit in His church?

Values Which Drive… What are some things that are central to the Spirit's effective ministry?

SG people (1) and SG people (2) 1.Small groups are for ordinary people like you and me 2.God can do…

We’re Guilty We need to see enormous possibilities in ourselves and each other as we make ourselves available for God’s service

Just a Lay Member? All believers are lay people, including pastors All believers are clergy-all are called by God

Other Values Prayer Affirmation Availability Openness and honesty Accountability Sensitivity Confidentiality Multiplication

Session Four “Small Group Meetings and Small Group Life”

“Small Group Meetings and Small Group Life” What happens in typical small group meeting? What activities do small group members share with each other outside of regular small group meetings?

Four W’s- the Welcome Vital to every meeting

4 W’s- Worship Not just singing songs Includes acknowledging and responding to His presence Worship can take various forms

4W’s Bible Study & Witness Focus on the primary reason for the group’s existence– to make more disciples

Characteristics of Small Group Prayer Teaching prayer is very important Keep the group prayer experience fresh and varied

Goal of SG meetings The goal needs to be constantly repeated Evaluate occasionally

Group Life Outside of Meetings Social events Community service Evangelistic activity

4 Stages Adventure Discovery Development Maturity

Session Five “The Goal of small groups: holiness and harvest”

“The Goal of small groups: holiness and harvest” Take time to emphasize the two principle objectives of small group ministry The growth of believers toward maturity in Christ The numerical growth of the church- nurture and evangelism

What’s a disciple? Discipleship is a lifelong apprenticeship, learning and growing by observing the Master and doing what He asks.

Edification The church as the body of Christ The fact that we can all play a part in building up this mysterious living body is a wonderful thing

Building Community First priority was given to the growth of the believing community

Building Believers The body does not grow if its individual parts are not growing and functioning properly

Believers Grow Practice of prayer Life-application Bible study Discerning the will of God Obedience

The basis of deep enduring friendship 1.With the larger body of the church 2.With a small group 3.With one or two other individuals Mentoring

Evangelism Keep a “second Pentecost” perspective on the future growth of the church Small group membership will not necessarily be the same as Adventist church membership

Flexibility The key to small group success The mother church should not insist that every group follow the same program

Four possible “stations” 1.Membership of the church and of a small group 2.Learning to walk with Jesus in the real world 3.Identifying gifts for ministry 4.Learning how to be an effective witness

Session Six “Small Group Leadership”

“Small Group Leadership” Small group leaders will probably play an increasingly important part in shaping the local congregation as a whole

SG Leaders Are Special 1.Called 2.Available 3.Gifted 4.Teachable 5.Visionary

SG leaders– Ordinary Live in the real world Don’t know everything

SG Leader as Facilitator SG leader is not “the teacher” Main task is to develop the group and the gifts, skills and personalities within the group

Session Seven “Developing a Small Groups Network”

“Developing a Small Groups Network” Its like swimming- the only way to learn to swim is to get in the water and try

Need for Strategy You need a strategy Without a strategy, you could be in for some painful experiences

Getting Started 1.Study 2.Pray 3.Talk 4.Co-ordinate

Getting Started– Jesus in the Center The prototype group MUST be an authentic small group Pray for guidance It’s best to add new core group by personal invitation

Have Patience Jesus’ ministry was a reflection of this principle It led to the Pentecost

Session Eight “Maintaining the Network”

“Maintaining the Network” It is good to become acquainted with the challenges of the future

It’s One Thing… The sooner small groups become the heart of the church, the better, because they are here to stay

Small Groups Are Living… How can we keep this living thing growing?

Multiply Leaders Every person is a leader See and realize leadership potential in every person

Keep it Challenging Keeping the vision clear is vital

Keep it Interesting Find different ways of doing the same thing The small group experience must be enjoyable

Difficult Decisions Confront difficult people Dis-functional groups Mistakes

Small Groups Should be on Fire “Without burning out”

Understand Change Where is a new enterprise most likely to fail? When is a new idea with great possibilities most likely to be dropped?

The Family Make the church a real family experience for everyone

Believe the Promise The idea of “the last days” or “the final events” should not fill anyone with fear or dread but hope and longing.

Developing Dynamic Small Groups in Your Church A Training Course in Eight Sessions Leader’s Notes Prepared by David Cox General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist ®