Session 4 Small Group Structure 1

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, unto the end of the world. Amen Matthew 28:19,20 2

The churches needed for the future will be centers of evangelism, discipleship, and pastoral care because they’ve learned how to provide quality care in small, humble structures of ten people who meet together. ---Carl George The Coming Church Revolution p.195 3

Signal Counts in Small Groups 2 people2 signals 3people9 signals 4 people28 signals 5 people75 signals 6 people186 signals 7 people441 signals 8 people1,016 signals 9 people2,295 signals 10 people 5,110 signals 4

Multiplying Small Groups (Birthing) Jethro Principle Apprentice is sent out as leader with a few members. Leader continues with a new apprentice. Leader leaves with a few people. Apprentice remains as leader of original group with a new apprentice. Start a completely new group with a new leader and apprentice. 5

VHS Meeting twice a month Vision: Pastor and Missionary Coordinator Huddle: 5 Group huddle Skill: varies according to skill presented 6

Vision Brief Worship Motivate Where is God leading the church? Why is your ministry crucial to how we are getting there? Who are the role models we can cheer and follow? 7

Huddle Address Relationships Identify Successes Identify Problems Propose solutions to difficulties Pray together for concerns. Adult motivation for learning rises dramatically in the presence of a problem. 8

Skill Training on current needs determined by the huddle. Listening Responding Challenging Confronting Evangelism Vision/strategy Leadership Recruitment Followup Nurturing Problem handling How to run a meeting How to facilitate sharing Discernment Spiritual knowledge Bible knowledge How to reproduce leaders and apprentices How to birth a group Leading worship and music Managing disruptions Handling child care Recognizing abuse 9

Skill Training on current needs determined by the huddle. Time management Loyalty/Teamwork Attitudes Conflict management Personal disciplines How to teach about prayer How to listen to God in prayer Legal implications Confidentiality How to share ministry as a team Overcoming shyness Stewardship/budgeting One-on-one discipling skills Pastor/shepherd skills Affirmation Referrals 10

Relationship-Based Ministry Helps people move from dependency toward development. Empowers people to use their spiritual gifts in community Concerns itself more with changed lives than with methods or curriculum. Groups people by affinity-based relationships more than by alphabetization of last name, zip code or age. Motivates by example, more than by shame, guilt, or “oughts”. Carl George Preparing Your Church for the Future pg.63 11

Cell Group Coaches Missionary (Invitational) Coordinator Works with pastors to provide support for 5 group leaders. Support group leaders in identifying apprentice leaders. Keep the pastor informed of strengths and problems in groups. Assist leaders in birthing new groups as apprentices develop. Maintain group meeting sizes of 10 or fewer. Visit group meetings; conduct feedback sessions. Monitor participation of group members in training and worship events. Substitute for group leaders when appropriate. 12

Cell Group Coaches Missionary (Invitational) Coordinator Participate in VHS training and worship celebration. Model group leadership skills in VHS groups. Help group leaders with or to refer EGR’s (extra grace required) Be alert to attitude problems and divisive teaching. Accompany group leaders and pastors in visiting. Be Group Leaders’ friend 13

Group Leader-the key person in the life- change process of the church Attend VHS meeting and worship celebration Make time for feedback sessions Watch for emergence of apprentice leaders Report group progress and attendance Convene group 2 to 4 times a month Pray and prepare for group meetings Recruit hostess, child care and venue Pray for spiritual growth and protection of each member of the group Call each member 2 to 4 times a month Visit each member 1 time a month Notify the church pastor of acute crisis conditions that require priesthood ministry 14

Group Leader is Group Pastor Assure redemptive agenda via scripture, sharing, prayers, songs, and worship. Refrain from divisiveness or teaching contrary to the church position. Maintain an atmosphere where all can discover and develop God-given gifts. Include all in reading,… Make opportunity for group members to get to know other leaders in the church. Refer counseling cases that exceed leader’s experience level. Accept responsibility for new growth by using empty chair and other effective means. Lead an exemplary life. 15

Group Participants Attend group meetings. Encourage those present. Experiment to discover spiritual gifts & direction Sign a covenant agreement. Be open for training and group management skills Seek a church ministry activity Consider serving as apprentice leader. Bring friends and seekers. Share in hospitality and child care, as needed. Give to the general budget of the church Participate in worship services at the church. 16

Children They are not a part of adult cell groups. Each group is empowered to decide how they will handle child care. Children’s church Children’s moment during adult worship Sunday school Family home evenings Midweek or evening clubs 17

Small (cell) Group Meeting Food Short Prayer Icebreaker when new people are in attendance Covenant when new people attend Good News Activity Prayers 18

What Do We Do? Identify the core team Get congregational commitment Establish a Missionary Team Get the whole congregation involved Leaders and apprentices start their groups Congregation Grows in Discipleship 19

Congregational Commitment Identify and Establish a core team. Small group education to the core team: read and study The Upside Down Kingdom, The Purpose Driven Church and Prepare Your Church for the Future Commitment of all core team members to the marathon. This is not a sprint. Congregation is educated and determines commitment to the marathon. 20

Establish Invitational Team Interested core group members Interested congregational members Go through The Nine Facets of Effective Small Group Leaders (dvd and books) Begin small group with invitational team 21

Empower Group Leaders Celebrate and set apart before the congregation Leaders and apprentices establish groups 22

Congregational Challenge Every person becomes a member of a group. Each person becomes an inviter. Discipleship becomes personal as friends come to know Christ. Each person is encouraged and expected to accept necessary change in order to welcome and excite new people. 23