I have had very positive experiences with small groups in a variety of settings. The first group was a "turbo" introductory group with six other people, then a small group of approximately 12 individuals in my home following an evangelistic series (there were more than 60 baptisms—43 one evening—from the meeting; many of them continue as faithful SDAs; two church plants were developed and continue from individuals who were new SDAs); a men's accountability group with three other individuals (life-changing, at least three of the group are thoroughly committed soul-winners); and adult sponsor of collegiate, small group-based Sabbath School at Andrews University (as many as 16 life-changing small groups led by students; developed many study guides for the students to use, etc.). Later, I spent a week in Melbourne, Australia with Johnny and Tina Wong, the founders of the Gateway Church, and learned firsthand about "Care Groups." Gateway is arguably one of the most successful soul-winning churches on the planet.
All of these were healthy small groups and were life-changing for the participants.
Small groups are caught more than taught. To really appreciate small groups you need to be part of a small group. After that you will long to be part of one.
On this page I share what I have learned about small groups. Learn all you can, but remember that small groups come in a wide variety of styles, and all of them probably could work. I share some principles, which, if kept in mind, will help assure success.
Learn about certain values which, if adopted, will significantly improve your small group's experience.
In this resource I provide information on how to have a life-changing small group. This group has an easy way of doing study, and also includes accountability. I was part of such a group for a time and was greatly impacted by the experience. Two church plants were spawned out of these small group efforts as well.
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