The Big Book on Small Groups

by Jeffrey Arnold

Overview

What's so big about small groups? With proven results in drawing people into community and helping them grow to maturity in Christ, small groups have established themselves as a crucial ministry of the church to its members and its mission field. But whether leading a small group, coaching small group leaders or implementing a churchwide ministry, you need vision, knowledge and skill to minister effectively through small groups. Jeffrey Arnold knows the pressures of small group ministry, but he has also seen the power of small groups in many ministry settings. In this revised edition of The Big Book on Small Groups, he breaks down small groups so that you can see them from all angles. The first four chapters focus on the structure and benefits of a small group ministry. Further chapters explore the basics of Christian community—prayer, worship, Bible study, outreach and mission, as well as how to multiply groups. Resources for further reading, ideas for coaches and trainers, and curriculum to photocopy for small group sessions are also included. A constant companion throughout your small group ministry, The Big Book on Small Groups will give you the basics to get you going—and the support and nurture you need to make small groups effective as a strategy for outreach and discipleship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830823703
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	01/26/2004
Edition description:	Revised, Revised Edition
Pages:	263
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Jeff Arnold (M.Div., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Beaver, PA. He is currently also working on his Doctor of Ministry degree at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is adjunct faculty at both Biblical Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) and Lancaster Bible College. Arnold has authored The Big Book on Small Groups, Small Group Outreach, Seven Traits of Healthy Leaders, What We Believe, Starting Small Groups in Your Church, Discovering the Bible for Yourself and Seven Tools for Effective Groups.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. The Power of Small Groups
2. Building the Church Through Small Groups
3. Becoming a Leader
4. Starting a Group
5. The Building Blocks of Community
6. A Caring Community
7. A Dynamic Community
8. A Studying Community
9. A Worshiping Community
10. A Praying Community
11. A Multiplying Community
12. A Mission-Oriented Community
Appendix A: Small Group Starter Kit
Appendix B: Training Resources
Appendix C: Resources for Building Strong Groups
Scripture Index

Editorial Reviews

"If you have sensed that small groups might be the ideal format in which to do discipleship training but have wondered how, The Big Book on Small Groups is the book for you. In it Jeff Arnold develops a comprehensive, content-rich training course. I commend the book to all those who want a way to move their small group experience into new depth and possibility."

Richard Peace