Small Group Ministry

In episode 32, Pastor Trent and Pastor Greg talk about small group ministries at Foothills Church. 

Show Notes

SHOW NOTES:

What is the drive behind small groups?
  • Doug Fields: Purpose Driven Youth Ministry
  • The idea of what small groups could be came from that book.
  • It comes down to the model of Jesus.
  • Sunday school vs in homes.
What did it look at early on?
  • We were meeting at different times for different small groups, one mens group and then a regular small group on Wednesday night.
  • We were coaching up new small group leaders as we began to grow.
What is the difference between the models?
  • Sunday school model is more lecture base and is less effective for reaching people.
  • Small Group ministry at a members house is more relational. It is more of a dialogue and it leads to growth.
  • Small groups emphasizes relational discipleship.
How do you make a relational environment?
  • On Sunday morning, you can serve coffee.
  • Guest Services ministry to engage people as they walk in.
  • Are the speakers on stage relational?
  • Relational environments are ultimately flushed out in a small group.
  • After 12 members we start to lose touch with people in the group. We try to keep the group small.
  • We are here to be developed as mature disciples of Jesus.
  • Your group needs to be led by a mature disciple.
  • It needs to be a place that people can be open and transparent.
  • Small groups is a place that pastoring happens.
Why relational environment?
  • God created us to be in relationships.
  • Jesus modeled this during his life.
How do demographics of groups?
  • When it comes to High School and Middle School, it is gender and grade.
  • When it comes to Adult Small Groups, the best way is to create diversity. For example: single and married people.
Quotes
  • Relational environments are ultimately flushed out in a small group. (PT)
  • Small groups emphasizes relational discipleship. (QUOTE GRAPHIC) (PG)
Resources
  • Doug Fields, Purpose Driven Youth Ministry.