Leading Small Groups – A Book Review

Chris Surrate has authored a book that navigates the small group implementation thoroughly.

The book is divided into 4 sections with each section covering separate points in the small group ministry life. There are chapters on starting, facilitating, logistics, and many more.

Section 1 delves into the first step of small group implementation – Gathering, In this section, which is divided into 4 chapters, the author goes over the initial items to consider such as, leadership qualities, purpose of the group, logistics, and group characteristics.

Section 2 takes us into the second step – Launching. In 2 chapters he reviews recruiting, advertising, covenants, and the characteristics of a good, Biblical group.

Section 3 deals with the actual leading of the group – Leading/Facilitation. Since this a critical part of the success of the small group, the author has devoted 6 chapters to this subject. He explains the importance of preparedness, hospitality, genuine authenticity, service, and how to develop a study that is Biblical.

Section 4 goes in-depth into the process of multiplying your small group – Multiplying Your Small Group. The small group should not be looking to add but to develop leaders that can branch-off and start their own small groups. There is also information about training new leaders/facilitators.

Having just experienced our church’s implementation of a Small Group Ministry, I can honestly say that this book earns 5 stars. This is a well written and researched book that can be used in conjunction with many resources to start a successful small group ministry at your church.

Purchase at link below:

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/leading-small-groups-P005809960

I have received a free copy of this book in return for an honest and fair review – Disclaimer pursuant to FTC 16 CFR Part 255

Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges–Book Review

As Christians, we spend a lot of time bewailing the sins of our society.  Maybe we like to point out certain sexual sins, abortion, pornography or materialism.  Unfortunately, this draws our attention away from confronting the more subtle sins we allow into our own life.  We may downplay them as “not that bad” or not even notice them.  We may excuse them or try to justify them as “caused” by the sinful behavior of others.

In his book, Respectable Sins, Jerry Bridges encourages us to confront our many everyday sins, repent and strive to eliminate them from our lives.  True sanctification results only from recognizing and repenting for all or our sins, turning to the Gospel message, and relying on the Holy Spirit to help us change.

Some of the sins discussed are:

 

• Ungodliness
• Anxiety and frustration
• Discontentment
• Unthankfulness
• Pride
• Selfishness
• Lack of Self-Control
• Impatience and Irritability
• Anger
• Judgmentalism
• Envy and Jealousy
• Sins of the Tongue
• Worldliness

If you’re anything like me, you’ll find more than one category to identify with!  It will open your eyes and make you more sensitive to the sins we all tolerate and ignore.  There is an accompanying study guide which can be purchased, as well as a 9 session curriculum for small groups.

VERDICT:  I give this book 5 stars and would love to use it with my small group sometime in the future.

your first two years in youth ministry by Doug Fields — Book Review

I don’t have a passion for youth ministry, but I do have a passion for research, reading and  encouraging others to find their ministry niche.  Since we’ve recently started a youth group at St. Paul’s, I’ve been searching for helpful material, and this book is one of the resources I’ve come across.

The author, Doug Fields, has been a paid youth leader with more than two decades of experience.  He writes primarily from the perspective of a large church with a staff–a far cry from our situation.  However, much of what he has to say is still pertinent, not only to youth ministry but leadership development and spiritual formation in general.  I was especially interested in the chapters on how to identify and encourage new leaders and conflict resolution.

Each chapter has discussion questions, and this book could easily be used as a resource for youth ministry volunteers and workers in a small group setting. Information is interspersed  with Doug’s personal experiences, and quotations from other youth workers, making for a style that engages and is highly readable.  The appendix includes frequently asked questions and a youth ministry volunteer commitment form example. There is also a website you can go to http://www.dougfields.com for further information.

VERDICT:  4 stars. Definitely worth checking out if you have or are starting a youth ministry.

 

Grown-Up Faith

I can’t fairly call this post a book review because I started reading a book called Grown-Up Faith by Kevin Myers and didn’t finish it.  Not because it’s a bad book, but simply because after the first few chapters, I didn’t seem to be learning anything new.  I actually would recommend it for a small group, especially one with newer Christians, to read and discuss together.  At the end of each chapter, there is a summary about “Grown-Up Faith in Action” and some chapters in the Bible to read before tackling the next chapter.  These passages take the reader from Genesis through Revelation, giving a good overview of the Bible and its’ message.

I did like the premise explained by the author at the very beginning.  Here it is:

“A grown-up faith requires the involvement of the whole person.  It doesn’t come from half measures.  We can’t be half-in and expect whole results.”

If we want to be mature Christians, we must engage our mind (Biblical knowledge), our heart (spiritual intimacy with God) and our will (holy obedience).  How many of us stop at some point in this process?  Or develop only one in one area, ignoring the others?  This can lead to several problems such as:

• Intellectualism:  Biblical knowledge without any real relationship with God or obedience to His Word
• Emotionalism:  A relationship with God without knowledge of the Bible and obedience
• Legalism:  Obedience to the Bible’s “rules” without an understanding of the full meaning of the gospel or spiritual intimacy with God

Individuals and even denominations can fall into the trap of being less than whole Christians because they neglect some areas, or overemphasize one.  My big take-away is something I’ve heard for years at Via de Cristo retreats:

There is no Christian life without Christian action

And it might be added, that action must spring from a correct motivation — one that flows out of a heart-felt relationship with Christ and a true knowledge of His teachings.

This book gives us all something to think about.  On which area am I (and possibly my church) weak?  I would say the Lutherans with whom I’m most familiar, lean toward intellectualism.  We know our Scripture well, but don’t always have a true hunger for Christ and obedience to His Word.  We know we’re saved by grace, isn’t that enough?  Well, it is and it isn’t.  True grace will lead us into true relationship and true obedience. Wherever you find yourself, go one step further.  Grow up in your faith.