How to Lead Small Groups

Rating:
Summary: small but invaluable book
Review: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:1-2)

As the verse above notes, we are called to imitate God. God in His very Trinitarian being lives in community. Christ lived in community during the years of His ministry. If nothing else, it would seem that we are called to live in community.

"How to Lead Small Groups" by Neal F. McBride is a "must have" resource for those seeking to live the Christian life in a community setting. This is a small but invaluable book.

Mr. McBride lays our clear, Biblical foundations for small group ministry. He states (and then demonstrates) that: "of all the potential ministry formats available to the local church, small groups have the greatest biblical support."

From this solid foundation, McBride then lays out a picture of a small group leader. The rest of the book is spent going over basic group dynamics as well as troubleshooting tips for commonly encountered problems.

I highly recommend "How to Lead Small Groups." It is one of the best small groups resources on the market.

Rating:
Summary: small but invaluable book
Review: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:1-2)

As the verse above notes, we are called to imitate God. God in His very Trinitarian being lives in community. Christ lived in community during the years of His ministry. If nothing else, it would seem that we are called to live in community.

"How to Lead Small Groups" by Neal F. McBride is a "must have" resource for those seeking to live the Christian life in a community setting. This is a small but invaluable book.

Mr. McBride lays our clear, Biblical foundations for small group ministry. He states (and then demonstrates) that: "of all the potential ministry formats available to the local church, small groups have the greatest biblical support."

From this solid foundation, McBride then lays out a picture of a small group leader. The rest of the book is spent going over basic group dynamics as well as troubleshooting tips for commonly encountered problems.

I highly recommend "How to Lead Small Groups." It is one of the best small groups resources on the market.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best I have found!
Review: McBride has written one of the most effective and useful books on small groups I have read; it is compact and easy to use. The chapter divisions make for quick review or if problem solving if you are already leading a small group.

Small groups are easier said than done. Often times, they are they seem to meet to meet without any defining purpose or covenant. McBride leads us pass the Bible study model, into building covenant groups of friendship and caring. McBride recognizes the biblical mandate to care for one another and how difficult that is to do in the typical evangelical church service- small groups are a very effective way in fulfilling that mandate.

The role of leadership is thoroughly discussed. The idea that small groups can be leaderless, or that leadership can be rotated amongst the group is soundly dismissed. Although he does not quote Maxwells dictum, it runs throughout his discussions on leadership: Everything rises or falls on leadership.

Any weaknesses? Not really. The author readily admits his fondness for lists. Do not get me wrong, I would rather read a list than a paragraph any day, but he borders on listmania. If you are considering establishing small groups in your church this book is must reading.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best I have found!
Review: McBride has written one of the most effective and useful books on small groups I have read; it is compact and easy to use. The chapter divisions make for quick review or if problem solving if you are already leading a small group.

Small groups are easier said than done. Often times, they are they seem to meet to meet without any defining purpose or covenant. McBride leads us pass the Bible study model, into building covenant groups of friendship and caring. McBride recognizes the biblical mandate to care for one another and how difficult that is to do in the typical evangelical church service- small groups are a very effective way in fulfilling that mandate.

The role of leadership is thoroughly discussed. The idea that small groups can be leaderless, or that leadership can be rotated amongst the group is soundly dismissed. Although he does not quote Maxwells dictum, it runs throughout his discussions on leadership: Everything rises or falls on leadership.

Any weaknesses? Not really. The author readily admits his fondness for lists. Do not get me wrong, I would rather read a list than a paragraph any day, but he borders on listmania. If you are considering establishing small groups in your church this book is must reading.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent resource for Bible study/ prayer group leaders
Review: Whether you are just starting out in small group adult ministry or have some experience, this book is a helpful resource in understanding group dynamics. The author shares "pitfalls" groups fall into as well as useful insights for whatever phase your group is in. It also helps you gauge your effectiveness as a small group leader -- and make adjustments accordingly.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent resource for Bible study/ prayer group leaders
Review: Whether you are just starting out in small group adult ministry or have some experience, this book is a helpful resource in understanding group dynamics. The author shares "pitfalls" groups fall into as well as useful insights for whatever phase your group is in. It also helps you gauge your effectiveness as a small group leader -- and make adjustments accordingly.