http://smallgroups.com en-us http://smallgroups.com N/A bryan@upstateimage.com Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:33:13 -0400 20 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1642/1/Bible_Bytes.html Understanding the Lesson susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1635/1/Bible_Bytes/_Speed_Discussion.html Speed Discussion susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1618/1/Connecting_Small_Groups_to_the_Sermon.html Like most pastors, I learned early on that if my preaching was to be powerful, it had to be memorable. I tried lots of tactics over the years, but nothing increased the memorability and life-changing impact of my messages as much as the simple act of connecting our small group studies with the weekend message. The benefits were so powerful that, over twenty-five years later, we have still not gone back to an elective-based model. Along with making my messages more memorable, it has produced a host of other church-wide benefits. Here are just a few of the most significant ones. chris@northcoastchurch.com (Dr. Larry W. Osborne) Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1624/1/Bible_Bytes.html Holding Hands susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1620/1/Practical_Steps_to_Create_Synergy_between_Whole-Church_Teaching_and_Small_Group_Focus.html Information overload - that is the world we are living in!  It is happening in the church as well.  Our children have their curriculum; our teens are doing something else; the message is on one topic; our personal devotions often on yet another; and then our small group is doing an entirely different topic or book of the Bible!   There is too much information and no time or opportunity to meditate on it, to discuss with others, or to apply all the topics at hand. These are some of the reasons why, at our church, we decided that we would offer a small group discussion guide based on the weekend message each week. We could see the benefits very quickly. sheila@bethanycc.ca (Sheila Ely) Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1611/1/Bible_Bytes/Filter_Bypass.html Filter Bypass susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1604/1/Bible_Bytes/I_Love_You_Too.html I Love You Too susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1593/1/Bible_Bytes/Write_Around.html Write Around susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1584/1/Bible_Bytes/Done_List.html Done List susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1573/1/Bible_Bytes/Movie_Memory.html Movie Memory susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1559/1/Bible_Bytes/Bookmark_It.html Bookmark It. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1553/1/Bible_Bytes/_Taken_blessed_broken_shared.html Taken, blessed, broken, shared susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1548/1/The_Essentials_for_Effective_Small_Group_Bible_Studies.html A small group Bible study is effective when it furthers the work of the Holy Spirit in participants’ lives. Evaluation tools can be helpful, but if you do not do anything with the assessment results, then they are really of little help. reidsmith777@msn.com (Reid Smith) Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1542/1/Bible_Bytes/Walk_This_Way.html <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>My English students put cotton in their ears, wore +2.75 magnification reading glasses, and bound their feet. They had to complete three simple tasks. First they had to walk into the hall and get a drink of water out of the drinking fountain. They shuffled slowly with their bound feet and groped for the button on the fountain, inhibited by vision mimicking that of a person with cataracts. Secondly, they had to take an eye test from only 10 feet away, every person failing due to their impaired vision. Lastly, they had to fill out a check blank payable to me writing with their non-dominant hand with their legs crossed and the foot off the ground circling in a counter-clockwise direction... susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1526/1/Bible_Bytes/Extending_the_Text.html Extending the Text susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1530/1/The_Only_Bible_Study_Guide_Youll_Ever_Need.html Do you need printed study guides to lead your group? I’ve written and edited plenty of these guides myself. I’ve used them in my groups. I still do. As a small groups pastor I buy them for and recommend them to our groups. Yes, I’ve been a study-guide pusher. But I’m beginning to ask some hard questions. And to tell the truth I have more questions than answers. Like Why? And At what cost? And Is this necessary? And Am I crazy? micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1531/1/Asking_Great_Questions.html One of the most important skills a group leader needs to master is the art and science of asking great questions. A good question infuses a group with energy and leads to insight and changed lives, but poor questions suck the life out of any discussion. All of us have asked both kinds, so we have first-hand experience! rick@friendswoodchurch.org (Rick Baldwin) Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1532/1/Changing_Peoples_Minds.html Have you ever changed your mind about something? I have changed my mind more about things in the last few years than I would ever dreamed I would. Here is a very humbling experience of that from my own life. When I started working in industry, I had the idea that a person should not miss work for anything, particularly when you were sick. So for 6+ years straight, I never missed a day of work because of illness. Did I get sick during that time? Yes. But I said, “no matter, I’m going to work.” dlentz@smallgroups.com (Dan Lentz) Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1533/1/When_You_Discuss_a_Book_Other_Than_the_Bible.html Small groups often discuss books by Christian authors, one or two chapters at a time. The next time your group chooses a book to read--and it doesn't come with a study guide or questions for group interaction--employ the following tips. TPowell@ciu.edu (Terry Powell) Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1517/1/Bible_Bytes/Faith_of_a_Friend.html Faith of a Friend susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 09 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1510/1/Bible_Bytes/Journal_for_the_journey.html Journal for the journey susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1496/1/Bible_Bytes/_New_Beginnings.html The plane had reached its cruising altitude, and the stewardess was announcing our drink options when I was suddenly gripped with fear. I was flying to Iowa to present an all-day small group leadership conference by myself for the first time. I was plagued with the thought, “Who do I think I am?” susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 08 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1486/1/Bible_Bytes/_For_God_so_loved_the_world.html For God So Loved the World susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1474/1/Bible_Bytes/_Tell_Me_A_Story.html Tell Me a Story susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1328/1/Bible_Bytes/The_Right_Thing.html The Right Thing susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1320/1/Bible_Bytes/_Making_it_Mine.html Making it Mine susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1308/1/Bible_Bytes/Love_Dad.html Love, Dad. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 06 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1300/1/Bible_Bytes/Picture-perfect_Lesson.html Picture-perfect Lesson susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1288/1/Bible_Bytes/The_Value_of_Vintage.html The Value of Vintage susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1283/1/Bible_Bytes/A_Pair_of_Dimes.html A Pair of Dimes - I teach sophomore English. Most students come to me with a preconceived idea of what English class is like. For some, it is interesting. For most, it is boring. After ten years of English classes, these kids have formed an opinion that includes me, even before they have witnessed me teach. This year, I decided to challenge their opinion. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 06 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1271/1/Bible_Bytes/Freedom.html Freedom: I recently had the honor of attending the retirement party of the General of the National Guard for the state of North Dakota, General Michael Haugen. It was a garden party extraordinaire – large white tents set up on plush, green lawns; ice sculptures overlooking long tables filled with freshly carved meats, salads, fruits, and bread; tables covered with white linen tablecloths; and live garden party music performed by accomplished string and brass artists. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 08 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1261/1/Bible_Bytes/Scripture_Chef.html September 2006 - Scripture Chef susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 05 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1255/1/Bible_Bytes/_Selfish_Scripture.html Selfish Scripture susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 07 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1242/1/Bible_Bytes/Reality_Practice.html Reality Practice susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1229/1/Bible_Bytes/Prayer_Signs.html Prayer SignsI have been driving for many years – 25 to be exact. After all those years, much of what I do when I drive is second nature. I do not think too much about stopping at a stop sign because I have stopped at thousands. I merge onto the interstate without hesitating because I have done it on interstates across the country. I have made U-turns in little cars and big. I have stopped for hundreds of trains. I have driven in the left-hand lane on a one-way street because it is okay to do that. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 04 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1223/1/Bible_Bytes/_And_then_some.html And then someChristian writer and teacher, T. Pierce Brown, tried to teach his grandson about success by encouraging him to live out three simple words – and then some. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 05 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1212/1/Bible_Bytes/Bible_Study_Bodybuilding.html Bible Study BodybuildingI have always been fascinated by the high school sport of cross-country running. My two oldest daughters have run cross-country for the past one and three years. I try to attend every meet and have not ceased to be amazed at the level of fitness necessary to do well, not only individually, but also as a team. CJ and Caity strive to set a personal record (PR) for every race they run, and the team’s score is determined by the sum total of its top five finishers. Between races, each team member trains to run faster and increase his/her endurance. To accomplish this, they run, stretch, and lift weights. They work together to become better as individuals and as a team. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 02 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1204/1/Bible_Bytes/Learning_by_Layering.html Learning by LayeringI am the proud mother of four beautiful daughters. When my oldest daughter, CJ, now 17, was handed to me in a tiny hospital room in Colorado, I took a deep breath and tried to reassure myself that I could do this. I could be a mother. I could keep her safe. I could teach her everything she would need to know to live on her own one day. Couldn’t I? As she smiled in her sleep, I thought about what I already knew about young children. After all, I had been a babysitter – a lot! I already knew how to change diapers, warm up a bottle, and operate a rocking chair. She would survive; I was sure of it. What I was not prepared for was the amount of love that gripped my heart each time she moved, cried, or smiled. The warmth I felt every time I held her in my arms was, at times, overwhelming. I had no prior learning in this area. During her first few years of life, I gained confidence by layering new skills on top of what I already knew. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 06 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1196/1/Bible_Bytes/Advocate_of_Assurance.html Advocate of AssuranceI am impulsive. When I get an idea, I do not like to wait to act on it. Over the years, this quality has been mostly positive, but there have been times when it has dug me into a hole from which it was difficult to get out. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 05 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1182/1/Bible_Bytes/One-minute_thank-yous.html One-minute thank-you’sAs I fall back against my pillow at the end of the day, I exhale a word of thanks to God, either for a productive day or for getting me through a challenging day. The problem with my pitiful attempt at gratitude is that it too often comes with my last conscious breath. I am genuinely thankful, but I am also exhausted. As a high school teacher, my day is neatly divided by bells that ring every fifty minutes, reminding everyone to move on to their next class. To me, they are a reminder that fifty minutes have gone by without me thanking my Teacher for His guidance, wisdom, and protection. Therefore, I have made a commitment to spend one minute during each four-minute passing period, thanking God for His presence in my classroom and the gift of His wisdom that allows me to do what I need to do during the lesson. I thank Him for establishing an atmosphere of peace and love among the students. When the class period has been difficult, I thank Him for giving me strength and boldness in handling the difficulty. As I take time to thank God throughout my day, instead of only at its end, I find that I fall into bed not just thankful I survived, but remembering exactly what He did for me. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 03 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1171/1/Bible_Bytes/_Just_quote_it.html Just quote it!I often look at signs or advertisements and relate them to my own daily journey of honoring Christ’s sacrifice. For example: Nike’s “Just Do It” encourages me to not let fear stop me from living a life of faith, and Lance Armstrong’s “LIVE STRONG” challenges me to fully know the meaning of 2 Cor. 4:8-9 – “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Slogans can be used for far more than advertising. They can remind us of the power of God’s Word and encourage us to choose sacrifice over self and generosity over greed. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 02 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1149/1/eTraining_-_Making_Bible_Study_Transformational.html "Making Bible Study Transformational" is an interactive training experience with audio and video features designed to help small group Bible Study become more transformational than informational. office@smallgroups.com (SmallGroups.com ) Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1161/1/Bible_Bytes/_Postage_Paid.html Postage PaidIn today's world of instant messaging, e-mail, and voicemail, a handwritten note is a rarity. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 03 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1470/1/Bible_Bytes.html History often repeats itself. Whenever I read about the Israelites and their forgetfulness of God’s deliverance, I am ashamedly reminded of how I tend to forget His help and head right back to the very things that were killing me. Scripture can be reflective of my attitudes and behavior. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 03 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1017/1/Bible_Bytes/Sensing_Scripture.html Sensing ScriptureThe aroma was unmistakable. A hot, yeasty, full fragrance was beginning to fill the air as our small group discussed the Passover. I was awed by the idea of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet and convicted by His willingness to break bread with Judas, the one who would soon betray him. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 07 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1129/1/Bible_Bytes/Faith_Lift.html Faith LiftWhen I wear my faith too long without taking care of it, it begins to sag, leaving me with little spiritual energy and a wrinkled testimony. At the same time, the thought of taking the steps to care for and increase my faith scares me. Issues of forgiveness, hypocrisy, and complacency can often seem overwhelming and better left alone, yet I know God does not want me to be content with a sagging faith. Fortunately, he provides me with the tool of accountability to help cut away that which is bringing weakness to my faith. It is up to me to give consent for this surgery of my soul. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 09 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1123/1/Bible_Bytes/Psalm_Response.html  Psalm ResponseThere are times when I have a difficult time communicating with God. During these times, I often struggle to find the right words to express my joy or my pain in prayer. Thankfully, I have found that reading the Psalms helps me to focus on my experience, my emotions, and my expressions of suffering or gratitude to God. The Psalms beautifully express to God praise, anguish, repentance, faith, anger, and more. Within the Psalms lies every emotion known to humanity, and in them we can find comfort. The Psalms provide an example of how to honestly respond to God as he communicates with us. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 10 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1117/1/Bible_Bytes/To_Be_or_Not_To_Be.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 10 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1111/1/Bible_Bytes/Seeing_and_Believing.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 10 May 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1105/1/Bible_Bytes/Journaling_to_Remember.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 10 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1099/1/Bible_Bytes/Hands-on_Bible_Study.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 10 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1093/1/Bible_Bytes/Truth_and_Dare.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 10 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1087/1/Bible_Bytes/Whats_Questionable_about_These_Questions.html   micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Mon, 10 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/10/1/Bible_Bytes.html ENCOURAGING FRIENDSHIPS mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Sun, 12 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/23/1/Bible_Bytes/Real_Friendship.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Wed, 10 Nov 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/32/1/Bible_Bytes/LABELS.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Sun, 10 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/43/1/Bible_Bytes/SPIRITUAL_MATURITY_IN_RELATIONSHIPS.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Fri, 10 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/50/1/Bible_Bytes/Christmas_in_August.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Tue, 10 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/56/1/Bible_Bytes/LIVE_LIKE_YOU_WERE_DYIN.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Sat, 10 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/62/1/Bible_Bytes/SPIRITUAL_FREEDOM.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Thu, 10 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/69/1/Bible_Bytes/Being_a_Spiritual_Apprentice.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Mon, 10 May 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/79/1/Bible_Bytes/SERVING_OUR_DISCIPLES.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Sat, 10 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/85/1/Bible_Bytes/LIFE_LESSONS_THAT_CHANGE_LIVES.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Wed, 10 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/110/1/Bible_Bytes/SERVING_GOD_WITHOUT_GOING_INSANE.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Tue, 10 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/116/1/Bible_Bytes/Questions_Icebreakers_and_Beyond.html   dlentz@smallgroups.com (Dan Lentz) Sat, 10 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/122/1/Bible_Bytes/LIFE_CHANGE_MENTORING_TOOL_9_-_BRINGING_YOUR_UNCHURCHED_FRIENDS_TO_CHURCHGROUP.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Wed, 10 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/128/1/Bible_Bytes/LIFE_CHANGE_MENTORING_TOOL_8_-_TELLING_YOUR_SPIRITUAL_STORY.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Mon, 10 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/134/1/Bible_Bytes/LIFE_CHANGE_MENTORING_TOOL_7_-_BUILDING_RELATIONSHIPS_WITH_UNCHURCHED_PEOPLE.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Fri, 10 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/140/1/Bible_Bytes/LIFE_CHANGE_MENTORING_TOOL_6_-_LIVING_AN_AUTHENTIC_CHRISTIAN_LIFE.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Wed, 10 Sep 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/146/1/Bible_Bytes/LIFE_CHANGE_MENTORING_TOOL_5_-_MENTORING_A_LEADER.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Sun, 10 Aug 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/154/1/Bible_Bytes/LIFE_CHANGE_MENTORING_TOOL_4_-_SERVING_IN_A_MINISTRY.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Thu, 10 Jul 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/174/1/Bible_Bytes/LIFE_CHANGE_MENTORING_TOOL_3_-_GIVING_MY_FINANCIAL_RESOURCES_TO_GOD.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Tue, 10 Jun 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/180/1/Bible_Bytes/LIFE_CHANGE_MENTORING_TOOL_2_-_ATTENDING_A_SMALL_GROUP.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Sat, 10 May 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/218/1/Bible_Bytes/LIFE_CHANGE_MENTORING_TOOL_1_-_SPENDING_TIME_DAILY_WITH_GOD.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Thu, 10 Apr 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/224/1/Bible_Bytes/Facilitating_quotDosquot_and_quotDontsquot.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Mon, 10 Mar 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/236/1/Bible_Bytes/Principles_of_Learning.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Mon, 10 Feb 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/257/1/Bible_Bytes/JESUS_THE_GROUP_LEADER_Part_6.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Tue, 10 Dec 2002 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/263/1/Bible_Bytes/JESUS_THE_GROUP_LEADER_Part_5.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Sun, 10 Nov 2002 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/269/1/Bible_Bytes/JESUS_THE_GROUP_LEADER_Part_4.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Thu, 10 Oct 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/288/1/Bible_Bytes/JESUS_THE_GROUP_LEADER_Part_3.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Tue, 10 Sep 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/345/1/Questions_Icebreakers_and_Beyond.html A true icebreaker question is an open-ended question that is used at the beginning of the group's discussion time. dlentz@smallgroups.com (Dan Lentz) Thu, 05 Sep 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/346/1/Give_Me_A_Good_Question.html How often have you sat through a Bible study where an unskilled leader asks questions that are downright boring? pat@mightyoakministries.com (Pat J. Sikora) Wed, 04 Sep 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/347/1/The_Best_Questions_Ever.html Three small group veterans have submitted their favorite questions and question-asking strategies. Maybe they will become your favorites too! heartbeat@alluretech.net (Tami Rudkin) Tue, 03 Sep 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/294/1/Bible_Bytes/JESUS_THE_GROUP_LEADER_Part_2.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Sat, 10 Aug 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/300/1/Bible_Bytes/JESUS_THE_GROUP_LEADER_Part_1.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Wed, 10 Jul 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/471/1/Bible_Bytes/A_FEW_TIPS_FOR_PROMOTING_DISCUSSION.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Mon, 10 Jun 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/478/1/Bible_Bytes/A_WEEKLY_PREPARATION_GUIDE_FOR_THE_BIBLE_STUDY_LEADER.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Fri, 10 May 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/484/1/Bible_Bytes/Application_Questions_for_Bible_Study.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Wed, 10 Apr 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/490/1/Bible_Bytes/LeaderFacilitator_Evaluation.html   mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Sun, 10 Mar 2002 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/496/1/Bible_Bytes/Determining_What_Needs_to_be_taught_from_Scripture.html  One of the challenges of leading a Bible study is determining what needs to be taught from the passage of Scripture that has been chosen. Many pastor's sermons involve the use of two to three verses. Bible study leaders are often expected to teach on 18-20 verses in relatively the same amount of time. How do we do it? I have found this simple formula to be helpful to me in my own preparation. mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Sun, 10 Feb 2002 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/502/1/Bible_Bytes/Preparation_Steps_for_Leading_a_Small_Group_Bible_Study.html  Preparation Steps to Lead a Small Group Bible Study mike@connectedlife.us (Mike Shepherd) Thu, 10 Jan 2002 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/591/1/Becoming_More_Obedient_to_Gods_Word____Not_Just_Smarter.html People regularly ask me about the role of Bible study in cells. To understand my answer, you need to know that a true cell church is more than just what happens in the cell. jayfirebaugh@sbcglobal.net (Jay Firebaugh) Sun, 07 Nov 1999 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/595/1/Inductive_Versus_Deductive_Bible_Study.html Inductive Bible study is a reasoning process that proceeds from basic facts to conclusions. It's a process that's consistent with the way people normally solve problems and study new ideas. pat@mightyoakministries.com (Pat J. Sikora) Fri, 05 Nov 1999 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/596/1/Questions_to_Ask_before_You_Choose_a_Bible_Study.html With hundreds of Bible study resources on the market, selecting a study can be a daunting task. Answer these questions to determine if a study guide is right for your group: revkwright@aol.com (Keith Wright) Thu, 04 Nov 1999 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1445/1/What_Do_You_Expect.html How does Bible study fit in a disciple-making small group? micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Wed, 03 Nov 1999 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/597/1/Oh_No_Not_Homework.html Just the sound of the word makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Wed, 03 Nov 1999 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/598/1/Members_Who_Memorize.html The support of friends and the regular meeting times of a small group provide the balance of accountability and encouragement needed to consistently memorize Scripture. Here are three methods to help you pursue this spiritual discipline. revkwright@aol.com (Keith Wright) Tue, 02 Nov 1999 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/599/1/Bring_Your_Bible_Study_to_Life_Group_Role_Playing.html To make your Bible study come alive, try role-playing. Ask group members to assume the roles of characters of the Bible story under discussion. baileywick@juno.com (Esther M. Bailey) Mon, 01 Nov 1999 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/610/1/Portfolio_of_Promises.html By recording how the Lord speaks through His Word in the midst of specific circumstances, a Christian acquires a permanent record of God's faithfulness. revkwright@aol.com (Keith Wright) Mon, 02 Aug 1999 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/721/1/Back_to_Basics.html During the heyday of the Vince Lombardi era, the Green Bay Packers once lost to an inferior team. Nothing went right on this particular Sunday. lenwoods@gmail.com (Len Woods) Sun, 07 Dec 1997 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/723/1/When_Everyone_Leads.html Sometimes small groups choose to share the role of Bible study leader, with a different person leading each week. This has both advantages and disadvantages. sue.kline@navpress.com (Sue Kline) Fri, 05 Dec 1997 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/724/1/quotWhats_This_Verse_Mean_to_Youquot.html Two of every three American adults believe there is no such thing as absolute truth. And the percentage of Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 is even higher (72 percent), according to a Barna survey. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Thu, 04 Dec 1997 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/726/1/Teaching_Styles_to_Avoid.html Every small group leader is unique--equipped by God with a one-of-a-kind combination of personality type, strengths, built-in weaknesses, and natural teaching style. lenwoods@gmail.com (Len Woods) Tue, 02 Dec 1997 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/727/1/You_Can_Lead_a_Bible_Discussion_Group.html The lowest peasant with the Bible is better than the greatest Pope without it," said Martin Luther. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Mon, 01 Dec 1997 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/844/1/Obtaining_Copies_of_the_Study_Guide.html It's important to plan your group far enough ahead to allow time to obtain copies of the study guide. The best place to look for study guides that meet your criteria is in your local Christian bookstore. pat@mightyoakministries.com (Pat J. Sikora) Tue, 04 Jun 1996 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1363/1/Small_Group_Training_Meeting_Outline_-_How_to_Choose_Group_Study_Materials.html This page is for those who are entrusted with training and supporting small group leaders. It will enable you to create a small group environment for leaders, offer skill training for leaders' development, and provide a safe place where problems in small groups can be dealt with. Because each church situation is unique, adapt what follows to fit your circumstances. office@smallgroups.com (Jeffrey Arnold) Mon, 03 Jun 1996 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/845/1/Choosing_Curriculum_for_Small_Groups.html Study guides for small groups abound. Nearly every Bible bookstore has a proliferation of titles from which to choose. How do you select suitable curriculum? csuc4groups@hotmail.com (Sue Sutherland) Mon, 03 Jun 1996 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/846/1/Questions_to_Ask_Before_You_Choose_a_Bible_Study.html With hundreds of Bible study resources on the market, selecting a study can be a daunting task. Answer these questions to determine if a study guide is right for your group: revkwright@aol.com (Keith Wright) Sun, 02 Jun 1996 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/847/1/Who_is_Choosing_The_Curriculum.html Great oceans of sources from which to pick a curriculum for your small group ministry surround you. Sorting through them, however, can be an arduous, difficult, and taxing endeavor. office@smallgroups.com (Glenn Frank) Sat, 01 Jun 1996 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/866/1/What_Do_We_Study.html Once you have everything set up and everyone invited, there's one big thing to do: prepare your studies of Scripture. But what? Where do you start? micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Sun, 10 Mar 1996 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/906/1/Preparation_Key_to_Great_Bible_Studies.html When do you prepare for your Tuesday night small-group meeting? Now be honest-is it usually Monday night? micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Mon, 05 Feb 1996 00:00:00 -0500