http://smallgroups.com en-us http://smallgroups.com N/A bryan@upstateimage.com Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:20:53 -0400 20 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1636/1/Outreach_Options/Living_History.html Living history susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1623/1/Outreach_Options/I_Would_Write.html I Would Write susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1612/1/Outreach_Options/Love_Via_Video.html Love Via Video susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1605/1/Outreach_Options/A_Change_of_Pace.html A change of Pace susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1602/1/Building_Bridges_with_Small_Group_Community.html The Best Small Group Leader Ever once asked a philosophical question: “Who needs a doctor, the healthy or the sick?” The answer seems obvious, but the implication to your small group is more profound. Jesus then revealed his life mission: “I’m here inviting outsiders, not insiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out” (Luke 5:31, 32, The Message). Matthew’s gospel says it slightly differently: “I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders” (Matthew 9:13). micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1601/1/Targets_Targets_Targets.html Years ago, our cell church began to target segments of the unreached Houston community. Six week small groups were used to establish relationships between group members and strangers by targeting their shared common needs or interests. We sponsored HOPE (Helping Others Practice English) for Japanese immigrants. This was so successful that we formed a congregation with over 100 of them. FLOC (For the Love Of Children) drew dozens of couples who had autistic children. A “Wild Game Night” drew hunters and fishers. “Biking Together” targeted still another group. ralph@touchglocal.com (Ralph W. Neighbour Jr.) Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1600/1/Holy_Smokers_How_Tongs_Motorcycles_and_Horseshoes_are_Connecting_People_into_Groups.html Dan was very frustrated with his men’s group. He had an accountability group that met every Tuesday night around the conference table in the church library. Attendance was sketchy. He started with about a dozen guys. That number quickly dropped to a handful and then just a couple of guys. After Promise Keepers, or some other large men’s event, his group would grow, only to diminish once again. Allen.White@brookwoodchurch.org (Allen White) Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1599/1/Bringing_Christian_Community_into_Subcultures.html In my mind’s eye I can see it. I can see a life that is seamlessly filled with the love of Christ. I can see myself living out my hobbies, mowing my yard, and enjoying the relationships around me. It is a vision I have had for my life and for others for a very long time. It is what I call a life-integrated ministry that engages popular culture while sharing the Gospel. What and where are these communities for us to engage? They are all around us: bicycle clubs, LAN parties, Texas Hold’em parties, sports leagues, work-out gyms, book reading clubs - subculture after subculture after subculture. EricMetcalf@exchange.communitychristian.org (Eric Metcalf) Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1598/1/_One_Filmmakers_Perspective_on_Using_Video_in_Small_Groups.html My first memory of watching a video in church was in youth group. It was the early 1980’s when VHS was still new, so I must have been in 5th or 6th grade. The video was a movie about the rapture, and I remember two particular things about it. thomas@compasscinema.com (Thomas Purifoy, Jr.) Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1594/1/Outreach_Options/Free_Box.html Free Box susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1585/1/Outreach_Options/Leading_the_Way.html Leading the Way susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1574/1/Outreach_Options/Freedom_Writing.html Freedom Writing susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1568/1/Making_Your_Small_Groups_Models_of_Evangelism.html What would you guess is the most difficult of the five purposes (worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism) for most of those in your church? If you guessed evangelism, you would be right. Although people acknowledge its importance, whenever I ask people to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, they consistently state that they have the most difficult time trying to live out the purpose of evangelism. office@smallgroups.com (Steve Gladen) Sun, 03 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1569/1/Out_of_the_Holy_Huddles_and_Into_the_World.html Frequent moves have left my husband and me far from extended family. In our early years of marriage, I found this very painful. I now realize that the small groups we have belonged to have been our family support network. In many ways we have become closer to people in our small groups than to our own family members because of their availability and compassion. Still, this closeness also has a downside. smartwords@sbcglobal.net (Teena M. Stewart) Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1570/1/The_Makings_of_a_Great_Outreach-focused_Group.html Organizing or leading an outreach-focused group in a church setting is not for the weak. However, if you have been called and gifted by God for this task, you are in for the ride of your life! Anytime you attempt to bring others into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you will experience the lows – and highs – of spiritual warfare. acmogus@shaw.ca (Cathy Mogus) Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1576/1/Upside-Down_Assimilation_Moving_People_from_Outreach_Small_Groups_to_the_Larger_Church_Community.html We may get invited by someone we know, but many make their way to church communities because of special programs, reputation of the church, or location of the church building. The entry point is typically the large group gathering. For that reason, we have put a lot of effort into making our worship services places that are welcoming to visitors who don’t already have a close connection within the church.  For the most part, our worship services and large group gatherings have been the front door of most churches.But what about when people find their way into the church community first through a relational small group experience? dlentz@smallgroups.com (Dan Lentz) Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1571/1/Turning_Our_Group_Inside_Out.html Becoming ingrown is a natural tendency in Christian small groups. Small groups are usually composed of believers who become comfortable with each other and tend to resist adding newcomers to the mix. The following is a real story of an attempt to break out of this cycle and reach unchurched non-believers. gbussman@lccs.edu (Gary (Gerhard) Bussmann) Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1560/1/Outreach_Options/Go_Green.html Go Green! susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1554/1/Outreach_Options/Solid_Ground.html Solid Ground susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1541/1/Outreach_Options/Seven_days_for_love.html According to the web site, Global Issues, “Half the world — nearly three billion people — live on less than two dollars a day,” yet, “The combined wealth of the world’s 200 richest people hit $1 trillion in 1999. . . .” susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1535/1/Missional_Small_Groups/A_worthwhile_risk.html Outreach has a way of turning groups inside-out. Not a bad thing. Struggling groups and small group ministries have found help not by focusing on their own internal issues, but by looking beyond their problems and giving attention to the needs of those beyond their immediate relational circles. This article will present how missions benefits small groups and then share ways small groups can reach out together. reidsmith777@msn.com (Reid Smith) Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1537/1/Break_the_Huddle.html The best college football game ever played pitted one of my favorite teams, the Boise State Broncos, in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl against the winningest football program in the nation since World War II, the favorite Oklahoma Sooners. It was touted as David versus Goliath. The game was full of spectacular plays, an 18-point comeback by Oklahoma, trick plays, many dramatic, game-on-the-line moments, several unbelievable fourth-down conversions, and a spectacular overtime win by the underdog. Then, if that was not enough, the star player proposed marriage to his head cheerleader girlfriend on national television. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Sun, 04 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1536/1/Our_God-Sized_Plan_GSP.html This may be the most significant thing you ever do as a Small Group, so be sure to set aside some time for this. (Perhaps plan a Retreat to work on this together, for instance.)  What Is a GSP?  If you’ve read Jim Collins’s books (Built to Last or Good to Great), you’ll recognize that a God-Sized Plan is much like a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal): micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Sat, 03 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1538/1/From_Here_to_Eternity.html Here. It’s our reality. It’s where we live. It’s where we feel comfortable. For some, here is being at home with family and/or a few close friends. For others, here is traveling, speaking with strangers, and standing before thousands. Here. It’s where we gravitate when we feel insecure or frightened. A place we stand taller and speak with greater conviction, because it’s familiar – it’s easy. It is also the point from which we are more apt to reach out to others. However, reaching out to others with the message of eternity – God’s here; God’s reality - is a practice that requires a certain amount of nurturing. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1539/1/Show_Me_the_Way/Making_discipleship_your_mission.html You’ve got the purpose-driven church, the seeker-sensitive church, the connecting church, the emerging church, the simple church, the irresistible influence church, and the missional church to mention only a few of the most popular ways of organizing the church to be on mission with God. So which is it? Let me guess your answer. It’s none of the above. You’ve attended the latest seminar, bought the latest leadership handbook, got the T-Shirt, and you’re still stuck holding your Starbucks and asking yourself, “I wonder how long this new thing will last? Is that really what I need – another new thing, or should I be showing people a new way?” sdisabatino@theportico.ca (Sandro DiSabatino) Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1528/1/Outreach_Options.html Laundering love susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1518/1/Outreach_Options/quotGo_home_and_Love_Your_Family.html "Go Home and Love Your Family" susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 09 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1511/1/Outreach_Options/Back-to-School_FUN_Raiser.html Back-to-School Fun-Raiser susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1497/1/Outreach_Options/Tan_from_the_Son.html A dear friend and member of our congregation, Ron, got up to speak about the six months he and his wife, Nancy, had just spent in Mexico ministering to tourists and locals by serving as an interim pastor. It was obvious they had been somewhere warm because their beautiful tans contrasted greatly with our pallid North Dakota skin. Ron reached the platform, graciously took the microphone from the pastor, turned to face the congregation, and simply said, “I don’t want to hear another word about my outward tan from the sun. I want to talk about how to get a beautiful tan on the inside from the Son.” susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 08 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1487/1/Outreach_Options/Young_Love.html Young Love susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1475/1/Outreach_Options/The_Happiest_Experience_on_Earth.html The Happiest Experience on Earth susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1329/1/Outreach_Options/Running_Away.html Running Away susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1335/1/Christian_Community_Shines_Its_Light_on_the_World_and_in_the_Church.html When the Christian community lights its candles and puts off the aroma of Christ, those that are not yet Christians see it and begin to want what they see. They see how we treat each other and those around us. They are curious when they get scent of the aroma of Christ, and they wonder about it. How we act and react to the circumstances God places in our paths will go a long way in spreading the aroma of Christ to others. kjlentz@smallgroups.com (Kim Lentz) Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1321/1/Outreach_Options/Teen_Challenge.html Teen Challenge susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1309/1/Outreach_Options/Ready_Okay.html Ready? Okay! susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 06 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1301/1/Outreach_Options/The_Melody_of_Encouragement.html The Melody of Encouragement susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1289/1/Outreach_Options/Learning_to_Lose.html Learning to Lose susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1294/1/Family_Group_Covenants_for_the_Family_in_Need.html “Are we serving the most troubled families in Atlanta?” A study said “No,” and a follow-up study recommended “How” we could meet these needs. New Hope Ministries was born as a demonstration/research project that served 120 multi-problem families with high-risk children. The ministry showed that families with multiple problems make significant gains using practical goals and caring, prayerful support. It is much like viewing the family as a small group that agrees to a group covenant. RcecShaw@aol.com (Robert Shaw) Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1284/1/Outreach_Options.html A pie in the heart - Last fall, at the school where I teach, the student council set up a booth in the lunchroom where students could pay a dollar to throw a whipped cream pie in someone’s face. Those selected to be attacked were favorite teachers, the editor of the newspaper, popular football players, and a few other students. The fundraiser was a success because students wanted a chance to be connected and to share an experience with someone popular. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 06 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1278/1/Grouping_People_Outside_The_Church.html When a church is launching or casting vision for its small group ministry, the focus is usually on getting people already a part of the church to become part of a small group. What if we turned this on its head? What if we trained up small group leaders, like we do church planters, and sent them out to plant new small groups among those who do not yet know Christ? Imagine if a church made their primary concern connecting people outside of their own community of believers (Romans 15:20)! reidsmith777@msn.com (Reid Smith) Sat, 04 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1279/1/Change_the_World_by_Meeting_People_and_Walking_With_Them.html In my opinion, there has been no greater description of how to create an environment where an unbeliever will become aware of the Jesus I know than through doing just that. In order for the unbelieving world to welcome the suggestion of a living, transforming Jesus that can not presently be seen, they must first see a group of people who know Him.  rick.howerton@serendipityhouse.com (Rick Howerton) Fri, 03 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1280/1/Do_We_Need_An_Evangelism_Ministry.html The following is an excerpt from a great little book titled, “The Secret to a Great Evangelism Ministry” by Steven Elzinga, published by The Bible League. This story begins with newspaper editor, Lucas Hudson (a traditional church attender), having a phone conversation with reporter, Jack McClellan (a non-believer), who is doing a story about a new church movement in England. The story is about how this movement has gained so many new members. dlentz@smallgroups.com (Dan Lentz) Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1281/1/Beyond_the_Social_Scene.html “What can the seminary do to better prepare our graduates to enter the ministry?’” the dean said to an older, successful pastor. The candid answer was unexpected. “Get them saved!” The pastor had been dealing with an associate who was floundering with the reality of his faith. baileywick@juno.com (Esther M. Bailey) Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1272/1/Outreach_Options/Trust_and_Treat.html Trust and Treat:A friend of mine is a single mom of three kids. For the past several years, she has dropped by our home sometime on Halloween night. The mom, Wendy, sits down for the first time all day while our teenagers take her oldest daughter and son (9 and 7) trick-or-treating around our neighborhood. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 08 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1263/1/Outreach_Options/Treasure_Hunt.html September 2006 - Treasure Hunt susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 05 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1257/1/Outreach_Options/Gateway_to_possibilities.html Gateway to possibilities susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 07 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1243/1/Outreach_Options/A_Buck_Ninety-One.html A Buck Ninety-One susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1230/1/Outreach_Options/Liquid_Love.html Liquid Love susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 04 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1235/1/Why_Dont_More_People_Attend_Small_Groups.html "We are committed to becoming a church of small groups." "Life-change happens best in small groups." "Everyone needs authentic community." These statements, and others like them, are heard often in churches around the country. Small groups have become a big deal. Churches desiring to help members connect relationally and to grow in discipleship have turned to the small group (5 to15 people meeting regularly in a home) paradigm. They have hired small group directors, highlighted groups in sermons, and promoted groups in their ministry strategy. steve@crossroadsumc.org (Steve Cordle) Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1224/1/Outreach_Options.html Care walking susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 05 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1214/1/Outreach_Options/College-bound_baskets.html College-bound baskets susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 02 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1205/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_Spring_Cleaning.html Spring Cleaning susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 06 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1195/1/Outreach_Options/More_Than_a_Story.html More than a story - I just finished reading through several personal columns. As the high school journalism adviser, I was on the lookout for anything that might put my job in jeopardy - libelous statements, profanity, references to sex, drugs, or inappropriate rock and roll. Instead, I found feelings explored, once-hidden hurts revealed, and epiphanies explained. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 03 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1181/1/Outreach_Options/A_New_Outlook.html A new outlook - Last month, the English department at the school where I teach adopted three families who had fled an abusive situation and sought safety in a shelter. My journalism students and I decided that we would support one of these families - a pregnant mom and a nine-year-old boy. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 02 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1170/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Breath_of_life.html Breath of life susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 01 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1151/1/eTraining_-_Creating_and_Keeping_an_Outreach_Focus_in_Your_Small_Group.html "Creating and Keeping an Outreach Focus in Your Small Group" is an interactive training experience with audio and video features designed to help small groups keep an outward focus. office@smallgroups.com (SmallGroups.com ) Thu, 17 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1162/1/Outreach_Options/Grounded_in_Love.html Grounded In Love - My husband and I recently began a small group on parenting. We are far from being experts on the subject, but we are finding that we are not alone in our struggles. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 02 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1472/1/Outreach_Options.html This month, have your group members think of those people in their life that tend to be unappreciated and often ignored because of their job. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sat, 01 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1018/1/Outreach_Options.html Today I listened to a fellow English teacher share the struggles of being a working mom. It was clear that staying home was not an option for her. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 07 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1130/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Gatorade_Gala.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 09 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1027/1/Dangerous_Small_Groups.html " I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NIV). micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Fri, 05 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1028/1/How_Small_Group_Community_and_Mission_Fit_Together.html During the question time of the small group seminar, one leader said, "My group doesn't want to evangelize and multiply. They want to grow intimate with each other, but resist talking about outreach and breaking up. What should I tell them?" joelcomiskey@msn.com (Joel Comiskey) Thu, 04 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1030/1/The_Tug-of-War_between_Community_and_Evangelism.html In practice, most Christian small groups prioritize community over evangelism. Carl George, in Nine Keys to Effective Small Group Leadership, reports that in a given year, one Christian small group in four will "win someone to faith in Christ" (p. 6). That means that three out of four will not. eddyhall@living-stones.com (Eddy Hall) Tue, 02 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1031/1/Balancing_Mission_and_Comfort-_An_Olympic_Feat.html In a small group environment, there is a similar balancing act. The balancing act that every group should try to achieve is the exhortation from Christ to keep our eyes on the harvest fields (Matt. 9:36-38) and the goal to develop community in every group rdempsey@liberty.edu (Rod Dempsey) Mon, 01 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1124/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_The_Magic_of_Love.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sat, 09 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1118/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Fast_Food_Blitz.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 09 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1037/1/Groundbreaking_Community.html A man walked into a convenience store, threatened the clerk with a knife, and demanded cash. When she gave him the money, he thanked her, walked out and proceeded to sit down on the curb in front of the store. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Mon, 06 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1038/1/New_Entry_Doors.html I have heard the term "doors" used repeatedly as a metaphor in recent years to describe church outreach. dlentz@smallgroups.com (Dan Lentz) Sun, 05 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1039/1/Outreach_Small_Groups_in_the_Church.html Jesus was serious about relationships. He spent all night talking to his Father. He hung out with his disciples, listened to their questions, and taught them patiently. bettyvw@msn.com (Betty Veldman Wieland) Sat, 04 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1040/1/If_You_Invite_Them_They_Will_Come.html I help my family lead a group of high school students. In the last two years, we have seen almost two-dozen unchurched kids come to Christ. dearley@liberty.edu (Dave Earley) Fri, 03 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1041/1/Seeker_Small_Groups/Engaging_Spiritual_Seekers_in_Life-Changing_Discussions.html A seeker small group is a community of non-Christians who gather regularly with one or two Christians to explore spiritual matters. gpoole@willowcreek.org (Garry Poole) Thu, 02 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1042/1/Small_Groups__The_New_Front_Door.html It was a defining moment in Jesus' relationship with his disciples. John 13 says that Passover evening started with an amazing hands-on illustration of fully extended love. boyd@churchteams.com (Boyd Pelley) Wed, 01 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1112/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Book_an_Outreach_Opportunity.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1106/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Reaching_In.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 10 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1049/1/Taking_the_Church_to_the_People.html Many remember a time in North America when the Sunday evening church service was labeled "evangelism night." Many were won to Christ through those services. joelcomiskey@msn.com (Joel Comiskey) Tue, 05 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1050/1/Expanding_the_Neighborhood_through_Small_Groups.html The primary mission field (the new "neighborhood" of mission) is defined by the average distance people within your zip code are willing to drive to work and to shop. bandy@easumbandy.com (Thomas Bandy) Mon, 04 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1051/1/How_to_Funnel_People_into_Your_Group.html I sometimes refer to the process by which people get into small groups as the "funnel." A funnel is a device which has a wide opening at one end and a small opening at the other end. Funnels help get things into small, hard-to-access openings. dlentz@smallgroups.com (Dan Lentz) Sun, 03 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1052/1/Reach_Out_and_Touch_PeopleRight_Where_They_Live.html If you are looking for a way to incorporate outreach and mission into your small group ministry, look no further than the neighborhoods into which God has placed church members. The uttermost parts of the earth may lie a lot closer than you think. myocumsg@aol.com (Marilyn Yocum) Sat, 02 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1053/1/Welcome_to_the_Neighborhood/A_Discussion_with_a_Neighborhood_Group_Leader.html At Northeast Christian Church, where I serve as Small Groups Pastor, we have a variety of types of groups. One popular type is the neighborhood group. They are an important strategy in our plan to reach out to our community and to shepherd our people in community. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Fri, 01 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1100/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Gunpoint_Belief.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 09 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1094/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Recycled_Outreach.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 09 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1088/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Book_Love.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 09 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1084/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Growing_the_Grinchs_Heart.html  Group Outreach - Growing the Grinch's Heart susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 09 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/18/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Neighborhood_Watch.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 09 Nov 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/33/1/Outreach_Options/Individual_Outreach.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sat, 09 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/44/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_The_Gift_of_Graffiti.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 09 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/51/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Operation_Backpack.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 09 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/57/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_God-Rated_Outreach.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 09 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/147/1/Affinity/Only_a_Stepping_Stone_on_the_Journey_to_Oneness_and_Embracing_Our_Commission.html Whether it is age, vocation, family status, hobbies, or personal interests, affinities have proven to create the context that helps all types of groups form relationships and bond into a community. But is the end goal to get a small group to just bond?" dlentz@smallgroups.com (Dan Lentz) Fri, 02 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/63/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Glancing_Behind_the_Mask.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 09 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/163/1/Is_Your_Small_Group_The_Front_Door_or_the_Back_Door_to_the_Church.html Did you know that Crossroads Bible Church has a back door? It's the best-kept secret at the church. mike@crossroadsbible.org (Mike Messerli) Tue, 01 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/70/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Single-Minded_Love.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 09 May 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/80/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Windshield_of_the_Soul.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 09 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/86/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Caring_Packages.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 09 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/111/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Extreme_Spiritual_Makeovers.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 09 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/117/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Change_for_a_Penny.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 09 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/123/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Are_you_just_wearing_the_T-shirt.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 09 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/129/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_When_is_Your_Thanksgiving_Day.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 09 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/135/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Go_Team.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 09 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/141/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Back_to_School.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 09 Sep 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/148/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Circles_of_Love.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sat, 09 Aug 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/155/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Teach_them_the_way.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 09 Jul 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/275/1/Stop_the_Drift.html The mission statement of Northeast Christian Church is "to team with God in turning unchurched people into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ." Many of the small groups at the church, however, could be described as "perpetual 'holding tanks' micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Sun, 06 Jul 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/175/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Sounds_of_Summer.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 09 Jun 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/281/1/His_Church_is_really_at_Work.html Imagine hundreds of small groups initiated by your church popping up all over your city. Not in homes but in an area that God wants for Himself---the workplace! JOHN@PRIORITYINSIGHT.COM (John Crosby) Thu, 05 Jun 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/285/1/Saving_Conversations/What_a_Seeker_Looks_For.html Like stepping to the free-throw line with the game point in your hands, there can be that same stomach-churning anxiety when it comes to sharing the gospel. Greg.Smith@imminet.com (Greg Smith) Sun, 01 Jun 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/181/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Flowers_of_Faith.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 09 May 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/307/1/How_to_Keep_a_Small_Group_Evangelistically_Open.html After I gave a cell conference in Liverpool, Australia, Andrew Harper, associate pastor at Liverpool Christian Centre, pointed out to me that my seminar lacked any clear presentation of small group evangelism. joelcomiskey@msn.com (Joel Comiskey) Sat, 03 May 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/308/1/Thinking_Outside_the_Group.html Have you ever been challenged to think outside the box? Or to quote a recent television ad, think outside the bun? Beyond the soft security of the bun is the tantalizing crunch of the taco shell. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 02 May 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/219/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Spring_into_Action.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 09 Apr 2003 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/225/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Breaking_Through_the_Bars.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 09 Mar 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/237/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Meeting_God.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 09 Feb 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/243/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Out-reaching_Resolutions.html    susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 09 Jan 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/258/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Some_Assembly_Required.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 09 Dec 2002 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/264/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Acts_of_Thanksliving.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sat, 09 Nov 2002 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/270/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_The_Treasure_of_Trash.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 09 Oct 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/289/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Fall_Footwork.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Mon, 09 Sep 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/295/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Baby_Steps.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Fri, 09 Aug 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/301/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_A_Warm_Welcome.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 09 Jul 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/472/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_The_Treasures_of_the_Church.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 09 Jun 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/361/1/Tools_that_Help_Small_Groups_Keep_an_Outward_Focus.html When I was in grade school, my friends and I once got all excited when we realized that some people's belly buttons were different from other people's belly buttons! Have you ever made this discovery? dlentz@smallgroups.com (Dan Lentz) Wed, 05 Jun 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/362/1/The_Pastor_Next_Door.html I don't know why I was so surprised. After all, it had been my own experience most of my ministry life. The fact that a pastor living in my community was the least known person in the neighborhood should simply have made sense, but it did not. office@smallgroups.com (Don Tillman) Tue, 04 Jun 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/363/1/Creative_Evangelism.html To prepare for an outreach event in the life of the church, why not promote a Creative Evangelism Month within your small group? baileywick@juno.com (Esther M. Bailey) Mon, 03 Jun 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/364/1/Signing_Your_Life_Away.html My signature becomes my word when I sign checks, tax forms, petitions, applications, letters or cards. By signing my name I am saying that I am good for the money I am promising, or that I believe in a cause, or that all the above information about me is true. susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 02 Jun 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/365/1/Dont_Ask_People_to_quotCome_to_Your_Small_Groupquot_-_Take_Your_Small_Group_to_the_People/A_Strategy_for_Small_Group_Outreach.html There is a powerful small group exercise called "Life Map" that helps people recall significant people or moments in their spiritual journey. dlentz@smallgroups.com (Dan Lentz) Sat, 01 Jun 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/479/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_A_Cup_of_Cold_Water.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Thu, 09 May 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/485/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Heathen_Haven.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Tue, 09 Apr 2002 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/491/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_Picture_Them_Perfect.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sat, 09 Mar 2002 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/497/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_The_Least_of_These.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sat, 09 Feb 2002 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/503/1/Outreach_Options/Group_Outreach_-_The_Gift_of_Love.html   susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Wed, 09 Jan 2002 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/403/1/Assign_Outreach_as_Your_Next_Small_Group_Homework.html As a small group leader I put in many hours each week preparing a lesson and pastoring those in my group with encouraging notes, emails, hospital visits, an occasional lunch date and prayer. This is what I love to do and I am committed to the sacrifice of time and energy. But what about the members of my small group? susan_skalicky@educ8.org (Sue Skalicky) Sun, 04 Nov 2001 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/454/1/Small_Group_Missions_Here_and_Now.html I'm a full-time missionary. I've dedicated my life to learn another language and culture. Two of my three daughters were born in Ecuador. joelcomiskey@msn.com (Joel Comiskey) Mon, 04 Dec 2000 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/455/1/Rolling_Out_the_Welcome_Mat.html When you think about your small group reaching out to different cultures, images of reaching out to people groups of other nations normally come to our mind, however there are many people groups and sub-cultures right around us that we tend to exclude from our group life. dlentz@smallgroups.com (Dan Lentz) Sun, 03 Dec 2000 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/456/1/Time_to_Wake_Up.html "As you go, make disciples of all cultures, …" That sounds a little different than we're used to hearing the Great Commission, yet this is a closer translation from the Greek. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Sat, 02 Dec 2000 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/457/1/A_Christmas_Gift_of_Love.html Every year about this time I catch the buying and giving fever. I love giving gifts. About December 1st I began looking at my friends and my family trying to think of something I could buy for each of them. heartbeat@alluretech.net (Tami Rudkin) Fri, 01 Dec 2000 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/559/1/Preparing_for_Outreach_through_Evangelism-Based_Prayer.html The greatest way to prepare for service-based outreach to our lost friends and neighbors is to pray. Before you plan the next service project, consider trying one or more of the following prayer-evangelism tools: Hurstonm@bellsouth.net (Karen Hurston) Mon, 03 Jul 2000 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/560/1/Ideas_for_Reaching_Out.html Through listserves and discussion boards the Small Group Network has received several practical ideas from members on how to do service-based evangelism. dlentz@smallgroups.com (Dan Lentz) Sun, 02 Jul 2000 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1454/1/One_Neighborhood_at_a_Time.html I heard recently that there are more than 3 million small groups in America. So, let me ask you a question. Can you tell? I mean, are they making any real difference in our country? micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Sat, 01 Jul 2000 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/561/1/Serving_by_Example.html As a Small Group Director for a local church, I keep a lot of things on our group leader's radar screens: encouraging deeper levels of fellowship, being transformed by the Word, caring for one another, developing a sense of group worship… dlentz@smallgroups.com (Dan Lentz) Sat, 01 Jul 2000 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/600/1/Crank_Up_the_Contrast/Unbelievers_wont_change_if_they_cant_see_a_difference_in_you.html A couple of years ago, my cell group celebrated Communion as we did on a bimonthly basis. It was usually a very meaningful time, but this evening was particularly awesome. randall@touchusa.org (Randall Neighbour) Mon, 04 Oct 1999 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/601/1/Fishing_Together/A_Dynamic_Approach_to_Reaching_Unbelievers_through_Your_Small_Group.html Below is a 12-step approach any small group can use to target and reach your network of nonbelievers through "fishing" together as a team (New Testament style - Matthew 4:19: "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men.") jayfirebaugh@sbcglobal.net (Janet Firebaugh) Sun, 03 Oct 1999 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/602/1/Lighthouses_of_Prayer.html Eugene Fox introduces this article: "Without any need to be dramatic, I believe this is likely one of the most important messages I will ever send. In involves the highly effective spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. office@smallgroups.com (Bob Fox) Sat, 02 Oct 1999 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1428/1/Reaching_Out.html I attended the first ever Willow Creek Evangelism Conference last month, October 19-21. I joined 2,522 others there (representing 74 denominations, 857 churches, 48 states, and 17 countries) for the most exciting week I can remember in a long time. (My top gift is evangelism, as is my passion.) micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Sat, 05 Dec 1998 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/653/1/Carolling_and_Candy_Canes.html Does your church hold a cantata or special service to celebrate Christmas? If so, your small group can help spread the word to people who might not otherwise attend a church function during Christmas time. sue.kline@navpress.com (Sue Kline) Tue, 03 Nov 1998 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/654/1/Breaking_Up_Hard_Soil.html A CellChurch reader recently emailed me to ask this question: "We're in a bedroom community in a suburban area of a large city. randall@touchusa.org (Randall Neighbour) Mon, 05 Oct 1998 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1426/1/Be_A_Friend_of_Sinners.html At the church where I minister we call our small groups "Community Groups" for two important reasons: First, they are a place where authentic Christian community takes place. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Sun, 04 Oct 1998 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/655/1/The_Lighthouse.html A lighthouse conjures up the opposite image of a haunted house. On October 31, 1996, our small group, which we call a "Hope Group," had a "Lighthouse" in our front yard. TobinCBort@aol.com (Tobin Bortner) Sun, 04 Oct 1998 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/656/1/Praying_House_by_House.html One of the key dynamics of cell churches is outreach to communities of which they are a part. The most powerful outreach is always grounded in prayer. whitesf@clear.net.nz (Stephen White) Sat, 03 Oct 1998 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/658/1/Six_Ways_to_Serve_Your_Community.html Is your group looking for creative ways to serve your community? Here's some great Ideas from Keith D. Wright. revkwright@aol.com (Keith Wright) Thu, 01 Oct 1998 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/697/1/In_Our_Own_Backyards.html Last summer, our small group didn't study the Bible. We didn't pray much together either. And worship was definitely out in our group. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Wed, 06 May 1998 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/698/1/Make_Your_Cell_Meeting_Visitor-Friendly.html Ellen came to my cell group the first time with her neighbor, one of our cell members. She was an older woman who was recently divorced. jimegli@successfulsmallgroups.com (Jim Egli) Tue, 05 May 1998 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1416/1/Gods_Invited_Guests.html Do you remember the first time you were invited to a small group? I do. I had visited Centerville Christian Church in Dayton, Ohio, and met a few people my age. (I was 28 at the time, and was shopping for a church. I had not yet given my life to Christ.) They invited me to their group, and I noticed that some of them were single and others were married, but that didn't matter; they all seemed to have a strong desire to grow in the Lord, and they really cared about each other. And, besides that, they were fun to be around! micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Mon, 04 May 1998 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/699/1/Cures_for_a_Shrinking_Group.html In Issue 86 we introduced Jeff, whose small group had shrunk from 12 members to four. This left him wondering whether to disband the group or keep going with the faithful few. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Mon, 04 May 1998 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/700/1/How_to_Invite_Someone_to_Your_Small_Group.html Most of us feel a twinge of apprehension about inviting friends or neighbors to our small groups. The following steps may help ease some of that fear and increase the likelihood that they'll say yes. Writewon@aol.com (Rebecca Livermore) Sun, 03 May 1998 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/703/1/Discovering_your_Oikos.html Outreach, friendship evangelism, prospecting, and the empty chair are all buzz words that have been used in small group ministry through the years. heartbeat@alluretech.net (Tami Rudkin) Mon, 06 Apr 1998 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/745/1/Good_Old_Summertime_for_Your_Group.html What's your group doing for the next three months? micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Mon, 05 May 1997 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1146/1/Building_Groups_or_Making_Disciples_Models_for_Intentional_Discipleship_in_a_Small_Groups_Church.html Two years into my ministry at First Christian Church in Naperville, Illinois, I came to a stunning realization. Although by all outward signs our groups were a success, something vital was missing. A person could be actively involved in our small group system (or our Adult Bible Classes) and conceivably never learn how to have a personal prayer life, never get a basic overview of the Bible, never learn Bible study skills, never discover their spiritual gifts, and never learn how to share their faith. david@lifejourneychurch.com (David Limiero) Mon, 03 Feb 1997 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1367/1/Small_Group_Training_Meeting_Outline-Group_Service.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) Thu, 04 Jul 1996 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1368/1/Service_A_Matter_of_Focus_for_Groups.html I’ve heard the stories of the groups that serve meals to the homeless in the inner-city shelter, those that refurbish a house for a single parent, or the group that travels together to eastern Europe to work in a church located in an area that was once part of the former Soviet state. rdamon@valleycc.org (Robert Damon) Wed, 03 Jul 1996 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/852/1/Open_or_Closed.html A church leader asked me the following question by an e-mail message. The question is a fundamental one for small group ministry--and leads us to think about what happens outside the group meeting. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Fri, 03 May 1996 00:00:00 -0400 http://smallgroups.com/articles/864/1/Vic__Sigma/How_We_Reached_Our_Neighbors_and_Launched_an_Investigative_Study.html Soon after we moved into our forty-unit apartment building, my wife and I wanted to start a Bible study to reach out to the unbelievers who lived there. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Tue, 12 Mar 1996 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/865/1/10_Tips_for_Starting_an_Investigative_Study.html 1.     Set a time and place for the meeting. Choose a time that is relatively free from conflicts. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Mon, 11 Mar 1996 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/867/1/Blessed_to_Be_a_Blessing.html There is a natural tension between nurture and evangelism in most groups. Nurture is natural and easy; evangelism is often not as easy. Here is a list of things you can try in your group to keep evangelism as a focus. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Sat, 09 Mar 1996 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/868/1/Opened_or_Closed.html What is the biggest issue on which people disagree regarding small groups? As I have led small group workshops, I think I've found the answer to that question: Should groups be open or closed? micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Fri, 08 Mar 1996 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/869/1/How_Can_We_Reach_Out.html I'm leading a group through the lifestyle evangelism video series, Living Proof. When we finish this series, we plan to divide into two groups to start evangelistic Bible studies. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Thu, 07 Mar 1996 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/870/1/Reaching_Neighbors_with_Jesus.html Our cell group has happened upon what is one of the most effective methods for reaching out into your immediate neighborhood I have ever heard of. It is an ideal outreach method for a small group. JWHines@aol.com (Jim Hines) Wed, 06 Mar 1996 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1352/1/Living_Evangelistically.html I thought it would never happen to me. But it has. Since becoming a Christian eight years ago, I've noticed something interesting about the church. Generally, the longer a person is a Christian, the fewer non-Christian friends he has . . . and the less opportunities he has to share his faith with others. I thought that would never happen to me. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Tue, 05 Mar 1996 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/872/1/Resources_for_Small_Group_Evangelism.html The following represent just a few of the many books, videos, and other resources available on the topic of evangelism. micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Tue, 05 Mar 1996 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/874/1/Evangelism_Sites_on_the_Web.html Evangelism Resources for Small Groups micmac@smallgroups.com (Michael C. Mack) Mon, 04 Mar 1996 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1354/1/Evangelism_in_Small_Groups.html Evangelism in groups? Gasp! Just when everyone was getting used to the \"touchy-feely\" stuff of groups with fellowship, learning/study, and sharing/prayer, now we have to add evangelism, too? rdamon@valleycc.org (Robert Damon) Fri, 01 Mar 1996 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1353/1/Small_Group_Training_Meeting_Outline_-_Evangelism.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) Fri, 01 Mar 1996 00:00:00 -0500 http://smallgroups.com/articles/1351/1/The_Small_Group_Clinic.html Some of the people in my group would like us to do some form of evangelism, as a group. I find this intimidating, and many of the group members have expressed a concern about giving up our group time for evangelism. I know we should be doing something. Do you have any ideas on how to approach this? tcorrigan@serv.bz (Thom Corrigan) Fri, 01 Mar 1996 00:00:00 -0500