When you think of the word "model" what comes to mind? When I was a child one of my favorite activities was constructing model cars. I had a ’67 Mustang Fastback and then I had a ’69 SS Camaro along with many others. It was a great thrill, to not only purchase the replica of the actual car, but it was equally fun to put the model together and enjoy the finished product for years to come....

Help I’m Confused! The 21st century church is confronted with a plethora of different small group models. Some of the most popular models at the moment fundamentally contradict each other.

Churches that are actively pursuing small group ministry, intentionally or unintentionally, choose an organizational structure and system that provides a framework for group purpose, growth, outreach, leader development, ongoing leader support, and group multiplication. This framework or system that a church uses to accomplish these small group functions is sometimes called a small group ministry "model."

About two years ago we fired our coaches. OK, truth be told, we didn’t really have any coaches to fire. Two years ago we liberated our small group staff to coach the small group leaders directly – without the aid of a lay coach.