Note: Click Key Principles for Re-Launching to see a free article from this resource.
This Training Theme is designed for churches that have launched small-groups programs in the past, but are still waiting for the ministry to fully take root. It's also for churches that encountered a negative experience with small groups in the past, but want to try again. As a Training Theme, this download is designed for small-group pastors or directors planning a church-wide training meeting to equip all small-group leadership. However, it will also be helpful to any ministry leader who wants more information about re-launching a small-groups program.
BIBLE STUDY
My Favorite Hero
The example of Nehemiah shows us what it takes to make a difference for God.
Nehemiah 6:15-16
by John Ortberg
INTERVIEW
Key Principles for Re-Launching with John Atkinson
John Atkinson discusses several important factors for small-groups ministries contemplating a re-launch.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
ASSESSMENTS
Look Backward, Look Forward
Use these tools to evaluate past failures and plan for future success.
Proverbs 24:32
by Rick Lowry
Gene Therapy for Small Groups
Here is a checklist of the vital steps in small-group evolution.
Psalm 139:15-16
by John Atkinson
CASE STUDIES
Creating a "Discipling Community"
Learning from your mistakes is a vital step in starting over again.
James 1:2-4
by James R. Tozer
A Women's Group Ministry Is Revived
Learn the benefits of moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
by Denise Farrar
DEVOTIONALS
The Warehouse with Wings
Learn to deal with the inevitable resistance caused by leadership drag.
Psalm 56:1-2
by Craig Brian Larson
The Value of Mistakes
The best leaders aren't afraid of a reasonable mess
Proverbs 14:4
by Steve Matthewson
HOW-TO ARTICLES
What Went Wrong?
Here are seven reasons why small-group ministries fail to soar
Proverbs 28:13
by Jack Dyson
Chronic Jump-Start Syndrome
Is your small-group ministry suffering from this common disease?
James 5:14
by Dan Lentz
The A-B-Cs of Small-Group Resuscitation
Here are three important steps to restoring the life of your small-group ministry
Ezekiel 37:5
by Reid Smith
Starting Over
Here are the benefits of using a finesse approach when re-launching
Matthew 4:18-22
by Bill Tenny-Brittian
ACTIVITY
Developing an Invitational Culture
Use this practical activity to help evaluate your church's methods of attracting people into small groups
John 1:40-42
by Brooke B. Collison
RESOURCES
Further Exploration
Websites and books to help re-launch your small-groups ministry
Sample Retreat Schedule
How to create a weekend retreat on the theme of "Re-Launching a Small-Groups Ministry"
Total number of pages - 23
