Small Group Training Manual

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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Small Group Training Manual Submitted to Dr. Garner, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of the course DSMN 630 – D01 Small Group Ministries by Shannon Gillham May 8, 2015 Contents Introduction 1 Motivations for Developing Groups 1 Biblical Foundations for Groups 3 What is a Small Group 4 How to Develop Small Group Leaders 5 How to Lead a Group 8 How to Grow Small Groups 9 How to Multiply Small Groups 10 How to Develop/Transition to Small Groups 11 Conclusion 12 Bibliography 13 Introduction Small groups have become a daunting task for churches to accomplish. There are many aspects of small groups that need to be addressed when starting, building, and transitioning small groups. Without the proper training, small groups may very well fail. This manual seeks to provide biblically based information to help church’s succeed. Motivations for Developing Groups There are several reasons to motivate a church to develop small groups. The first motivation is the natural human need for each other. 1 Corinthians 12:21 says, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’” Each of us is essential to the growth of our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers. We were all designed to be a part of the Body of Christ. Each of us belongs and each of us needs one another. We also have a natural need to have a relationship with our creator, God. It has been built into our DNA to desire a relationship with him. This relationship doesn’t only go one way. God yearns for a relationship with us as well. He also desires for us to be meeting together. Small groups are just as much about what is important for us, as it is what is important to God.
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