The Big Book on Small Groups

by Jeffrey Arnold

What's so big about small groups?With proven results in drawing people into community and helping them grow to maturity in Christ, small groups have established themselves as a crucial ministry of the church to its members and its mission field. But whether leading a small group, coaching small group leaders or implementing a churchwide ministry, you need vision, knowledge and skill to minister effectively through small groups.Jeffrey Arnold knows the pressures of small group ministry, but he has also seen the power of small groups in many ministry settings. In this revised edition of The Big Book on Small Groups, he breaks down small groups so that you can see them from all angles.The first four chapters focus on the structure and benefits of a small group ministry. Further chapters explore the basics of Christian community--prayer, worship, Bible study, outreach and mission, as well as how to multiply groups. Resources for further reading, ideas for coaches and trainers, and curriculum to photocopy for small group sessions are also included.A constant companion throughout your small group ministry, The Big Book on Small Groups will give you the basics to get you going--and the support and nurture you need to make small groups effective as a strategy for outreach and discipleship.

Genres: Leadership, Church, Nonfiction, Christian, Religion, Christianity

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Sumner Adkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found this book helpful in some ways, I found that it was very repetitive in others. Several of the ideas suggested, I’ve heard before and nothing felt original. Also, Arnold used the same passages of Scripture that every shallow Christian author (that might be harsh but it’s true) uses in their writings. There were definitely things to glean and I think you can always learn, but overall, I wouldn’t pick this up again.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talbot Course: Small Group Discipleship

This book is a standard when it comes to small groups. Some of it is very basic, but the author definitely has some good insights mixed in with practical tips and ideas.

[Michael Galarneau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good idea book for small group ministries. It is designed as a leader's training guide, so it has many helpful ideas for small group leaders. For me, the only downside is that is leans towards the cell model of small groups. Despite this (or because of this, if you are a fan of the cell model), it is a useful resource for developing/reimagining your Church's small group ministry.

[Brice Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for small group leaders

[Elliott Medlen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would really give it a 3.5/5 but that is not an option. It was very practical, but seemed to lack some needed depth.

[Jeff Noble]

The Big Book on Small Groups by Jeffrey Arnold (?)