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Leading Small Groups in the Way of Jesus
Is there any arena in the contemporary church more perplexing than small groups? Leaders and participants alike fill them with promises of unparalleled spiritual intimacy and reliable relationship. Experts put forward model after model, paradigm after paradigm, and frustrated small group leaders and followers meander from one to the next in increasingly vain hope that the next model will deliver the goods. What could be more natural than a group of people sitting together, talking? What could be more contrived than a packaged curriculum, with prefab questions and notes for leaders? Such is the problem of small groups. Scott Boren has wrestled with these challenges for years, in the context of his own small-group ministries and in consultation with churches of every stripe. In this book he reminds us that any small group, no matter how it's organized, is at its heart a collection of people each walking in the way of Jesus. That means we are going somewhere―together―and that means we have a reliable guide.
- GenresChristian
219 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2014
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24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 5, 2015
Chances are your church has small group resources: curriculum, handbooks and user friendly guides. If you have led small groups (or been apart of one for any length of time) you probably have a few 'techniques' and tricks in your back pocket to help people get spiritually deep and foster a sense of community. A lot of ink has been spilled on how to lead small groups and lead them well.
Leading Small Groups in the Way of Jesus is a different book entirely. M. Scott Boren is a noted expert on small groups. As president of the Center for Community and Mission he consults and trains churches on how to have a vibrant small group ministry. But this isn't a book about having the right vision, the right personality, the right gift sets or the right methods. Leading Small Groups in the Way of Jesus is about being relational and attending to where God is at work among those who are gathered. Boren writes:
That metaphor is Shepherding. Boren points to our good shepherd, Jesus, who led the sheep by being with tthem as he guided them. Shepherding is relationship (or relationship with a purpose). If we are to shepherd small groups in the way of Jesus several practices which help nurture us on the way. Boren suggests eight:
Hearing the rhythms of the Jesus way (chapter three)--help people press into (i) communion with God, (ii) relationship with one another and (iii) engagement with the world (55).
Gathering in the Presence (chapter four)--creating a communal space for each person to encounter Jesus and find where He intersects each of our stories.
Leading Collaboratively (chapter five)--sharing leadership with in a group (92-6), having 'elders' who speak into each group (96-100), and partnering with other groups and ministries (100-101).
Being Yourself (chapter six)--leading authentically out of your own gifts, passions and personality rather than a one-size-fits-all model.
Hanging Out (chapter seven)--engaging in the holy inefficiency of 'wasting time' getting to know one another (rather than hoisting burdensome commitments on people who aren't ready).
Making a difference (chapter eight)--through paying attention to neighbors and networks, reflecting on them, acting locally and being a faithful presence for the wider culture (153-60).
Fighting well (chapter nine)--moving past passiveness or aggressiveness towards mutual listening, sharing and affirmation
Pointing the way to the cross (chapter ten)--helping people make the journey of surrender in a manner that transforms intentions, relationships and our very being (189).
As the above summary illustrates, leading small groups in the way of Jesus is not 'technique-less.' It takes purpose, intention and a little bit of know how if we are to shepherd people well. However, relational leadership requires flexibility and adaptability in our programs and approach. People (like sheep) do not always go where we as leaders intend. Boren illustrates that wise relational shepherds, know when to leave the flock to pursue the wanderers, when to speak truth and most importantly when to listen.
So despite eschewing technique, Boren has a lot of practical advice. His chapter on Gathering in the Presence (chapter four) is about attending to Jesus in our midst but Boren also advises weekly meetings, welcoming people, sharing communion, managing the space or location, explaining again and again what you are doing, facilitating conversations, and ending on time (77). He touches on how to listen well, the importance of eating together and the importance of listening and welcoming children as God's agents in small groups (79-81).
Much of what Boren says about small group leadership, applies to Christian leadership in general (the way youth ministry books apply to ministry in general). I think there is a lot that is fruitful here for any small group leader, regardless of their level of experience. I agree with his emphasis on relationship over techniques and think that experienced leaders will nod, and make good use of his insights. Yet I still think those 'technique-driven' accounts on small group leadership have a liminal place, giving new leaders baby steps. As affirming as Boren is, and as attentive as he is to practical considerations, I still wonder if the small group noobs would benefit from something simpler, at least for the short term. But Boren's approach is robust, relational, holistic and compelling. I wouldn't want new leaders to stop short of the vision that Boren shares here. I give this book four stars.
Notice of material connection: I received this book from IVP in exchange for my honest review. I receive no monetary compensation and was not asked to write a positive review.
Leading Small Groups in the Way of Jesus is a different book entirely. M. Scott Boren is a noted expert on small groups. As president of the Center for Community and Mission he consults and trains churches on how to have a vibrant small group ministry. But this isn't a book about having the right vision, the right personality, the right gift sets or the right methods. Leading Small Groups in the Way of Jesus is about being relational and attending to where God is at work among those who are gathered. Boren writes:
The search for the ideal personality, the ideal vision and the ideal actions will send us off on detours that might look like the way of Jesus but in reality have little in common with it. We need to reframe leadership greatness so that our way of leading begins to reflect the way of Jesus. For this, Jesus does not give us much in the way of vision clarity or specific actions. Instead Jesus specialized in telling stories and using metaphors, one of which can help us see leadership as he did (23).
That metaphor is Shepherding. Boren points to our good shepherd, Jesus, who led the sheep by being with tthem as he guided them. Shepherding is relationship (or relationship with a purpose). If we are to shepherd small groups in the way of Jesus several practices which help nurture us on the way. Boren suggests eight:
Hearing the rhythms of the Jesus way (chapter three)--help people press into (i) communion with God, (ii) relationship with one another and (iii) engagement with the world (55).
Gathering in the Presence (chapter four)--creating a communal space for each person to encounter Jesus and find where He intersects each of our stories.
Leading Collaboratively (chapter five)--sharing leadership with in a group (92-6), having 'elders' who speak into each group (96-100), and partnering with other groups and ministries (100-101).
Being Yourself (chapter six)--leading authentically out of your own gifts, passions and personality rather than a one-size-fits-all model.
Hanging Out (chapter seven)--engaging in the holy inefficiency of 'wasting time' getting to know one another (rather than hoisting burdensome commitments on people who aren't ready).
Making a difference (chapter eight)--through paying attention to neighbors and networks, reflecting on them, acting locally and being a faithful presence for the wider culture (153-60).
Fighting well (chapter nine)--moving past passiveness or aggressiveness towards mutual listening, sharing and affirmation
Pointing the way to the cross (chapter ten)--helping people make the journey of surrender in a manner that transforms intentions, relationships and our very being (189).
As the above summary illustrates, leading small groups in the way of Jesus is not 'technique-less.' It takes purpose, intention and a little bit of know how if we are to shepherd people well. However, relational leadership requires flexibility and adaptability in our programs and approach. People (like sheep) do not always go where we as leaders intend. Boren illustrates that wise relational shepherds, know when to leave the flock to pursue the wanderers, when to speak truth and most importantly when to listen.
So despite eschewing technique, Boren has a lot of practical advice. His chapter on Gathering in the Presence (chapter four) is about attending to Jesus in our midst but Boren also advises weekly meetings, welcoming people, sharing communion, managing the space or location, explaining again and again what you are doing, facilitating conversations, and ending on time (77). He touches on how to listen well, the importance of eating together and the importance of listening and welcoming children as God's agents in small groups (79-81).
Much of what Boren says about small group leadership, applies to Christian leadership in general (the way youth ministry books apply to ministry in general). I think there is a lot that is fruitful here for any small group leader, regardless of their level of experience. I agree with his emphasis on relationship over techniques and think that experienced leaders will nod, and make good use of his insights. Yet I still think those 'technique-driven' accounts on small group leadership have a liminal place, giving new leaders baby steps. As affirming as Boren is, and as attentive as he is to practical considerations, I still wonder if the small group noobs would benefit from something simpler, at least for the short term. But Boren's approach is robust, relational, holistic and compelling. I wouldn't want new leaders to stop short of the vision that Boren shares here. I give this book four stars.
Notice of material connection: I received this book from IVP in exchange for my honest review. I receive no monetary compensation and was not asked to write a positive review.
October 26, 2022
Boren puts the cookies on the top shelf, opting for a way of being rather than tactics, a way of life rather than a well-crafted vision, following Jesus as a shepherd, rather than multiplying people. At the same time, in directing his message toward the heart of the leader brings freedom from the pressure to fix people, grow groups, or sharpen vision. I would recommend this book as a way to grow closer to Christ, as a leader and as an invitation to open space for god to draw near to and reform others.
January 20, 2015
M. Scott Boren has written another helpful, thought provoking book on disciple making. I appreciate his simple, though meaningful, approach to small group life.
LEADING SMALL GROUPS IN THE WAY OF JESUS is a next-steps book for current small group participants. It answers, "What's supposed to happen with groups?" and, "How do we actually share a meaningful life together, listening to and practicing the Way of Jesus?" Boren writes several insights and practices, things I resonate with and have even practiced a little. It feels great to read and resonate with something he's been practicing.
I most resonated with Boren's words about great questions and how curiosity (more my word than his) leads to nurturing disciples of Jesus. He writes:
"[We must] develop eyes to see and ears to hear. For that, leaders need to ask questions and foster conversations. When we ask good questions, we provide opportunities for people to discover for themselves the radical nature of the kingdom of God" (p.54).
"We do not [really] "make" disciples. We are formed as disciples in community together as the Spirit works in us" (p.61).
"We cannot force people to enter the way of Jesus. Many of them may agree with the vision, but that doesn't mean they actually 'hear' it. This is where the questions are so important. Listen to how people respond. Who is already asking questions like these? Who is expressing frustration with the status quo? Who wants to talk about distinct ways of following Jesus? Who is willing to put some extra thought and time into answering these questions?
"The goal is to work with people who already have a sense of urgency to experience a different kind of group life. One way to determine this is to lead people through a short-term experience..." (p.62-63).
Boren would then add that by focusing on people who are already hungry and thirsty for the kingdom of God, nurturing their desire, kindling their flame within, will in turn bring life to others. This idea reminds me of Thomas Merton's analogy of the Desert Fathers and Mothers who upon fleeing to the desert were not fleeing people but recognizing that society and the "christianity" present was a sinking ship. Someone needed to get a foot to shore in order to reach a hand out for rescuing. I think this continues to be the largest need in the western church today. Many who are faithful to Jesus wonder how the religiosity they see relates to Jesus and Jesus' Way. It just isn't connecting. Some say it's a sinking ship and they've swam out to get a foot to shore, and then they'll toss a rope our way.
If this is how you see it too, I think Boren's book will make you happy.
LEADING SMALL GROUPS IN THE WAY OF JESUS is a next-steps book for current small group participants. It answers, "What's supposed to happen with groups?" and, "How do we actually share a meaningful life together, listening to and practicing the Way of Jesus?" Boren writes several insights and practices, things I resonate with and have even practiced a little. It feels great to read and resonate with something he's been practicing.
I most resonated with Boren's words about great questions and how curiosity (more my word than his) leads to nurturing disciples of Jesus. He writes:
"[We must] develop eyes to see and ears to hear. For that, leaders need to ask questions and foster conversations. When we ask good questions, we provide opportunities for people to discover for themselves the radical nature of the kingdom of God" (p.54).
"We do not [really] "make" disciples. We are formed as disciples in community together as the Spirit works in us" (p.61).
"We cannot force people to enter the way of Jesus. Many of them may agree with the vision, but that doesn't mean they actually 'hear' it. This is where the questions are so important. Listen to how people respond. Who is already asking questions like these? Who is expressing frustration with the status quo? Who wants to talk about distinct ways of following Jesus? Who is willing to put some extra thought and time into answering these questions?
"The goal is to work with people who already have a sense of urgency to experience a different kind of group life. One way to determine this is to lead people through a short-term experience..." (p.62-63).
Boren would then add that by focusing on people who are already hungry and thirsty for the kingdom of God, nurturing their desire, kindling their flame within, will in turn bring life to others. This idea reminds me of Thomas Merton's analogy of the Desert Fathers and Mothers who upon fleeing to the desert were not fleeing people but recognizing that society and the "christianity" present was a sinking ship. Someone needed to get a foot to shore in order to reach a hand out for rescuing. I think this continues to be the largest need in the western church today. Many who are faithful to Jesus wonder how the religiosity they see relates to Jesus and Jesus' Way. It just isn't connecting. Some say it's a sinking ship and they've swam out to get a foot to shore, and then they'll toss a rope our way.
If this is how you see it too, I think Boren's book will make you happy.
September 8, 2015
Very helpful and thought provoking book about Small Groups. There is both depth and practical insights. Certainly there are some ideas that us Methodists would struggle with (such as the fact that he points out we do not "make" disciples and the use of communion in small groups). Overall however very useful and worthy read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews