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Leading Life-Changing Small Groups-paperback
The best-selling small group guidebook---over 100,000 sold. NOW UPDATED. Like nothing else, small groups have the power to change lives. They're the ideal route to discipleship---a place where the rubber of biblical truth meets the road of human relationships. For six years Bill Donahue provided training and resources for small group leaders so that Willow Creek could build a church of small groups. Now he is committed to creating tools that will help church leaders pursue the same goal---to provide a place in community for everyone in their congregation. In Leading Life-Changing Small Groups, Donahue and his team share in depth the practical insights that have made Willow Creek's small group ministry so effective. The Comprehensive, Ready-Reference Guide for Small Group Leaders The unique, ready-reference format of this book gives small group leaders, pastors, church leaders, educators, and counselors a commanding grasp -Group formation and values -Leadership requirements and responsibilities -The philosophy and structure of small groups -Meeting preparation and participation -Discipleship within the group -Leadership training . . . and much more From an individual group to an entire small group ministry, Leading Life-Changing Small Groups gives you the comprehensive guidance you need to cultivate life-changing small groups . . . and growing, fruitful followers of Christ.
208 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2002
28 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Bill Donahue
71 books9 followersBill Donahue is an associate professor at Trinity International University and a popular conference speaker. The author of more than a dozen books with sales over 550,000 copies, he is former director of leadership development and group life for the Willow Creek Community Church and Association. He lives in Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 27, 2021
This is the classic "how to" for small group leadership. I first read this in it's first publication years ago. It became so worn and note-filled it was unreadable. This is my asecond copy.
February 21, 2019
The practical strategy, tips, tools, etc. are gold.
The theology in this does not line up with my Lutheran self, but is easily edited to work. Be prepared to do that work ahead of meeting with leaders/coaches within the congregation.
The theology in this does not line up with my Lutheran self, but is easily edited to work. Be prepared to do that work ahead of meeting with leaders/coaches within the congregation.
June 14, 2021
Very useful and practical book for leading small groups in church.
October 14, 2021
Solid in it's approach to the modern to fulfil the great commission and Acts 2:42-47 where biblical community shaped by biblical teaching.
December 22, 2013
Leading Life-Changing Small Groups by Mr. Donahue is a technical book which concentrates on the development of small groups. The small groups are a way to transform individuals and aid in the growth of the Kingdom. Used widely at Willow Creek Church, this piece provides a congruent presentation of ideas, facts, processes and visual support that eventually leads individuals to guide small groups. By utilizing Scripture and strategically positioning the plan, church leaders can use this tool to develop the small groups, and eventually achieved the desired transformation of people and the continuity of the Great Commission.
In the introduction the author explains the main point of the book, to present “an organizational strategy with a view toward the empowerment and the development of the people (13).” He uses the term meta-church to describe a church organized in cells groups or close knit groups. Indeed, through an organized apparatus such as leadership development and group multiplication among others, the approach to do ministry becomes “clearly defined and articulated (17).” A continuation, part one of the book aims at the explanation of the philosophy of the small groups. In this, the mission statement is essential to guide the church towards the desired goal, which answers basic questions such as, what is the purpose of the small groups (21). In consideration, five core transformation, community, mobilization and multiplication (22-23) guides to the transformation of the believers. The structure of the small groups should also aim at the same goal of making disciples (30).
Part two considers the development of leaders. In fact, the author uses biblical leadership. Among this there is a call to servant-hood, to help one another and above all, leaders work together as the Lord and the Apostles did, and leaders love one another (38). Equally important to the leadership is the spiritual practices, such as the disciplines of abstinence, solitude and fasting, and those of engagement, service, and prayers (53).
Part three of the book expounds the development of apprentice leaders. The survival of the church according to Mr. Donahue depends on the quality of the leaders. In fact, he explains that this is a responsibility of the church, to develop leaders (67). And the apprentice must fulfill her responsibilities, such as love, learn, lead and look (72). Part four is a result of having leaders as of now the church can tend the group life, “to move the members towards Christ-likeness (77). In prolongation of the learning, the book aims at how to best conduct meeting, part five. In order to have successful meeting, one must prepare in order to communicate the direction to the group and to do this with confidence (95). Mr. Donahue recommends prayers as one of the most important practices in the group, as this is one way to deepen the relationship with Christ (120). In part six the book deals with an essential subject of shepherding the members of the group. In this, the leader has the responsibility of providing care and support to the people as they struggles through life. Indeed, shepherding is about “responsive care and intentional development (145).” The author explains that discipleship does not occur as a single people experience, but it was demonstrated in the in the Bible as a group effort (147). Lastly part eight of the book teaches the reader to start small groups in the church, which completes the cycle (179).
Leading Life Changing Small Groups is full of strengths. One of them is the dissection of the book. For example, at the end of every section there is a section called resources. This helps a great deal with access to additional tools as well as responses to basic questions. In all, the author reinforces the learning process by using the biblical foundations, such as John 4 (55). This is a good tool for anyone interested on making disciple.
In the introduction the author explains the main point of the book, to present “an organizational strategy with a view toward the empowerment and the development of the people (13).” He uses the term meta-church to describe a church organized in cells groups or close knit groups. Indeed, through an organized apparatus such as leadership development and group multiplication among others, the approach to do ministry becomes “clearly defined and articulated (17).” A continuation, part one of the book aims at the explanation of the philosophy of the small groups. In this, the mission statement is essential to guide the church towards the desired goal, which answers basic questions such as, what is the purpose of the small groups (21). In consideration, five core transformation, community, mobilization and multiplication (22-23) guides to the transformation of the believers. The structure of the small groups should also aim at the same goal of making disciples (30).
Part two considers the development of leaders. In fact, the author uses biblical leadership. Among this there is a call to servant-hood, to help one another and above all, leaders work together as the Lord and the Apostles did, and leaders love one another (38). Equally important to the leadership is the spiritual practices, such as the disciplines of abstinence, solitude and fasting, and those of engagement, service, and prayers (53).
Part three of the book expounds the development of apprentice leaders. The survival of the church according to Mr. Donahue depends on the quality of the leaders. In fact, he explains that this is a responsibility of the church, to develop leaders (67). And the apprentice must fulfill her responsibilities, such as love, learn, lead and look (72). Part four is a result of having leaders as of now the church can tend the group life, “to move the members towards Christ-likeness (77). In prolongation of the learning, the book aims at how to best conduct meeting, part five. In order to have successful meeting, one must prepare in order to communicate the direction to the group and to do this with confidence (95). Mr. Donahue recommends prayers as one of the most important practices in the group, as this is one way to deepen the relationship with Christ (120). In part six the book deals with an essential subject of shepherding the members of the group. In this, the leader has the responsibility of providing care and support to the people as they struggles through life. Indeed, shepherding is about “responsive care and intentional development (145).” The author explains that discipleship does not occur as a single people experience, but it was demonstrated in the in the Bible as a group effort (147). Lastly part eight of the book teaches the reader to start small groups in the church, which completes the cycle (179).
Leading Life Changing Small Groups is full of strengths. One of them is the dissection of the book. For example, at the end of every section there is a section called resources. This helps a great deal with access to additional tools as well as responses to basic questions. In all, the author reinforces the learning process by using the biblical foundations, such as John 4 (55). This is a good tool for anyone interested on making disciple.
July 14, 2012
In the introduction, this book sets the tone by teaching what God’s idea of community is and how that looked from the time of Eden through the Old and New Testament periods and into modern times. With that in mind, viewing your small group as one of the ways God uses to build and maintain a community amongst His followers is the basis of the book.
After clarifying the purpose and mission of your small group through discussion questions and examples, leadership styles and dynamics are discussed in great detail. This serves as the foundation, followed by practical explanations of how to form, operate, and maintain the small group. This book is not only a great reference tool, but also a workbook full of space to reflect and questions to think through. An accompanying DVD is sold separately for those who want to dig a little deeper.
While you could get much benefit out of working through this book alone, the material is perfect for leadership classes and applies to all types of small groups. I would definitely recommend it to church staff, those starting a new ministry, or anyone who wants to learn more about effective leadership.
I received a review copy of this book from netGalley.com.
After clarifying the purpose and mission of your small group through discussion questions and examples, leadership styles and dynamics are discussed in great detail. This serves as the foundation, followed by practical explanations of how to form, operate, and maintain the small group. This book is not only a great reference tool, but also a workbook full of space to reflect and questions to think through. An accompanying DVD is sold separately for those who want to dig a little deeper.
While you could get much benefit out of working through this book alone, the material is perfect for leadership classes and applies to all types of small groups. I would definitely recommend it to church staff, those starting a new ministry, or anyone who wants to learn more about effective leadership.
I received a review copy of this book from netGalley.com.
March 7, 2014
This book has much nuggets of truth and practical counsel on the issues encountered in small groups and small group ministries. Throughout my reading, many times I am consumed with regret and wished I had read this book 10 yrs ago, in which I may not have made errors while leading small groups. However, I also don't know if I would be able to understand without those experiences along the way. A good read for all small group leaders and pastoral staffs supporting/implementing small group ministries.
January 21, 2008
Donahue’s work, in conjunction with the Willow Creek Community Church small groups ministry team, provides an exceptionally practical resource and implementation guide for small group ministry. Full of charts and diagrams, Leading Life-Changing Small Groups supplies sample paperwork and handouts in addition to insights for developing leaders, conducting meetings, and shepherding group members. Very practical B+
December 30, 2013
My church uses this as the go-to training manual for small group leaders, and now I understand why! Great, broad-base overview of all the basics. Last chapter on multiplying your group is so critical!
March 20, 2007
A good how to book on the basics of Christian small group leadership, but like all books of this topic can sometimes be a slow read.
January 26, 2011
I gave up on this book.... it wasn't horrible, but it also was a little too cookie-cutter for me.... I just don't believe that one size fits all in ministry.
February 24, 2014
Great comprehensive resource for churches who have never had small groups before or want to shift the focus on their current small groups
November 30, 2014
Great resource for anyone leading a small group. Challenging, informative, lots of great ideas. Read it cover to cover or keep it on your bookshelf as a reference book.
November 18, 2014
Great nuts and bolts for leading small groups.
January 30, 2016
The principles described for leading small groups is fantastic because they incorporate God's Holy Spirit in the process. A must read for all my Point group leaders
October 9, 2012
Not as good as the coaching one but still has lots of great nuggets I've used in ministry
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews