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 PrintableVersion Small groups, growing churchesSMALL GROUPS, GROWING CHURCHES The link between growing churches and effective small groups is the starting-point for this resource book, 'training dynamic leaders for today's needs and tomorrow's challenges'. Its 15 chapters look at various aspects of groups, such as their purpose, Bible study, prayer, leadership, fellowship, growing the group, outreach from groups and 'identifying and handling problems creatively'. The layout is attractive and the book easy to use. After an overview of the topic, each chapter offers sections entitled Ideas, Reflect, Group Focus, Review and Resources. 'Ideas' gives suggestions as to how a group may achieve its aim, whereas 'Group Focus' is an exercise looking at how groups function. The book is packed full of ideas and a real mine of information, punctuated by a light-hearted cartoon 'diary' of a group leader. Many ideas are helpful and would make almost any group function better. Some chapters are very stimulating in their handling of Scripture, such as 'Groups Meeting to do Business', looking at decision-making and problem-solving in Acts 6, 13 and 15. In the chapter on 'Special Groups' there is a useful exercise looking at Proverbs 31 for a Marriage Preparation Group. These suggestions for handling biblical passages are among the better aspects of the book. Disappointingly, along with this excellent material there are some ideas which indicate a rather broad theological outlook. If used with care and discernment, however, this book could be a rich and useful source of material for small groups and especially for training leaders. Martyn Hallett, © Evangelicals Now - August 2003 |
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