Connect. Change. Cultivate.  
  
These three words can simplify the vital work of a small group leader. Bill Search, small groups pastor for one of the nation's largest churches, lays out these three "patterns" for success that don't lock you into one approach, the latest fad, or complicated procedures. These biblically grounded C's can make whatever small group model you like best work better. Whether you're a first-time facilitator or a seasoned veteran, a pastor or a volunteer leader, applying these principles will enrich the spiritual life of any small group.  
  
"Too often we complicate what God designed to be very simple. Fortunately, Bill Search has peeled back much of the complexity that often gets built into ministry, as he explains small groups as an essential but simple concept. Simple Small Groups is liberally sprinkled with the stories and quips of a small groups pastor who is first and foremost a clear and insightful communicator."--Steve Gladen, pastor of Small Groups Community, Saddleback Church  
  
 "This simple, user-friendly book with a truly modern approach can help your church and small groups achieve harmony and balance, while helping to overcome obstacles that create dysfunction. Transform your ministry!"--Dave Stone, senior minister, Southeast Christian Church  
  
"What I like most about Simple Small Groups is its smart fusion between philosophy and practice. This is neither a dense theological treatment, nor a simplistic how-to manual. Rather, it's the best of both."--Jason Malec, director of Starting Point, North Point Community Church  
  
"Through stories that we all can relate to and principles learned through years of group life experience, Bill shares a mind-set that is easily understandable, and easily applied and customized to groups of all types."--Mike Hurt, former small groups pastor at McClean Bible Church, Washington, DC; senior pastor, Parkway Church, Victoria, TX  
  
"Bill does a great job addressing the practical struggles with small group life. It's a great book for real 'rubber meets the road' evaluation of ministry."--Brandon Guindon, executive pastor, Real Life Ministries

Bill Search is small groups minister at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, which has a regular Sunday morning attendance of 18,000.

Over the past two decades, small groups have gone from spontaneous gatherings among friends to a major and elaborate phenomenon in the church. Many evangelical churches have some form of small groups ministry in place. But there's just one problem, says Bill Search--what started as a simple get-together has become a complicated process, especially for small group leaders. They are often not sure what is expected of them or what to expect from their groups as a result of their efforts.  
In Simple Small Groups, Search lays out the three C's of small groups--connecting, changing, and cultivating. This paradigm helps to simplify leading small groups in a way that is helpful, rewarding, and life changing. Unlike many other books geared toward small group leaders, Simple Small Groups does not require a church-wide adoption of an intricately designed system of assimilation, making it useful to any small group leader looking for guidance.

Bill Search lays out the three C's of small groups--connecting, changing, and cultivating to simplify leading small groups in a way that is helpful, rewarding, and life changing.

Search, Bill

Cover Page

Title Page

Copyright Page

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Confessions of a Small Groups Minister

1. How We Got Here: Hints from History

Part 1 Connecting: The Relational Pattern

2. The Pattern of Connecting: Overcoming Obstacles, Imagining Possibilities

3. The Nuts and Bolts of Connecting: Helping People Form Relational Bonds

Part 2 Changing: The Growth Pattern

4. The Pattern of Changing: Exploring How People Conform to the Image of Christ

5. The Nuts and Bolts of Changing: Helping People Become More Christlike

Part 3 Cultivating: The Missional Pattern

6. The Pattern of Cultivating: The Way Groups Revolutionize the World

7. The Nuts and Bolts of Cultivating: Helping People Become More Missional

Part 4 Harmony: Pulling It All Together

8. When Good Groups Go Bad: The Pitfall of Obsession

9. Real Simple: Harmony of the Three C's

Afterword

Appendix 1: Key Scripture for Connecting

Appendix 2: Key Scripture for Changing

Appendix 3: Key Scripture for Cultivating

Notes

Bibliography

Over the past two decades, small groups have gone from spontaneous gatherings among friends to a major and elaborate phenomenon in the church. Many evangelical churches have some form of small groups ministry in place. But there's just one problem, says Bill Search--what started as a simple get-together has become a complicated process, especially for small group leaders. They are often not sure what is expected of them or what to expect from their groups as a result of their efforts.  
InSimple Small Groups, Search lays out the three C's of small groups--connecting, changing, and cultivating. This paradigm helps to simplify leading small groups in a way that is helpful, rewarding, and life changing. Unlike many other books geared toward small group leaders,Simple Small Groupsdoes not require a church-wide adoption of an intricately designed system of assimilation, making it useful to any small group leader looking for guidance.

Over the past two decades, small groups have gone from spontaneous gatherings among friends to a major and elaborate phenomenon in the church. This book lays out the three C's of small groups - connecting, changing, and cultivating.

Over the past two decades, small groups have gone from spontaneous gatherings among friends to a major and elaborate phenomenon in the church. Many evangelical churches have some form of small groups ministry in place. But there's just one problem, says Bill Search - what started as a simple get-together has become a complicated process, especially for small group leaders. They are often not sure what is expected of them or what to expect from their groups as a result of their efforts. In "Simple Small Groups", Search lays out the three C's of small groups - connecting, changing, and cultivating. This paradigm helps to simplify leading small groups in a way that is helpful, rewarding, and life changing. Unlike many other books geared toward small group leaders, "Simple Small Groups" does not require a church - wide adoption of an intricately designed system of assimilation, making it useful to any small group leader looking for guidance.

A"What I like most about Simple Small Groups is its smart fusion between philosophy and practice. This is neither a dense, theological treatment, nor a simplistic how-to manual. Rather, it's the best of both."Jason Malec, director of Starting Point, North Pt. Ministries

Bill Search is a small groups minister at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, which has a regular Sunday morning attendance of 18,000.

Simple Small Groups [eBook]

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