| Small groups can be the heart and soul of a successful church. This paper describes various successful ways of doing small group ministry, compares and contrasts three broad strategies and makes recommendations for which small group system might best fit a particular church.;The first section provides a biblical, theological and historical rationale for small group ministry, and highlights the values and potential dangers of small groups. Cells (small groups) are contrasted with congregations (mid-size groups) and celebrations (large groups). Effective small group leaders are skilled in group dynamics, understand small group life cycles and create healthy environments for personal growth. Typically, small groups offer the most conducive ministry environment for inculcating positive qualities in Christians, although groups can have a negative impact if leaders are not well-trained.;The second section describes five different types of small groups and their use in churches. Small groups can be classified according to curriculum based, nurture based, support recovery, leisure based or task based groups. All small groups must have an appropriate balance of loving, learning, doing and deciding in order to be healthy.;The third section details three broad strategies for doing small group ministry. The Covenant strategy, used in the traditional church, is the church with small groups. Spiritual formation is emphasized. Four popular versions are Serendipity, Christ-Care Group, Church Innovations and Renovare. The Cell-Church strategy, used in the transformational church, is the church as small groups. Evangelism is stressed. A celebration-cell paradigm is embraced. Congregations are optional. Programs are non-essential. The Meta-Church strategy, used in the transitional church, is the church of small groups. Care-giving is accentuated. Culturally sensitive, Meta-Church is principle-driven and repurposes congregations, therefore is a recommended choice for traditional churches-desiring greater effectiveness.;The fourth section enlarges upon essential key components for successfully doing small group ministry, including leadership development, variety, balance, evangelism, assimilation, discipleship and multiplication. Small group ministry is a highly effective tool for accomplishing the ministry objectives of churches. |
