BRING YOUR SMALL GROUP TO LIFE!

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√ This programme is a shorter version of “Bring Your Sabbath School to Life!” … adapted specifically for small-group leaders.√ This programme is available in PDF printed form online at nnzc.org.nz/small-groups.√ Its original form is a Keynote-Mac on-screen presentation. For inquiries about the on-screen presentation, contact Ed Gallagher, eddieg@actrix.co.nz.√ PRINTING THIS OUT? We recommend going to “Layout” on the Print screen, and specifying 2 pages per sheet. Important—when you see a preview of the print job, check the order of slides on the page. If the order of slides is not correct, use Layout direction to select the correct order. You might want to print only the first page as a test, before printing all pages.

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1) JESUS’ APPROACH2) UNDERSTAND YOUR GROUP3) BRING THE BIBLE TO LIFE4) HOW TO CREATE DIALOGUE5) REACHING OUT

> A prayer for your group

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√ (The scene is Opito Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula … one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand.)

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1) JESUS

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APPROA

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If Jesus showed up at your small group, and you asked him to take the lead …

•What might he focus on?

• What atmosphere would he create?

• What style and approach would he choose?

√ [Sermonview extended license purchased for this illustration—OK for print; cannot be captured or transferred by other person or entity.]√ Needed: participation … involvement … action … personal interest … relationship-building … real-life solutions and application … humour … joy.

Meaningful relationship … “The truth is, I’m lonely”Action-involvement … “I’d like to do something worthwhile”Help in daily living … “Sometimes I wonder if I’ll make it”An understanding about God … “Life is confusing—what can I count on?”A sense of value … “Do I mean something to somebody?”

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Which did Jesus do more of … “church”, or small group ministry?

storieshealingdialogue

interactionacts of blessing

practical teachingquestions & answers

Sounds like: __________

√ [Sermonview extended license purchased for this illustration—OK for print; cannot be captured or transferred by other person or entity.]√ “Church” … In asking the question, we’re thinking of the classic sense of a building where formal worship takes place. God’s idea of church, of course, is that it takes place wherever believers worship and witness. By this definition, church can be beautifully experienced in a well-functioning small group.

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√ Every group must make it a goal to see and to seek people who are not there! People who can be reached for Christ in neighbourhoods, who would probably not come to a church building or a worship service … but might accept an invitation to come to your home. If this goal is in mind, it will have an effect on the approach and style of the small group.

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A simple 3-track approach! <"%%#54+-$&=&%#>-,.

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√ Children are shown in the photos, but we’re dealing with adults. The pictures raise a question … children naturally love, and learn, and bless others … can we do the same as adults? … maybe we need to go back to our roots as children … “Except you become as little children. . . .”√ How each of these three elements is integrated … to what extent, with how much time, and with what kind of approach … is up to group leaders, guided by the Spirit. Decisions depend on the character, goal, target audience, and present make-up of the group. There is no prescription! Each group will have its own personality and character.

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Add the 4th dimensionPrayer is the way in which we

consciously include Jesus in the group and in our conversation!You wouldn’t want to leave him out, would you?!?

• Thanksgiving or request … prayer transforms … it makes an application …

it heals … it opens hearts!• Prayer can be made natural and non-

threatening for a variety of people.

√ Prayer is the path of entry into a “fourth dimension” … the dimension of the Spirit of God.√ Not “a word of prayer” or “a prayer to begin” or “a prayer to end” … but integrated prayer … spontaneous, short, woven-in, unforced, Scripture-based … as the Spirit leads.√ Describe and model how this kind of natural, simple-sentence praying can be made non-threatening for all who come to the group—especially for those not used to prayer. And, how a natural inclusion of Jesus in the conversation can open up a new perspective on the gift of prayer. You might consider sometimes praying with open eyes … a heretical thought perhaps, but when the disciples talked with Jesus, they had their eyes open … if prayer is simply talking with the Lord, then the disciples’ conversation with Jesus was “praying”.

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You could … realising you are largely giving up

time for fellowship, reaching out, and

prayer.

Q: Could we use the whole time

for study?

√ [Sermonview extended license purchased for this illustration—OK for print; cannot be captured or transferred by other person or entity.] √ Using almost the whole time for study and discussion could work for a time in some settings, with some people. But in general, we do not recommend this single-track approach.√ Each group must decide what’s best for its target audience, guided by the Spirit. However the time is used, it’s important to build relationships, reach the heart, and lead to connection with God.

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Serving Christ through groups

through groups A guide for establishing small groups . . . Seventh-day Adventist Church in North New Zealand . . . August 2009

Why small groups?The Christian church started as a small group. Christ made a narrow choice of 12 disciples. Then he sent them out to minister in subgroups—two by two (Mark 6:7). More than likely, these groups of two became magnets, or pioneer groups, that attracted additional disciples. If the original 12 divided into six groups of two, and each of these groups found and discipled 10 more, that makes six groups of 12; and it would account for the 72 disciples later desig-nated and commissioned by Jesus (Luke 10:1). These also were then sent out two-by-two . . . and so the church grew.

After Christ’s return to Heaven and the dramatic event of Pentecost, the fledg-

ling church consisted of large and small groups. Christians met together at the temple courts—a single large group for public praise, teaching and testimony. But in addition, Christians met frequently in their individual homes—small groups for fellowship, communion, needs-based ministry, and prayer. (Acts 2:41–47.)

Small group ministry is a working principle of God’s Kingdom. The nation of Israel was subdivided into tribes, clans and families. The principle of subdivision is illustrated in Jesus’ miracle of feeding the crowd of 5,000 men—probably about 15,000 people all told, including children. Organisationally, 15,000 was too many

for even Jesus to handle! “Make them sit down in groups,” he said (Luke 9:14). Those groups were of 50 or so. That’s far more than suitable for a home group, but the principle is demonstrated. The small groups provided manageability for the task of distributing and eating the food that was miraculously provided.

The Christian church can congregate and it can disperse. When the church congregates, we have—no surprise—a “congregation”. The purpose of the congregation is praise, teaching and celebra-tion. When the church disperses, we have small groups with a pioneer mindset and an evangelistic purpose. The Bible model in Old and New Testaments is one of both congregating and dispersing. Under the Old Covenant, daily life, business, worship, and testimony took place in camps, homes or synagogues—small groups dispersed throughout the land. But on schedule and for special purposes, the people also gathered in large groups for meaningful rituals and celebrations.

A guide for establishing small groups . . . Seventh-day Adventist Church in North New Zealand . . . August 2009 . . . Page 1

Copyright © 2009 by Ed Gallagher. Whole pages or the whole document may be copied in totality for non-commercial purposes. Contact eddieg@actrix.co.nz.

Scripture quotations taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission.

Photo: iStockphoto® - used under license

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√ The on-screen presentation or PDF copy you are going through now cannot cover many items important for success in small groups. The resource recommended on this slide can help fill the gaps. It will help significantly for those who are new to small group ministry, or who feel they need a boost in their efforts.

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2) UNDERSTAND YOURGROUP

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Consider a training course … for each group, assign an understudy/backup/co-leader.

√ Could leaders be rotated? Yes, as long as there remains one primary leader to maintain consistency of purpose and plan, and that each person leading understands the purpose and characteristics desired. Each person who leads will bring some fresh perspectives and approaches … and will grow in the role.

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Group leaders as hosts

√ [Sermonview extended license purchased for this illustration—OK for print; cannot be captured or transferred by other person or entity.]√ Model this … practice it if need be so it comes easily in the group.√ Obviously, if the group meets at a home other than that of the leader, the homeowner is also a host. But the group leader must also assume this role, especially once the group gets under way. Nothing will turn a newcomer off more quickly than not being welcomed, informed, and integrated … especially if arriving late.

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Q6 … What shape for a group?

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Who’s there??? … potentially

√ These are somewhat stereotypical, as people are far more complicated and diverse than labels like this imply. But the characteristics described help a facilitator recognise and understand the variety of people in a group.

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Who’s there??? … potentially

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√ An emergency situation might be someone who confesses suicidal thoughts, or who has just found out about the death of a loved one, or who has just been told his or her spouse is leaving the marriage. On these rare occasions, it’s the privilege of the group to follow the Spirit into the need, rather than trying to stick to a planned agenda.√ The contributor … if you are usually a participant rather than a leader, here’s something to aspire to! All people types can make a contribution of some kind … but “the contributor” is really good at it.√ There are certainly additional people-types we could think of. Examples: the analyser, the peacemaker, the theologian, the sceptic, the defender, the sleeper.

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How to deal with distractions, threats?

√ Example—going off on a tangent: “It’s a worthwhile comment, Frank, a bit outside the scope of what we’re attempting tonight. So, let’s come back to our original question. . . .”√ Example—distracting question or comment: “Suzanne, you have a wonderful way of asking questions that would take a mind like mine at least a week to answer!”√ Example—interrupting someone going on too long: “I appreciate your thoughts on this, Jim, but I do want to hear from some who haven’t been able to share their thinking yet. Maria, what’s swirling around in your mind on this question?”√ Example—a threatening or inappropriate attitude: “Roger, let’s make a deal. You and I will have a chat about this later. Right after our group time, let’s set up a time when we can talk.”

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How people learn …

• Use a variety of learning approaches. Especially, allow participants to experience (feel and do) something of value during the study time.

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√ The burning bush … what types of learning appear from this experience of Moses? Read Exodus 3:1–6. Compare the relative impact if God had simply made a theological declaration from the sky.

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3) BRING THE BIBLE TO

LIFE

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10 great ways to ruin the group time

Which of these is your favourite?

√ No. 10—”Prayer is too serious, and humour is too much fun.”

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10 great ways to revive the study time

Which is your favourite?

√ (The picture is of the Avon River in the Botanic Gardens, Christchurch, New Zealand.)√ No. 9—physical setting … lighting, fresh air, spacing, temperature, cleanliness, attractiveness.

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Study time experiences … examples

√ Seize moments that call for prayer … someone mentions a need going on in his or her life … someone mentions a country that is in chaos … someone mentions a wonderful thing that happened recently … someone brings up an issue hard to understand … these and many more are opportunities for a sentence prayer of intercession or praise, offered by a member in the group … naturally integrated, just like conversation.√ Visual or practical aid … e.g. an emotive picture for discussion—“what do you think or feel when you look at this?” … if talking about the “birds of the air” in Matthew 6, bring some great bird pictures, or a live pet bird, if you have one!

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What the study time is notG2-%)5$%"$

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None of these is “bad”. They have their place. There might be a tiny bit of some of them in the approach. But none of them expresses the true nature of the study time.

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What the study time is …

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So, what does a facilitator do?

√ Facilitate is a word from the Latin–Italian–French stream … facile = “easy”.

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The fine art of the leading question

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√ As a facilitator you don’t have to pick on someone like “Matt”. But it’s not a bad idea when you know Matt won’t be embarrassed and that he will almost certainly have something good to say that will advance the conversation. And … if you’ve noticed that Matt is a “quiet thinker”—he’s been following closely, but would welcome an invitation to contribute. This is what it means to draw from the group to reach the goal.

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Counsel from some who have done it well …

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√ These are drawn from a video training programme produced by the Sabbath School Department (General Conference / North American Division of SDA) some years ago. While specifically about Sabbath School, they are also helpful for other small group settings.√ “Open-ended questions.” Another way of saying, “leading questions”.

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4) HOW TO CREATE DIALOGUE

34

What the study time is …

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√ This is a review slide from earlier in the programme. We’ve looked at facilitation, and at experience, but not yet at dialogue.

35

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Conductor’s job: Make sure it’s a symphony, not a cacophany!

√ A superb discussion in a group is like an orchestra in terms of the interaction, the emotion, the rise and fall of sound, the action and response, the teamwork, the giftedness, the respect for each part, and the joy. Unlike an orchestra, the process is not rehearsed and does not follow a detailed script. But the dynamics and effects can be equally satisfying.√ “Dialogue” is a term in music as well as in ordinary life. “Antiphony” is a term from Christian liturgy, referring to something that is sung or recited alternately between two groups.√ “Cacophany”—a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds, unpleasant, dissatisfying, frustrating.

36

The 4–A rule of engagement

It will work every time … guaranteed!

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√ For a great illustration from the Bible, see Luke 10:25–37 (using The Message here). - To the religion scholar: “What’s written in God’s law? How do you interpret it?” … ASK - Upon reply from the scholar: “Good answer! Do it and you’ll live.” … ACKNOWLEDGE & AFFIRM - Upon further questioning from the scholar: The story of the good Samaritan, followed by a fantastic leading question—“What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?” … APPLY√ Acknowledge and affirm are close in meaning—the first is simple, the second more advanced. Acknowledge: “Thank you, Ruth.” Affirm: “I especially appreciate what Ruth has said here about. . . .” The quickest way to discourage people from contributing is to slide on to the next thing you want to say, or someone else wants to say, without a word of acknowledgment for the one who has just spoken … as if the person never said anything, or as if you did not hear it. Never fail to acknowledge a contribution. It takes three seconds.

37

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Simple steps for a successful study

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38

5) REACHING

OUT

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Our simple 3-track approach

√ This slide is a repeat from earlier in the presentation.

“Let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only for the church members but for unbelievers

also.”Ellen G. White

√ “The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort is a plan that has been presented before me by One who cannot err. If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only for the church members but for unbelievers also.”—(Australasian) Union Conference Record, August 15, 1902. {Ev 115.2}

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This is “church”!

√ Identify the elements … teaching, fellowship, communion, prayer, unity, service. A marvellous prescription for small groups in neighbourhoods as action units!

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√ “Prepared to grow and multiply” means thinking ahead about the potential for a new group … training leaders … strategising … praying.√ The 8 points given here are only suggestions to start the process of developing an attitude of discipleship, outreach, service, and witness … follow the Spirit, and he will direct the group in its unique path as Heaven sees it.

46

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8 characteristics of a healthy church

Which of the other seven characteristics can be significantly helped by No. 6?

√ The 8 characteristics come from Christian Schwarz, Natural Church Development.

47

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Serving Christ through groups

through groups A guide for establishing small groups . . . Seventh-day Adventist Church in North New Zealand . . . August 2009

Why small groups?The Christian church started as a small group. Christ made a narrow choice of 12 disciples. Then he sent them out to minister in subgroups—two by two (Mark 6:7). More than likely, these groups of two became magnets, or pioneer groups, that attracted additional disciples. If the original 12 divided into six groups of two, and each of these groups found and discipled 10 more, that makes six groups of 12; and it would account for the 72 disciples later desig-nated and commissioned by Jesus (Luke 10:1). These also were then sent out two-by-two . . . and so the church grew.

After Christ’s return to Heaven and the dramatic event of Pentecost, the fledg-

ling church consisted of large and small groups. Christians met together at the temple courts—a single large group for public praise, teaching and testimony. But in addition, Christians met frequently in their individual homes—small groups for fellowship, communion, needs-based ministry, and prayer. (Acts 2:41–47.)

Small group ministry is a working principle of God’s Kingdom. The nation of Israel was subdivided into tribes, clans and families. The principle of subdivision is illustrated in Jesus’ miracle of feeding the crowd of 5,000 men—probably about 15,000 people all told, including children. Organisationally, 15,000 was too many

for even Jesus to handle! “Make them sit down in groups,” he said (Luke 9:14). Those groups were of 50 or so. That’s far more than suitable for a home group, but the principle is demonstrated. The small groups provided manageability for the task of distributing and eating the food that was miraculously provided.

The Christian church can congregate and it can disperse. When the church congregates, we have—no surprise—a “congregation”. The purpose of the congregation is praise, teaching and celebra-tion. When the church disperses, we have small groups with a pioneer mindset and an evangelistic purpose. The Bible model in Old and New Testaments is one of both congregating and dispersing. Under the Old Covenant, daily life, business, worship, and testimony took place in camps, homes or synagogues—small groups dispersed throughout the land. But on schedule and for special purposes, the people also gathered in large groups for meaningful rituals and celebrations.

A guide for establishing small groups . . . Seventh-day Adventist Church in North New Zealand . . . August 2009 . . . Page 1

Copyright © 2009 by Ed Gallagher. Whole pages or the whole document may be copied in totality for non-commercial purposes. Contact eddieg@actrix.co.nz.

Scripture quotations taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission.

Photo: iStockphoto® - used under license

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√ This is a repeat slide from earlier in the presentation, as a reminder.√ The on-screen presentation or PDF copy you have been through here cannot cover many items important for success in small groups. The resource recommended on this slide can help fill the gaps. It will help significantly for those who are new to small group ministry, or who feel they need a boost in their efforts.

48

A prayer for your small groupGod, thank you for the privilege of serving through a small group.

We claim the promise of your wisdom, direction, joy, and peace. May we see people blessed and your Kingdom grow through this ministry that you have placed in

our hands.In the mighty Name of Jesus, Amen!

49

Bring Your Small Group to Life!Prepared by Ed Gallagher

Healthy Adventist ChurchesNorth NZ Conference of SDA

www.nnzc.org.nz/HAC-ResourcesCopyright © 2013 by Ed Gallagher.

Photos and illustrations are separately copyrighted and used under license. Sermonview illustrations are used under extended license … printed

handouts are within license provisions. Illustrations on presentation slides must not be transferred to, captured by, or used by any 3rd party.

√ The pdf file of this on-screen presentation is available with all slides included. Go to nnzc.org.nz/small-groups.√ The on-screen presentation can be requested. Its original format is Keynote–Mac. We have limited ability to pass this on as a presentation file, because of copyright restrictions on artwork. But please inquire.