Liberty Theological Seminary

Small Group Training Manual

A Paper Submitted to Dr. Rod Dempsey

In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the course

Small Group MinistriesDSMN 630

ByDeborah M. Baskin

10 October 2013

Table of Contents

Introduction 3

Motivations for Developing Groups 4

Biblical Foundations for Groups 6

What Is a Small Group? 7

How to Develop Small Group Leaders 9

How to Lead a Group 12

How to Grow Small Groups 13

How to Multiply Small Groups 15

How to Develop/Transition to Small Groups 16

Conclusion 18

Bibliography 20

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Introduction

“ Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest” (John 4:35).1

Has church become a mere obligation? Are people excitedly sharing their faith? Do

members truly love God but seem to lack in satisfying relationship with other believers? Have

church members stagnated in their growth and spiritual maturity? Are people operating as the

body of Christ and utilizing their gifts? Does church life (programs and activities) always seem

busy, yet few people are coming to know Jesus as Savior? Has your prayer life lost its

expectation? Do you love God but seem to have lost your passion toward His ministry?

Perhaps, you have asked some of these questions. If so, this short manual might help you

unlock and discover the power in small groups. The issues of motivation, Biblical foundation,

small group development, leadership, multiplication and finally, transitioning to small groups

will be addressed. (The transitioning section will be structured for a traditional Southern Baptist

Church with an average Sunday school attendance of 160-185.) Do not wait another four months

for the next revival or outreach program in the hope of the newest or latest church growth

program. People are dying without Christ today. The church is the only agency that can take the

hand of someone sentenced to spend eternity in hell and pull them out of the pit with the message

of Christ. If you say that you love God but are not willing to take up His cross, perhaps you need

to rethink your definition of love. God loved mankind to the point of death. The church needs to

at least love mankind to the point of getting out of the church building and into the streets.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle down in a comfortable chair, and prayerfully read the

following pages. Just maybe, small groups will help your church unleash the Holy Spirit among

your flock and community. The fields are indeed white to the harvest. Now is time to bring in the

1 Unless otherwise noted, all scripture will be taken from the New American Standard Bible.

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fruit and enjoy the fellowship of Christ and His saints.

Motivations for Developing Groups

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to

God” (Colossians 3:16).

Of all the reasons to develop a small group ministry, the most compelling is that this

tradition imitates how Christ ministered. “Those who would be the disciples of Jesus must

practice the disciplines of Jesus… Jesus was a small group leader.”2 Jesus developed the apostles

through intimate relationships enabling these men to continue on with His work once He

ascended into heaven. Jesus gathered a small group (twelve men) so that many would be

transformed.3 In other words, Christ grew his ministry through small groups. As Christians, we

are supposed to reflect Christ in our actions. Christ spent time with his apostles when he was not

preaching to the masses. They were more than just a group of men that were being developed as

future leaders. Christ called them friends. “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not

know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from

My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Small groups help develop friends that will

take up the call of Christ.

It is often within the small groups that true discipleship occurs because needs and

questions can more easily be seen and addressed. Barna stated, “Discipleship cannot occur in a

vacuum; it is most effectively accomplished in cooperation with other followers of the Lord.”4

Therefore, God weaved into man’s DNA a communal gene. This gene gives man the desire to be

2 Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey, The Pocket Guide to Leading a Small Group: 52 Ways to Help You and Your Small Group Grow (Houston, TX: Touch Publications, 2007), 13.3 Ibid.4 George Barna, Growing True Disciples: New Strategies for Producing Genuine Followers of Christ (Colorado Springs, Colo.: WaterBrook Press, 2001), 31.

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in relationships.5 Larry Stockstill asserted, “A spiritual family, or cell group, provides a safe

place for people to be open and transparent at the first hint of temptation.”6 It is in the context of

a small group that trust is nourished.

Large churches foster anonymity; conversely, small groups foster significance. Psalms

139:3 showed the personal relationship that God has with man. “You scrutinize my path and my

lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways.” If God takes the time to know man

then it would seem to be an imperative that leaders in the church develop relationships with the

membership. These relationships cannot be grown in a normal worship service or just during the

Sunday school hour. When one looks at Christ’s ministry, it is apparent that He went to homes.

Some of those included the homes of Peter, Matthew, Zacchaeus, Lazarus, Jairus, and many

others.7 Christ is the one that initiated a home-based movement because He knew it would

accomplish His purpose of growing the kingdom.

Small groups or community groups offer one opportunity to rub elbows with folks who

are not Christians.8 The Great Commission commands that we go and make disciples; however,

in order to do that we have to know non-Christians. Too often the church uses the phrase “like-

minded people” and morphs into cliques. Community based small groups encourage the

members to invite the non-churched to informal gatherings where discipleship is being practiced.

Small groups that do not meet within the walls of a church building, allow Christians the

opportunity to obey the Great Commission.

Biblical Foundations for Small Groups

5 Earley, 10.6 Rod Dempsey, “Lecture Notes: Small Group Quotes,” (Lecture notes, DSMN 603, Liberty University, 2013).7 Joel Comiskey, Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church: New Testament Insights for the 21st Century Church(Moreno Valley: CCS Publishing, 2012), 79.8 Earley, 17.

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“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of

the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Philippians 2:1-2).

Rod Dempsey exposed the Biblical foundations for small groups by organizing five

groups of passages that support the strategy of building the church using small groups. In

Matthew 22, Jesus was asked what he considered to be the greatest commandment. He replied

that one must love God with all his heart, mind and soul and love his neighbor as himself. With

that simple answer Christ boiled down six hundred and nineteen laws into two.9 Cell group

ministries are a great way to practice loving one’s neighbor. This passage is known as the Great

Commandment. The second passage is from Matthew 28 and is known as the Great Commission.

In this passage Jesus told the disciples to make disciples. Here, “to make” is a command verb.

This was followed by three participles: go, baptize, and teach. The Great Commission was not a

suggestion.10 The third group of scriptures is found in Acts 1 and 2 and is known as the Great

Example.11 Peter preached and thousands of people came to know Christ. Acts 2:41-47

elaborated on what these people did next. They met from house to house and studied, broke

bread, prayed, shared the gospel and found favor. This was a snapshot of the early church that

can be replicated today.12 The Great Illustration is found in Ephesians 1:20. The church is

described as Christ’s body with each individual part having a specific role in order to be healthy.

These roles involve serving one another. This can be accomplished in small groups as members

of the group handle specific tasks (i.e., host, food, teacher, etc.).13 Finally, Ephesians 4:16

illustrates the Great Plan. According to this scripture when all the individual parts are working 9 Rod Dempsey, “Presentation: Biblical Foundations” (lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 2013), accessed August 23, 2013, http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_2007676_1.10 Ibid.11 Ibid.12 Ibid.13 Ibid.

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together, it will cause each separate person to grow up in love and in maturity. Small groups help

every person (part) to mature in the church because they enable each member to discover, grow,

and use his spiritual gifts.14 It is apparent that small groups work when it comes to building

God’s church. It was the plan He set forth beginning in Genesis and throughout the New

Testament.

What Is a Small Group?

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and

signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the

temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:42-47).

Arnold defined small group as the following: “A small group is intent on participating

with Christ in building his ever-expanding kingdom in the hearts of individuals, in the life of the

group, and through believers, into the world.”15 Comiskey suggested that a small group (i.e., cell

group) should have the following attributes:

1) Members should be experiencing spiritual growth.2) A community that fosters intimacy among the members.3) They must have a purpose beyond themselves, which he named penetration

evangelism.4) The cell should multiply by giving birth to other cells.5) They should meet with regularity.16

Basically, both authors are agreeing in what a small group should encompass. These are groups

that meet outside of the walls of the church building with church member and non-members.

They focus on growing spiritually through Bible study and worship. The groups are smaller in

14 Ibid.15 Jeffrey Arnold, The Big Book On Small Groups, rev. ed. (Downers Grove, Ill.: IVP Connect, 2004), 25.16 Joel Comiskey, “Cell Basics: What Is a Cell Group?,” Joel Comiskey Group, September 5, 2013, accessed

September 5, 2013, http://joelcomiskeygroup.com/articles/basics/whatIsACell.htm.

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number, which will help to nurture intimacy and trust. Small or community groups are missional

in nature and committed to growth through multiplication, thus spreading the gospel of Christ

and growing his kingdom.

Dr. Dempsey created a wonderful acrostic as a memory device:

G.R.O.U.P.S. G – Guided by a leader and overseen by a Coach. This maintains accountability within

the small groups. R – Regular meeting times. Regular meeting times will help to assure that all members’

needs are being meet and areas of struggle are identified. O - Opens God’s word. Studying the scripture will help to facilitate members’ spiritual

growth. Studying the scriptures helps to assure the group will have an upward focus. U – United in Serving. Christ came to serve and to reach the lost. Serving helps to keep

the group members focused on each other (inward) and also on those outside (outward) of their group.

P – Prayer for one another. Praying for each other, the lost, the community, and thanksgiving and praise of God will ease burdens and concerns. It will also remind the group of their common connection: Christ.

S – Overseen by a span of a coach. This is important because the coach can help to keep the leader’s vision in focus. She can also encourage the leader and offer help or direction when needed.17

He included the need to develop leaders in his acrostic. This aspect of groups will be discussed in

the next section of this manual.

How to Develop Small Group Leaders

“So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?  You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you”

(John 13:12-15).

Rod Dempsey believes that anyone who knows Jesus as her Savior can be a small group

leader.18 However, there are certain attributes that a small group leader should possess. These can

17 Rod Dempsey, “Presentation: What Is a Group?” (lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 2013), accessed September 5, 2013, http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_2007676_1.18 Rod Dempsey, “Presentation: How to Develop Leaders” (lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 2013), accessed September 8, 2013,http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_2007676_1%26url%3D.

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be studied by using the following acrostic for the word FAITH:

F – Faithful A – Available I – Integrity T – Teachable H – Heart for God.19

Also, there are certain practices that can aid in the development of small groups. One of

the most important areas is having godly leaders who are growing in Christ’s likeness. Coaches

need to be diligent in assessing this growth as they develop and commission small group leaders.

Earley and Dempsey composed a list entitled Eight Habits of Effective Small Group Leaders.

Included in it are the following:

1) Dream of leading a healthy, growing, multiplying group.2) Pray daily for your group members.3) Invite new people weekly.4) Regularly contact your members.5) Prepare for the meetings6) Mentor an apprentice.7) Plan fellowship activities.8) Be committed to your own personal growth.20

These habits are easily remembered, are doable, motivating, have broad application, are

challenging but not overwhelming, and most importantly, really do work.21

In developing leaders, it is important to help the primary leader realize that she does not

have to do everything. Comiskey asserted that there are four specific deadly sins of cell group

leadership. Two of the sins (numbers 2 and 3) help you to understand the need for leadership

positions in small groups.

1) Do all the work.2) Thinking everything depends on you.22

19 Ibid.20 Earley, 128.21 Ibid.

22 Joel Comiskey, “Cell Basics: The 4 Deadly Sins of Cell Leadership,” Joel Comiskey Group, 2008, accessed September 8, 2013, http://joelcomiskeygroup.com/articles/basics/4DeadlySins.htm.

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Comiskey emphasized that small group leaders should act in the role of a facilitator. Their

responsibility is not to do all the work but to encourage teamwork with the group and to

delegate.23 He also cited that the leader should work in harmony with the Holy Spirit and allow

the group to share in the planting, sowing, and harvesting.24

As you think about the deadly sins of cell group leadership, a clear understanding of the

need to create leadership positions within the group becomes apparent. In order to prevent

burnout and to help develop new small group leaders, it is essential to share the joys and

responsibilities of leadership. Earley and Dempsey suggested the following positions:

1) The Small Group Leader – This person understands that her job is to cultivate group members to their full potential.

2) The Small Group Apprentice – This position is basically a future new leader in training. He works with the leader and even develops a relationship with the coach.

3) The Small Group Host – The host opens up his home and welcomes the group members. He arranges refreshments and assures that the atmosphere is conducive to fellowship and learning.25

Finally, Dr. Dempsey stressed the need for spiritual gifts, spiritual weapons, and being

filled with the Holy Spirit as essential elements in becoming an effective leader.26 “2 Corinthians

10 and Ephesians 6 make it clear that the believer is locked in a spiritual conflict against ‘the

power and principalities of this world.’”27 However, God did not leave his disciples without

spiritual weapons. All Christians have these resources available to them. Included are the

following:

1) Prayer2) The Word of God3) Spiritual Gifts4) Love5) Righteousness

23 Ibid.24 Ibid.25 Earley, 76-78.

26 Dempsey, “Presentation: How to Develop Leaders”.27 Earley, 84.

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6) Multiplication7) Fasting8) The Spirit of God9) The Church of God10) Sacrifice11) Patience.28

An effective leader for Christ must not get so busy serving others and doing the work of the

church, that he lets his guard down. When you are tired or discouraged, Satan will attack. He

must continue to daily commune with God and put on his spiritual armor. “Finally, be strong in

the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able

to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11).

How to Lead a Group

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

For those just beginning a small group, the following ten items should be considered:

1. Pray2. Select host home3. Select apprentice4. Decide topic 5. Recruit and invite6. Building up to start date7. Follow the 5 W’s: Welcome, Worship, Word, Works, and Witness8. Establish a covenant9. Pray again10. Keep group going.29

A possible outline for a group might encompass the following:

28 Ibid., 85.29 Rod Dempsey, “Presentation: How to Lead a Group” (lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 2013), accessed September 21, 2013, http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_2007676_1.

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7:00 – 7:15 Group mingling, refreshments

7:15 – 7:30 Opening prayer, prayer for empty chair

7:30 – 8:00 Ice breaker, community building

8:00 – 8:30 Singing, study time

8:30 – 8:45 Prayer requests, closing prayer30

A group covenant helps to answer the following: identity, task, communication, and

group roles. Identity defines: 1) type of small group, 2) who can join and when, 3) attendance

expectations, and 4) group logistics.31 Task allows the members to know how the group’s time

will be utilized. 32 Communication states the rules in confidentiality, respect, giving others time

to share, and in being honest with the group.33 Finally, group roles delineate who does what

position and the responsibilities of that position within the group.34 In a healthy group, everyone

should have input in the final covenant.35 Covenants help to assure understanding and give the

group guidance.

A few other responsibilities of what a leader should do in leading a group include the

following:

Praying a minimum of thirty minutes a day Keeping an outward focus Goal setting Equipping others Launching new groups Selecting an apprentice Preparing the lesson Meeting with coach/pastor Attending trainings

30 Arnold, 71.31 Ibid., 68-70.32 Ibid., 71.33 Ibid., 72.34 Ibid.35 Ibid., 67.

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Leading in ministry projects Guiding the group to reproduce.36

How to Grow Small Groups

“Be hospitable to one another without complaint.  As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”

(1 Peter 4:9-10).

God exists in a community known as the Trinity and He created man to be in relationship

with others.37 Since man was created in God’s image, man has a desire to be in relationship. You

should use this genetic marker in man to help in growing small groups. Small groups encourage

all of the parts of the body of Christ to work together in harmony. Small groups follow the

pattern that Jesus used with his apostles. They allow people to develop in Biblical understanding,

which helps them to mature in Christ.

As people mature in Christ, they desire to obey Him. They understand that God’s

expectation is to be fruitful and should become missional in nature. This allows them to address

particular cultural needs of the community.38 As needs are met, the community will be attracted

to the group. Some suggestions as to how to grow groups by being missional in your city include

participating in local and civic activities, frequenting the same restaurants or stores, attending

city council meetings, and participating with your children in sports leagues or Scouts.39

Suggestions as to connecting with your neighborhood include doing yard work, walking your

36 Earley, 87-89.37 Rod Dempsey, “Presentation: Small Group Outreach/mission” (lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 2013), accessed September 26, 2013, http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_2007676_1.38 Brad House, Community: Taking Your Small Group Off Life Support (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2011), 130.39 Josh Reeves, “10 Simple Ways to Be Missional in Your City (part 1),” Verge, September 26, 2013, accessed September 26, 2013, http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_2007676_1.

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dog, inviting your neighbors over for a meal, or creating a block party.40 “Being in a small group

is a life-style.”41 The group should pray together, share their hearts, victories, and struggles. As

true love grows between the members and for those in the community, this will be evident by the

group’s actions and attitudes. This will stir the relational gene in those watching and help to

attract them to your group and to Christ.

How to Multiply Small Groups

“So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).

“A small group is intent on participating with Christ in building his ever-expanding

kingdom in the hearts of individuals, in the life of the group, and through believers, into the

world.”42 Arnold included three aspects of how to make disciples through groups. 1) They are

made intentionally. 2) They are to be like Christ. Finally, 3) they are to be in relationship.43 The

small group leader must model this intentionally. In order for multiplication to occur, the leader

must have a vision that includes exponential growth.

According to Earley and Dempsey, rule forty-seven is important in the area of group

multiplication. “A vision to multiply your leadership abilities will give you passion and purpose

as a small group leader.”44 This passion will allow you to grow and learn as you train up others to

minister. Finally, developing leaders will leave a long legacy of leaders after you have died.45

1. Get God’s vision for your life and ministry.2. Write it down and see it.

40 Josh Reeves, “25 Simple Ways to Be Missional In Your Neighborhood,” Verge, September 26, 2013, accessed September 26, 2013, http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_2007676_1.

41 Dempsey, “Presentation: Small Group Outreach”.42 Ibid., 23.43 Ibid., 23-25.44 Earley, 233.45 Ibid., 234.

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3. Refer to it.4. Believe that God can and will do it.5. Ask God to do it His way and in His timing.6. Plan to fulfill your part.7. Learn everything you can in order to accomplish your part of the

vision.8. Work like it depends on you. Pray like it all depends on God.9. Start small, but speak and live the vision.10. Don’t quit.46

One must get in step with God’s vision for his life and God’s mission. God’s mission for his

followers is to go and make disciples, who will love and worship Him, and love his neighbor by

sharing God’s love and salvation.

Small group leaders need to encourage the principal of multiplication by consistently

mentoring others to lead new groups.47 Here are a few mentoring suggestions:

Always bring a group member with you when you do ministry. Take a group member with you to any leadership training. Pray and look for new leaders daily. Talk of leadership as a privilege. Never put yourself on a pedestal. Give the potential leader responsibilities before you ask them to do any leadership

responsibilities. Never release someone to lead until they have a good chance of succeeding. Give apprentice lavish affirmation and encouragement to help prevent discouragement.48

Without new leaders, new groups will not be started. Therefore, you should always remember to

seek individuals that have teachable hearts and want to serve God. Christ modeled this behavior

as He trained and sent out his apostles.

How to Develop/Transition to Small Groups

“Trust in the LORD with all your heartAnd do not lean on your own understanding.

 In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3: 5-6).

46 Ibid.47 Ibid., 171.48

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So, you have decided to start small groups in your traditional southern church. At this

point, probably your small groups consist of the various Sunday school classes. Sunday school is

a great way to teach and disciple members; however, your church is not growing in number. This

is where these principles of growing small groups can be put into practice. However, the reality

is that some of the members will not like the idea of small groups, especially groups that meet in

other facilities (homes or restaurants). Begin the transition process by praying and seeking God’s

direction through his Word.49 Important scriptures would include those related to the Great

Commission, the Great Commandment and the New Commandment.50 Secondly, ascertain that

the senior pastor is in the lead position, or at least fully supporting the process. The pastor has the

responsibility of shepherding the church. Also, he has the largest sphere of influence.51 The

pastor needs to communicate with the church about the growth possibilities of small groups. He

should do a series of sermons on the above-mentioned scriptures to help prepare the

congregation for small group ministries.

The model that I would adapt for a traditional church would be a church with small

groups (at least for the first couple of years), but hopefully this would develop into a church that

transforms into small groups, being the backbone of the church. For a church with an average

Sunday school attendance of 160 to 185, I would like to begin with three small groups.

Therefore, I would be praying for six potential leaders. Hopefully, these could be paired into

three small group leaders each with one apprentice. After these people agree to lead a group, I

would conduct a training program following the small group setting (in someone’s home).

During the training process of approximately six weeks, the leaders would be asking people to

49 Rod Dempsey, Conclusion: Recommendations for Churches Considering The Transition to a Small Group System, (notes for DSMN 630, Liberty University), 2013.50 Ibid.51 Ibid.

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join their groups. The groups would be divided into geographic locations. This would hopefully

encourage people to attend because the groups would be located near them.

The new groups would be launched after the completion of the sermon series. Hopefully,

there could be a special event where members of other churches spoke about their small group

experiences. As far as the studies, I would prefer that the leaders were all on the same page at

this point. Perhaps, the groups could dig deeper into various sermon topics. This should be

developed during the training of the new leaders as the leaders are seeking God’s direction.

Communication with all the leaders is essential.52 They cannot feel alone in this new

endeavor. All group members need to be inviting others to join the group. Group members

should be asked to give testimonies on a monthly basis, both during regular services and during

Sunday school classes. Excitement is contagious. The point is to grow both spiritually and

numerically. As the groups begin to multiply, coaches need to be developed to help the small

group leaders.53

Above all, I encourage you to pray during the entire process. Jerry Falwell asserted,

“Nothing of eternal significance is ever accomplished apart from prayer.”54 Pray for your church,

the leadership, your group members, the community, and then pray again.

Conclusion

“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,But happy is he who keeps the law” (Proverbs 29:18).

It is essential that our plan for growth for the church be God’s vision. It is clear

throughout the scripture that God wants his people to flourish and multiply. The model used by

Christ was the small group model. If the church returns to the methods demonstrated by the first

52 Ibid.53 Ibid.54 Ibid.

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century church, the church may experience people being added to the church daily. The church

was a way of life because it happened in the homes of the Christians and spread to their

communities. When our communities truly see and experience the church, they will be drawn to

Christ and find salvation. Transitioning to small groups will not be easy but as the lost find

Christ, any growing pains will eventually fade. Luke 15: 6b stated, “Rejoice with me, for I have

found my sheep which was lost!” Now is the time to bring the lost sheep to Christ.

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Bibliography

Arnold, Jeffrey. The Big Book On Small Groups. Rev. ed. Downers Grove, Ill.: IVP Connect, 2004.

Barna, George. Growing True Disciples: New Strategies for Producing Genuine Followers of Christ. Colorado Springs, Colo.: WaterBrook Press, 2001.

Comiskey, Joel. Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church: New Testament Insights for the 21st Century Church. Moreno Valley: CCS Publishing, 2012.

Comiskey, Joel. “Cell Basics: What Is a Cell Group?” Joel Comiskey Group. September 5, 2013. Accessed September 5, 2013. http://joelcomiskeygroup.com/articles/basics/whatIsACell.htm.

Dempsey, Rod. “Conclusion: Recommendations for Churches Considering the Transition to a Small Group System.” Notes, DMSN 620, Liberty University, 2013.

Dempsey, Rod. "Lecture Notes: Small Group Quotes." Lecture, DSMN 630, Liberty University, August 19, 2013.

Dempsey, Rod. “Presentation: How to Lead a Group.” Lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 2013. Accessed September 21, 2013. http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_2007676_1.

Dempsey, Rod. “Presentation: Small Group Outreach/mission.” Lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 2013. Accessed September 26, 2013. http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_2007676_1.

Dempsey, Rod. “Presentation: Biblical Foundations.” Lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 2013. Accessed August 23, 2013. http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_2007676_1.

Dempsey, Rod. “Presentation: What Is a Group?” Lecture, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 2013. Accessed September 5, 2013. http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_2007676_1.

Earley, Dave, and Rod Dempsey. The Pocket Guide to Leading a Small Group: 52 Ways to Help You and Your Small Group Grow. Houston, TX: Touch Publications, 2007.

House, Brad. Community: Taking Your Small Group Off Life Support. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2011.

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Reeves, Josh. “10 Simple Ways to Be Missional in Your City (part 1).” Verge. September 26, 2013. Accessed September 26, 2013. http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_2007676_1.

Reeves, Josh. “25 Simple Ways to Be Missional In Your Neighborhood.” Verge. September 26, 2013. Accessed September 26, 2013. http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/courseMain?course_id=_2007676_1.

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