Small Group Resources

Connections solves the major challenges of small groups in traditional churches

In most traditional, mainline churches small groups are:

Insignificant: limited participation
Peripheral: considered optional as most churches carry on their ministries without them
Not strategic: study materials used by small groups are generally unrelated to the pastor’s sermon or the vision set by the session
Unsustainable: while a few small groups continue for years, most run down and dissolve after a limited period
Inaccessible: it is often hard to find out about existing groups and it is frequently difficult to join

Provide resources and guidance for small groups to become; significant, integral, strategic, sustainable and accessible.

Significant: 50% of worshiping congregation participating two to three times a year in studies that are 4 to 10 weeks long
Integral: woven into the fabric of church’s ministry and mission
Strategic: connected to the pastor’s sermons and the vision of the church
Sustainable: individual small groups may come and go, but the ministry of small groups is cultivated and sustained by well trained leadership
Accessible: small groups have a high profile and a leadership team is responsible to both entrance and exits of members

The pastor chooses several times a year to do a sermon based small group series
Small Group Leaders Ministry is recruited and trained to lead the Small Group Ministry
Small group leaders are recruited and trained (leader/co-leader model)
New small groups are generated
Members receive a study guide each Sunday as a handout or bulletin insert
Small groups use the study guide either in preparation for the sermon or in response to the sermon