Small Group Training Manual
Gaspar A. Cortez
DSMN630 D02: Small Group Ministries
May 9, 2025
Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................1
Motivations............................................................................................................................1
Dreams and Goals...................................................................................................................3
Biblical Foundations for Groups...............................................................................................4
My Group................................................................................................................................4
Leadership..............................................................................................................................5
Growth and Development.......................................................................................................6
Conclusion..............................................................................................................................7
Part 2......................................................................................................................................8
Conclusion Assignment...........................................................................................................8
Developing the Leader............................................................................................................9
Leading a Small Group...........................................................................................................10
Growing and Multiplying Small Groups.................................................................................12
Vision- Driven Growth.......................................................................................................12
Practical Leadership and Outreach....................................................................................13
Engagement Through Mission and Culture.......................................................................13
Living Life Together............................................................................................................14
Becoming the Body...............................................................................................................14
Conclusion............................................................................................................................16
Bibliography..............................................................................................................................
...19
ii
1
Introduction
The cry for authentic community resonates deeply within both Scripture and the human
heart. In an age marked by isolation, surface-level relationships, and consumer-driven faith,
small groups stand as a vital expression of biblical living, places where discipleship,
transformation, and mission thrive.
Rooted in the relational nature of Hashem Himself and grounded in the Great
Commandment and Great Commission, small groups are not merely a strategy but a necessity
for spiritual health and Kingdom expansion. This first part of this manual outlines the
motivations, dreams, biblical foundations, and practical strategies for building House
Discipleship
Communities that embody authentic fellowship, active disciple-making, and relational
leadership modeled after the greatest leader and discipler, Messiah Yeshua.
In the second part of this paper, the emphasis will shift from foundational principles to
practical application. The focus topics will be on strategies for developing small group leaders,
principles for effectively leading a group, methods for promoting growth within small groups,
and approaches to multiplying small groups. Finally, attention will be given to the development
and integration of small group ministry within the larger Assembly.
Motivations
The motivation for developing small groups is rooted in the biblical and human need for
authentic community. Small groups fulfill the heart’s cry for true fellowship, enabling people to
bring down walls, remove masks, and experience genuine relational living.1 Believers are called
1 Brad House, Community: Taking Your Small Group off Life Support (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011), 12.
2
to live together in unity, imitating the communal and relational nature of Hashem Himself.2 The
biblical commands to love Hashem and love neighbor (Dt 6:5; Lev 19:18; Mt. 22:34–40)3 further
motivate the formation of small groups as spaces where believers can actively live out these
commandments (1 Jn 2:6).
Additionally, small groups serve as a response to the increasing societal isolation.4 Light
and salt are only effective when brought into direct contact with darkness and the world, not
when isolated among themselves (Mt 5:13-16).5 Believers must avoid living in seclusion, instead
they should engage with nonbelievers to have a meaningful, lasting impact. They provide
environments for emotional healing, spiritual maturity, accountability, and encouragement, as
emphasized in Proverbs 27:17 and Hebrews 10:24–25. Leaders are called not simply to host
events but to foster living and build transformational communities that reflect the Gospel daily
(1 Cor. 9:19–23).6 In an age where event attendance often replaces genuine community, small
groups must and should prioritize discipleship, transformation, and authentic mission—action.
Small groups also meet practical Assembly needs by addressing consumerism, solving
the 20/80 rule problem (20% of people doing 80% of the work), and mobilizing believers for
2 Joel Comiskey, Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church: New Testament Insights for the 21st
Century Church (Moreno Valley, CA: CCS Publishing, 2012), 34.
3 All Scripture reference is from the Scriptures Version 2009 unless otherwise noted.
4 Rod Dempsey and Dave Earley, Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Small Groups (Nashville, TN: B&H
Academic, 2018), 23.
5 Dave Earley and David Wheeler, Everyday Evangelism: Sharing the Christian Faith (Nashville, TN: B&H
Academic, 2010), 47.
6 Brad House, 219. It is worth noting for clarity, Shaul would not have become a murderer or a prostitute,
nor would he have broken any commands given in the Torah in order to ‘become all’ according to his own
admission in Acts 21:19-24; 25:8; or 28:17.
3
ministry.7 They must create spaces for discovering spiritual gifts, engage in mutual service, and
prepare future disciple-makers through mentorship.
Dreams and Goals
The ultimate dream for a small group is to form a vibrant, life-giving community marked
by spiritual depth (Scriptural accuracy), authentic relationships (Acts living), and a
transformative impact (light and salt) on both believers and unbelievers. Small groups are not
merely programs, but duties that align with Hashem’s plan to make disciples of all nations.8
The goal is to build mature, mission-focused believers who reflect Messiah’s image
through worship, community, and outreach. Similar to Brad House’s vision of increasing "gospel
density" in neighborhoods shapes this dream, envisioning communities drawn into authentic
fellowship through hospitality and shared life.9
The dream also includes openness to newcomers whether they be in the meat or the
milk of the Word, leadership development through mentoring, and a proactive approach to
saturating neighborhoods with the Gospel, from the outside (globally) to the inside
(personally).10 Each member will be trained and nurtured not only to grow but also to lead,
ensuring continuous multiplication.11
7 Joel Comiskey, 30.
8 Dempsey and Earley, 27.
9 Brad House, 107.
10 Ibid., 107-108.
11 Jeffrey Arnold, The Big Book on Small Groups (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2004), 35
4
Biblical Foundations for Groups
Scripture consistently affirms the foundational basis and use of small groups:
•Matthew 22:34–40: The Great Commandment establish the foundation for all behavior.
These two commands found in the Torah ground the believer in their relationship with
Hashem (upwards) and with community (outward and inward).12
•Matthew 28:18–20: The Great Commission commands believers to go make disciples.
•Acts 2:41–47: The early Assembly is a model for small group life.
•Ephesians 1 and 4: Believers are to be equipped for ministry and maturity within the
body.
•Luke 6:12–16: A model to imitate; Yeshua selects and disciples a small group through
prayer.
•Proverbs 27:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11: Sharpening and encouraging one another are
two imperatives in small group life.
•Hebrews 10:24–25: Believers are encouraged to actively stir each other towards love
and good works, not neglecting the regular gatherings (fellowship) as a community.
•John 4:35: This verse establishes the urgent reality that the spiritual harvest, bringing
people into Hashem’s Kingdom, is ready now. It also establishes the immediate and
urgent call for believers to engage in evangelism and ministry, because people are ready
to respond to the gospel now.
Yeshua's home-based disciple-making model, combined with the early Assemblies house
gatherings, provides a strong biblical blueprint for modern small group ministry.
My Group
The groups developed will be House Discipleship Communities, combining the best
elements of house Assembly and small group ministry:
1. House Assembly: Worship, teaching, fellowship, and prayer in a home setting.
12 Ibid., 36-37, 54.
5
2. Discipleship Group: Scripture study, accountability, prayer, and leadership training.
3. Mentorship Model: Emphasizing deep relationships over programs.
These groups will stay small (10–12 members) so that active participation is encouraged.
They will be flexible, neighborhood-based, and life-centered rather than program-centered.
Beyond adult groups, there could also be a children’s group, a youth group, a men’s or women’s
group, and a possible outreach team. These holistic approaches ensure that discipleship can
happen across all stages of life, with every generation.
Leadership
Leadership of these groups will follow Yeshua’s model of relational servant leadership.
As leaders, the opportunity to model a culture of authenticity by sharing struggles and
brokenness with others is available. Leading with vulnerability helps create a small group
environment where honesty, grace, and growth can flourish, not a culture of perfectionism.
Part of building healthy, multiplying groups is recognizing that a leader does not just
shepherd others; they also invite others to walk alongside them. By allowing themselves to be
shepherded, they set the tone for genuine community. Vulnerability is not a weakness, it’s a
powerful tool Hashem uses to build trust, deepen relationships, and foster true discipleship.13
Some other key principles will include:
1. Starting with Prayer: Basing every major decision and move in prayer (Lk 6:12–16).
2. Relational Discipleship: Leading through personal investment in people's lives (1 Jn 2:6).
3. Modeling Messiah: Living humbly and visibly in obedience and service (Phil. 2:8; Jn 13).
13 Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman, DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church
to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013), 101.
6
4. Structured Meetings: Utilizing a covenant-based approach that defines confidentiality,
mutual accountability, and shared mission.14
5. Leadership Development: Assigning leadership roles early and mentoring future leaders.
6. Vision-Driven Leadership: Emphasizing Hashem’s glory, disciple-making, and mission
over maintenance.
As a small group leader, it is essential that prayer is prioritized (1Th 5:17), that they are
diligent with Scripture preparation (Acts 17:11), they apply some form of the Empty Chair
Principle (anticipating newcomers), and apprentice development.15
Growth and Development
The strategy for growth will be organic, relational, and intentional:
1. Prayerful Recruitment: Inviting friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and Assembly
connections.
2. Consistent Shepherding: Ongoing relational contact via phone, text, and hospitality.
3. Community Tetris: Strategically integrating small groups into normal life rhythms.16
4. Missional Living: Reflecting incarnational, service-oriented lifestyles in neighborhoods.
5. Multiplication through Apprenticeship: Developing new leaders and sending them out
with joy.
6. Family-Based Discipleship: Emphasizing multigenerational spiritual growth, following
biblical family discipleship models.
7. Curriculum Development:
a. Understanding what it means to be a disciple of Messiah Mission of Yeshua.
b. Understanding the message Yeshua received from the Father (Jn. 4:34, 5:30,
6:38, 8:29, 12:49–50, 14:10; Phil. 2:8).
c. Daily Imitation Learning to imitate Messiah (Mt. 16:24; 1 Cor. 11:1; Eph. 5:1; 1
Pet. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:6).
14 Dempsey and Earley 88-89.
15 Ibid., 126.
16 Brad House, 144.
7
d. Serving as disciples in the likeness of our great Rabbi, Yeshua (Lk. 6:40).17
Celebration and Joy: Hosting biblical feasts and regular gatherings to foster joy and
belonging. At every stage, the emphasis will remain on Depth, leading to maturity, which
Hashem willing will lead to multiplication, ensuring that the small group ministry grows
faithfully and fruitfully.
Conclusion
Small groups are not an optional program for the Assembly; they are an essential
outworking of Hashem’s design for His people. Through House Discipleship Communities,
believers can live out the biblical call to worship deeply, grow relationally, serve sacrificially, and
multiply missionally. Leaders, by modeling vulnerability, prayerful dependence, and servant-
hearted discipleship, will set the tone for groups that are vibrant, transformative, and
multiplying. With Scripture as the blueprint, Messiah as the model, and the Spirit as the guide,
small group ministry can foster true communities of light and salt, fulfilling the Great
Commandment and Great Commission in daily life, neighborhood by neighborhood, heart by
heart, for the glory of Hashem.
17 Greg Ogden, Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ (Downers Grove, IL:
Intervarsity Press, 2007), all.
8
Part 2
Conclusion Assignment
Developing the Leader
Developing small group leaders is a vital component of cultivating healthy, growing, and
multiplying small group ministries. Because the idea of leadership can be uncomfortable to
some, the development of leaders must be intentional, relational, and rooted in discipleship
rather than recruitment alone.18
It should take place organically within the context of community. Rather than seeking
already-polished leaders, the Assembly must view leadership development as a missional task,
18 Jeffrey Arnold, 43.
9
identifying, discipling, and equipping faithful members to take on leadership responsibilities
who are willing to take on risk and reward.19
A great way to develop leaders is apprenticeship/mentorship. Prospective leaders are set
alongside existing leaders to observe and participate in leadership practices. This “on the job”
training model fosters growth through experience, coaching, and feedback. Set clear
expectation, while giving continuous support, and emphasize to them they are not their merely
to manage groups, but to raise up others. And in turn this sustains ministry or small group
growth.20
The apprentice must progress in stages: “I do, you watch; we do together; you do; I
watch; you do, someone else watches.”21 This process allows and encourages leadership through
modeling and active participation, the same as Yeshua did with the disciples (Mt 4:19; Jn 6:113).
He took the apprentice, as any leader should, into a real ministry situation and allowed them to
serve alongside, helping them grow comfortable and gain meaningful, positive experiences. As
they begin to understand the value of serving, they will become more confident in exploring
areas where they may be gifted.22 And when the time is right, release them to serve
independently, giving them the opportunity to take risks and experience the rewards of faithful
ministry.
Leading a Small Group
Leading a small group starts with a clear, Scripture-centered vision. One more time, it
starts with a clear, Scripture-centered vision. This thought must be reiterated to the apprentice
19 Brad House, Chapter 8.
20 Ibid., 182 and 235.
21 Jeffrey Arnold, 97.
22 Jim Putman, “Six Things Jesus Did To Equip His Disciples For Ministry,” (blog), Discipleship.org, no date
given, https://discipleship.org/blog/six-things-jesus-did-to-equip-his-disciples-for-ministry/.
10
and the group over and over; make sure it’s ingrained.23 It’s not just about hosting a Bible study;
it’s about making disciples who live out their faith in community and on mission. Lead with
intentionality, lead relationally and missionally, shaping groups around the image of Messiah (to
be considered righteous) and the goal of the Father (to get into the Kingdom). 24 The primary
mission of any leader is to create disciples who create other disciples.25
A great way to lead is highlighted in Chapter 30 of Dempsey and Earley’s book Leading
Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Small Groups. They highlight and emphasize the simplicity of
eight key habits that every leader should put into practice. These also happen to align perfectly
with the Scriptures. They are:
1. Dream of leading a healthy, growing, multiplying group.
Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission is the call to multiplication. Yeshua tells us to “go
and make taught ones of all the nations,” which means we should always be thinking ahead and
dreaming about how we can expand His Kingdom through our groups and beyond.
2. Pray for your group members daily.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 - “Pray without ceasing.” Prayer isn’t just a nice add-on; it’s the glue that
holds the group together spiritually. Interceding daily shows love and helps align our hearts with
Hashem's for the people in our care.
3. Invite new people to visit your group weekly.
Luke 14:23 - “Go out into the street corners and hedges, and compel them to come in, so that
my house is filled.” The Kingdom is always expanding, and this principle reflects Yeshua’s heart
for welcoming others in.
4. Contact your group members regularly.
Hebrews 10:24-25 - “And let us be concerned for one another in order to stir up love and good
works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” Regular contact is one way we live
this out, encouraging each other, checking in, and making sure no one falls through the cracks.
23 Robert E. Coleman, Bobby Harrington and Jim Putman, DISCIPLESHIFT: Five Steps That Help Your Church
to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013), 126.
24 Jefferey Arnold, 76 and 77.
25 Ibid.
11
5. Prepare for your group meeting.
2 Timothy 2:15 - “Do your utmost to present yourself approved to Elohim, a worker who does
not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth.” Good preparation shows we value
the time together and are ready to serve.
6. Mentor an apprentice leader.
2 Timothy 2:2 - “And what you have heard from me among many witnesses, entrust these to
trustworthy men who shall be competent to teach others as well.” Reproducing leaders is
biblical discipleship, it’s about multiplication, not just maintenance.
7. Plan group fellowship activities.
Acts 2:46 - “And day by day, continuing with one mind in the Set-apart Place, and breaking
bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.”
Community is built through intentional time spent together outside of formal meetings.
8. Be committed to your own personal growth.
1 Timothy 4:15-16 - “Practise these matters, be in them... Pay attention to yourself and to the
teaching. Continue in them...” Leaders can’t pour into others if they’re running dry, growth has
to be ongoing.26
And finally, be flexible. Leading a small group isn’t about rigid programs, it’s about living
life together in the rhythms of faith. Get to know the group. Ask questions that employ
participation and applicational thought. Use Scripture as the focus and urge participation.27 The
best leaders don’t do everything themselves, they equip others, point people to Messiah, and
cultivate a place where spiritual growth happens naturally.28
Growing and Multiplying Small Groups
Similar to leading a small group, growing and multiplying a small group can overlay some
of the same methods. Leaders must have a vision-driven growth, they must have a practical
26 Gaspar Cortez, “Discussion Thread: How to Multiply a Small Group,” Liberty University DSMN630
(Discussion Board), Apr. 30, 2025, https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/756543/assignments/12237508/
submissions/1070930.
27 Dempsey and Earley, 91-95.
28 Ibid., 150
12
leadership and outreach strategy, they must engage through mission and culture, and they must
live life together.
Vision- Driven Growth
Effective small group ministry begins not with reactionary programming but with a clear,
theologically grounded vision. Here’s a warning: all to many times, groups start as responses to
immediate needs like pastoral care or biblical literacy but lack long-term adaptability.29 So
instead, a vision centered on glorifying Hashem through disciple-making provides both direction
and resilience. It distinguishes between the purpose of small groups, forming disciples in the
image of Messiah, and the products such as fellowship or care. Clarity of vision and openness to
new people are essential. Healthy groups must remain mission-focused and continually invite
others in, aligning with Messiah’s call to the harvest. And above all, the central purpose of
growing the small group, must be to form disciples who reflect the image of Messiah (1 Cor
11:1), rooted in their identity in Him (1 Jn 2:6), devoted to worshiping Hashem (Dt 6:13; Lk 4:8),
committed to community (Lev 19:18; Ro 12:9-10), and engaged in mission to the world.
Practical Leadership and Outreach
Growing small groups involves both intentional leadership and relational evangelism.
The "Empty Chair" principle, praying for new members, and encourage planting seeds within
five relational spheres: family, friends, neighbors, coworkers/classmates, and Assembly
contacts.30 Consistent follow-up communication deepens relationships and enhances care.
Groups must live missionally and locally, using a Neighborhood Approach to increase gospel
presence and counter cultural transience with enduring, rooted communities.31
29 Brad House, 88.
30 Lyman Coleman, Small Group Training Manual (Littleton, Co: Serendipity House, 1991), 79. In Earley
and Dempsey, 125.
31 Brad House, 105-108.
13
Engagement Through Mission and Culture
Leaders must engage the world without compromising biblical truth. Following Shaul’s
model (1 Cor 9:19–23), leaders should remove barriers and build bridges into the culture. Brad
House advocates for a “missiologist” mindset, discerning what to receive, reject, or redeem
from local culture. He goes on to say that engagement takes place in four key spaces: fellowship
(spiritual formation), hospitality (welcoming outsiders), service (meeting needs), and
participation (involvement in neighborhood life). Through these, groups become a visible
witness to Hashem’s love and power.32 Engagement within the culture is not optional for faithful
leadership; it is essential to fulfilling the Assemblies calling to multiply disciples and in the end
bring the glory of Yeshua to the world.
Living Life Together
True small group growth is not about attendance but about gospel-centered life together
which stresses relational depth, flexible rhythms, and shared mission. This will include social
gatherings, regular mentoring, and joyful celebrations modeled after biblical feasts which will
foster belonging and evangelistic opportunity. Leaders must raise apprentices and multiply,
ensuring lasting impact. Transformational small groups reflect the heart of Messiah, welcoming,
discipling, and sending, becoming a living expression of the Kingdom in the world.
Use strategies like the “Empty Chair” to keep evangelism front and center.33 Make sure
your group isn't just recycling people from inside the Assembly, but actually reaching outward
out to neighbors, coworkers, or family.34 Keep in mind that all leaders must mix the spaces like
32 Brad House, 137-143.
33 Ibid., 71.
34 Dempsey and Earley, 73 and 152. “Us four and no more” mentality.
14
hospitality, service, fellowship, and neighborhood participation to build bridges and break down
barriers and live life together.35
Becoming the Body
Developing or transitioning to small groups in the Assembly can be a challenge, but with
a poised mindset, a strong vision, and a leader willing to stand on the front line, it will be done.
In guiding the Assembly to transition into small group-based communities, a clear distinction
must be made between three structural models: an Assembly “with” small groups, an Assembly
“of” small groups, and an Assembly that “is” small groups. An Assembly “with” small groups
treats groups as optional or peripheral programs. An Assembly “of” small groups integrates
them into its structural priorities and leadership attention. An Assembly that “is” small groups,
embodies small groups as the fundamental identity and operational core of its ministry.36
The transformation will require leaders to be intentional and have a strategic plan for
defining what to do during each phase. Dempsey and Earley in their book bring up a helpful
framework that involves eleven key steps, forming the acrostic “S.M.A.L.L. G.R.O.U.P.S.”: (1)
Seek Hashem’s direction from Scripture, particularly focusing on passages like the Great
Commandment and Acts 2; (2) Make sure the Senior Pastor leads the initiative; (3) Adopt a
model that suits the Assemblies current context while aiming toward disciple-making; (4)
Leadership training is essential to equip group leaders spiritually and practically; (5) Launch new
groups during strategic times, such as early fall; (6) Grow groups both in number and in spiritual
health; (7) Retrain leaders regularly to retain them and improve quality; (8) Over-communicate
to reinforce the vision and logistics; (9) Utilize a coaching structure to provide scalable support,
modeled on Jethro’s advice to Moses in Exodus 18; (10) Pray diligently, as spiritual multiplication
35 Brad House, 144. “Community Tetris.”
36 Dempsey and Earley, 181.
15
is rooted in prayer; and (11) See Hashem’s blessing through faithful disciplemaking, claiming
Messiah’s promise of His presence.37
Becoming a disciple-making Assembly through small groups involves aligning structures
with scriptural priorities, empowering leadership, and maintaining prayerful dependence on
Hashem.
Conclusion
If you're leading a small group or stepping into ministry, here is a bit of encouragement
and a caution: it's incredibly rewarding, but it's also tough, and if you're not careful, you can
lose heart as many have experienced.38 Leaders start strong, with great intent to build the
Kingdom, but eventually burn out or quit altogether. The truth is, once you step into leadership,
you become a spiritual target (Eph 6:12; 1 Pet 5:8; Ja 3:1). Add to that the emotional and
relational weight of ministering to broken people, and the risk of discouragement becomes very
real, and even soul breaking (Ex 14; Ex 17:2; Neh 9:16-17; Jer 8:18-12:13; Lk 19:41; Jn 11:33-35).
So how do you endure? Here are a few things men with wisdom have learned from
Scripture and some of their experiences that may help keep you from giving up.
•First, stay grateful. Ministry isn’t something earned. It’s a mercy, a gift from Hashem. If
you start thinking you’re entitled to results or appreciation, you open yourself to
bitterness. Remember: you serve because He allows you to, not because He owes you.
•Second, be real. People aren’t looking for perfect leaders, they're looking for authentic
ones. Pretending to have it all together is exhausting. Be honest about your struggles,
and you'll create space for others to do the same.
37 Ibid., 181-184.
38 Ibid., 186.
16
•Third, keep the spotlight on Yeshua. Ministry isn’t about you. If you think performance
based or image, you’ll burn out. Let your weaknesses highlight His power, it takes the
pressure off and will bring Him more glory.
•Fourth, stay positive, spiritually, not just emotionally. Shaul faced overwhelming trials,
but he didn’t let them define his perspective. He saw Hashem’s hand in every hardship,
using it to expand the reach of the gospel. Trust when things get hard, He is working for
something bigger.
•Finally, keep your eyes on eternity. What is done in ministry for the Kingdom, echoes far
beyond what is seen now. Every act of obedience, every conversation, every group
meeting is an eternal investment. This mindset changes everything.39
So, if you're leading, or thinking about leading, know this: the challenges are real, but so
is the reward. Don’t let fatigue or frustration steal your calling. Believe the Scriptures when they
warn, “your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1
Pet 5:8). Stay grounded, stay faithful, and remember why you started. One day, you’ll see how
much it mattered.
Bibliography
Arnold, Jeffrey. The Big Book on Small Groups. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2004.
39 Dempsey and Earley, 186-88.
17
Coleman, Lyman. Small Group Training Manual. Littleton, Co: Serendipity House, 1991.
Coleman, Robert E., Bobby Harrington and Jim Putman. DISCIPLESHIFT: Five Steps That Help
Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013.
Comiskey, Joel. Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church: New Testament Insights for the
21st Century Church. Moreno Valley, CA: CCS Publishing, 2012.
Cortez, Gaspar. “Discussion Thread: How to Multiply a Small Group.” Liberty University
DSMN630 (Discussion Board). Apr. 30, 2025. https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/756543/
assignments/12237508/ submissions/1070930.
Dempsey, Rod, and Dave Earley. Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Small Groups. Nashville,
TN: B&H Academic, 2018.
Earley, Dave and David Wheeler. Everyday Evangelism: Sharing the Christian Faith. Nashville, TN:
B&H Academic, 2010.
House, Brad. Community: Taking Your Small Group off Life Support. Wheaton, IL: Crossway,
2011.
Ogden, Greg. Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ. Downers Grove, IL:
Intervarsity Press, 2007.
Putman, Jim, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman. DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your
Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013.
18
Putman, Jim. “Six Things Jesus Did To Equip His Disciples For Ministry.” (Blog). Discipleship.org.
No date given. https://discipleship.org/blog/six-things-jesus-did-toequip-his-disciples-
for-ministry/.
