Small Group Training Manual
LaRonda Perrien-Massey
DSMN660: Leading the Healthy Growing Multiplying Church
May 10th, 2024
Contents
Theological and Biblical Foundations..........................................................................................1
Motivations for Developing Groups.............................................................................................3
Goals and Dreams for Small Groups...........................................................................................4
Type of Groups..............................................................................................................................5
Leading Small Groups...................................................................................................................7
Growing Small Groups..................................................................................................................9
Multiplying Small Groups..........................................................................................................10
Investing in Leadership Development...............................................................................10
Creating a Culture of Invitation and Inclusion..................................................................11
Utilizing Technology and Social Media............................................................................11
Develop/Transition Small Groups In Your Church.................................................................12
Bibliography.................................................................................................................................13
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1
In more recent history, the small group movement gained momentum in the latter half of
the 20th century and continues to thrive today. The rise of parachurch organizations, such as
Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru) and Navigators, popularized small group models for
evangelism, discipleship, and personal transformation. Numerous church growth and discipleship
programs have also incorporated small groups as a vital component of their strategies./
Today, small groups are commonly found in churches of various denominations and
traditions worldwide. They serve as platforms for Bible study, prayer, fellowship, discipleship,
and community outreach. While specific structures and approaches may vary, the underlying
purpose remains consistent: to provide a context where individuals can experience authentic
relationships, grow in their faith, and live out the teachings of Jesus Christ in community./
The history of small groups within Christianity reflects an ongoing recognition of the value and
effectiveness of intimate gatherings for spiritual growth, accountability, and building vibrant
communities of faith.
Theological and Biblical Foundations
The biblical foundations of small groups can be found in various principles and examples
throughout the Scriptures. The Great Commandment (Matthew 22), The Great Commission
(Matthew 28), The Great Example (Acts 2), The Great Illustration (Ephesians 1), and the Great
Plan (Ephesians 4) are all foundational passages for a strong small group model and
environment. Small groups are important so that every part of the body can grow in the right
place in the body of Christ, thus advancing the collective mission of the church. Small groups
have emerged as a cornerstone of vibrant Christian community, essential for nurturing
committed disciples who exemplify the love and teachings of Christ in the world. “Those who
would be the disciples of Jesus must practice the disciplines of Jesus. If we want to live as Jesus
2
lived, we must do as Jesus did. One of the main things Jesus did was invite a handful of men to
be gathered together with Him in an intensive, ministry-focused small group. Jesus was a small
group leader.”1 While the term "small groups" may not be explicitly mentioned, the following
biblical principles also provide a solid foundation for the practice:/
1. Community and Fellowship: Acts 2:42-47 describes the early believers meeting together
regularly, devoting themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
This passage emphasizes the importance of believers gathering in community, supporting
one another, and sharing their lives together./
2. Mutual Edification and Discipleship: In Hebrews 10:24-25, believers are encouraged to
consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, and not neglect
meeting together. Small groups provide a conducive environment for mutual
encouragement, accountability, and discipleship as members engage in Bible study,
prayer, and sharing their faith journeys./
3. Spiritual Gifts and Service: 1 Corinthians 12 highlights the diversity of spiritual gifts
within the body of Christ. Small groups allow individuals to discover, develop, and
utilize their gifts within the context of a supportive community, fostering the growth and
service of each member./
4. Bearing One Another's Burdens: Galatians 6:2 instructs believers to bear one another's
burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ. Small groups provide a space where members can
share their struggles, offer support, and provide practical help to one another, embodying
the love and care that Christ demonstrated./
5. Accountability and Growth: Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person
sharpens another." Small groups create an environment where members can hold each
other accountable, challenge one another, and facilitate personal and spiritual growth./
6. Teaching and Discipleship: Jesus Himself modeled the importance of small group
discipleship through His interactions with His twelve disciples. He spent intentional time
teaching, mentoring, and investing in their lives, demonstrating the value of personal
relationships in spiritual formation./
These biblical foundations reveal the significance of community, discipleship, mutual
support, and spiritual growth within the context of smaller gatherings. Small groups provide a
framework for believers to live out these biblical principles, creating spaces for authentic
relationships, accountability, and the application of God's Word in daily life./
1 Rod Dempsey and Dave Earley, Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying, Small Groups (Wordsearch, 2018), 26.
3
While the specific structures and formats of small groups may vary, the biblical principles
underlying their formation and function remain consistent, reflecting the essential role of
community in the Christian journey./
Motivations for Developing Groups
Small groups in churches have been shown to have a positive impact on various aspects of
church life and the spiritual growth of individuals. Here are some notable statistics that highlight
the impact of small groups:/
1. Increased Church Attendance: According to a study by Lifeway Research, churchgoers
who participate in a small group attend church more frequently than those who do not.
Among those who attend small groups weekly, 82% also attend church weekly, compared
to only 56% of those who do not participate in small groups./
2. Deeper Spiritual Growth: Research conducted by Willow Creek Community Church and
the Willow Creek Association found that individuals who are actively engaged in small
groups experience greater spiritual growth compared to those who are not involved. They
reported increased Bible reading, prayer, serving, and sharing their faith./
3. Stronger Sense of Belonging and Community: Small groups provide a sense of belonging
and connection within the church community. A study by Barna Group found that adults
who are actively involved in a small group are more likely to feel connected to their
church and to have close relationships with other church members./
4. Increased Discipleship and Biblical Understanding: Small groups provide opportunities
for in-depth Bible study, discussion, and teaching. A survey conducted by the Natural
Church Development research organization found that churches with active small group
ministries had higher scores in the area of "passionate spirituality," indicating a greater
emphasis on personal discipleship and growth./
5. Enhanced Care and Support: Small groups offer a platform for mutual care, support, and
accountability among members. According to a study by Lifeway Research, churchgoers
who participate in small groups are more likely to report having someone in the church
who knows them well, cares for them, and holds them accountable./
6. Increased Volunteerism and Ministry Involvement: Individuals who are engaged in small
groups often become more active in serving and ministry within the church. A study
conducted by Ed Stetzer and Lifeway Research found that churchgoers who are involved
in small groups are more likely to be engaged in various volunteer activities,
demonstrating a higher level of commitment and involvement in the church./
4
These statistics are motivation for starting small groups and they highlight the positive impact
that small groups can have on church attendance, spiritual growth, community, discipleship,
care, and ministry involvement.//
Goals and Dreams for Small Groups
The objectives of a small group can vary depending on the specific goals and context of the
church or ministry. Here are some common objectives that small groups often seek to
accomplish:/
1. Spiritual Growth: Small groups provide a setting for individuals to grow in their faith and
deepen their relationship with God. This includes studying the Bible, discussing spiritual
topics, and applying biblical principles to daily life./
2. Community and Fellowship: Small groups aim to foster authentic relationships and a
sense of belonging within the church community. They provide opportunities for
members to connect, build friendships, support one another, and share life together./
3. Discipleship and Accountability: Small groups offer a context for intentional
discipleship, where members encourage and challenge each other to live out their faith.
They provide accountability in areas such as prayer, personal growth, and lifestyle
choices./
4. Mutual Care and Support: Small groups create an environment where members can
receive emotional, practical, and spiritual support during challenging times. This includes
offering encouragement, providing help in times of need, and praying for one another./
5. Outreach and Evangelism: Small groups can be a platform for members to reach out to
their communities, demonstrating God's love through acts of service and sharing the
Gospel. They provide opportunities for members to invite others to join the group and to
share their faith in a relational setting./
6. Leadership Development: Small groups can serve as a training ground for leaders within
the church. They provide opportunities for members to develop leadership skills,
facilitate discussions, and grow in their ability to shepherd and mentor others./
7. Mission and Ministry Engagement: Small groups can mobilize members to actively
participate in the mission and ministry of the church. They encourage involvement in
serving, volunteering, and using individual gifts and talents to impact the community and
advance the Kingdom of God./
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These objectives reflect the holistic nature of small groups, encompassing spiritual growth,
community, discipleship, care, and mission. These objectives also double as benefits./
Type of Groups
There are many churches that have developed effective and successful small group models.
However, it is important to note that what works well for one church may not necessarily be the
best fit for your church, as each church has its unique context, needs, and goals. Nonetheless,
here are a few examples of churches known for their successful small group models in no
particular order:/
1. Saddleback Church (Lake Forest, California, USA): Saddleback Church, led by Pastor
Rick Warren, has a well-known small group model called "Life Groups." They
emphasize the importance of biblical community, spiritual growth, and personal care
within their small groups. They provide training resources for leaders and offer a wide
range of group options based on various interests, life stages, and spiritual growth goals.2/
2. North Point Community Church (Alpharetta, Georgia, USA): North Point, led by Pastor
Andy Stanley, has a strong emphasis on small groups as a means of creating authentic
community and discipleship. They have a model called "Groups of 8" where participants
meet in small, consistent groups of eight people, fostering deeper connections and
accountability.3/
3. Willow Creek Community Church (South Barrington, Illinois, USA): Willow Creek is
known for its "Life Transformation Groups" (LTGs), which are small groups of 2-4
people focused on intentional discipleship and spiritual growth. These groups meet
regularly for Bible study, prayer, and accountability.4/
4. Vineyard Churches: The Vineyard movement emphasizes small groups, known as
"Vineyard Cells" or "Vineyard Groups," as an integral part of their church structure.
These groups meet regularly for worship, teaching, prayer, and community outreach,
providing opportunities for spiritual growth and connection.5/
2 “SmallGroups.” 2024. Saddleback Church. Accessed May 11. https://saddleback.com/connect/smallgroups.
3 “Community Groups.” 2024. North Point Community Church. Accessed May 11. https://northpoint.org/groups.
4 “Groups.” 2024. Willow Creek Community Church. May 3. https://www.willowcreek.org/get-involved/groups/.
5 “A Growing Community of Local Churches Committed to the Message & Practice of the Kingdom of God. -
Vineyard.” 2024. Vineyard USA. Accessed May 11. https://vineyardusa.org/.
6
5. Community Christian Church (Naperville, Illinois, USA): Community Christian Church
has a small group model called "Life-on-Life Missional Discipleship." They focus on
intentionally developing leaders within the context of small groups and emphasize
discipleship and missional living.6/
6. Church of the Highlands (Birmingham, Alabama, USA): Church of the Highlands has a
strong emphasis on small groups as a key component of their church community. They
have a model called "Small Groups," which encompasses a variety of group types,
including men's groups, women's groups, marriage groups, and interest-based groups.
Their small groups focus on building relationships, studying the Bible, and providing
support and accountability.7/
7. New Life Church (Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA): New Life Church has a model
called "Connect Groups" that aims to create a sense of family and community within the
church. Their small groups focus on cultivating relationships, sharing life together, and
discussing biblical teachings. They encourage members to gather in homes, coffee shops,
or other informal settings for these groups.8/
8. Life. Church (Multiple Locations, USA): Life. Church places a strong emphasis on
community through their small group model known as "Life Groups." They offer various
types of groups, including study groups, support groups, and interest-based groups. Life
Groups are designed to provide an environment where people can connect, grow
spiritually, and engage in meaningful relationships.9/
9. Hillsong Church (Multiple Locations, Worldwide): Hillsong Church is known for its
vibrant small group model called "Connect Groups." These groups are designed to create
a sense of community, discipleship, and spiritual growth. Hillsong Connect Groups
provide opportunities for worship, Bible study, prayer, and fellowship.10/
All of these groups fall in one of the type of group categories below:11
• Cell Group: These intimate gatherings focus on fostering deep spiritual growth and
community among members. They typically consist of a smaller number of individuals,
allowing for more personal interaction and accountability. Cell groups often meet
regularly for Bible study, prayer, and mutual support, serving as a close-knit community
within a larger church body.
6 2024. Accessed May 11. https://communitychristian.org/connect.
7 “Church of the Highlands.” 2024. Next Steps | Church of the Highlands. Accessed May 11.
https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/next-steps.
8 2024. New Life Church. Accessed May 11. https://newlifecolorado.ccbchurch.com/goto/groups/public.
9 “LifeGroups.” 2024. Life Church. Accessed May 11. https://www.life.church/lifegroups/.
10 “Connect Groups.” 2024. Connect Groups | USA. Accessed May 11. https://hillsong.com/usa/nyc/connect-
groups/.
11 Jeffrey Arnold, The Big Book on Small Groups (Revised Edition) (InterVarsity Press, 2017), 76–80.
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• Discipleship Group: These are centered around intentional pursuit of spiritual growth and
maturity, these groups focus on studying scripture, developing spiritual disciplines, and
cultivating deeper relationships with Christ. They prioritize mentorship and
accountability, encouraging and challenging members in their faith journey.
• Ministry Group: These are dedicated to serving others and fulfilling the mission of the
church, these communities engage in various outreach activities. Whether volunteering in
local communities, organizing charity events, or participating in missions work, ministry
groups provide opportunities for members to use their talents and gifts to make a positive
impact while fostering purpose and unity within the group.
• Special Needs Groups: These are inclusive communities that cater to individuals with
specific challenges or circumstances, offering support, understanding, and practical
assistance. By creating a welcoming and supportive environment, special needs groups
ensure all individuals feel valued and included, regardless of their differences.
• Affinity Groups: Based on shared interests, hobbies, or life stages, these gatherings
provide opportunities for like-minded individuals to connect, socialize, and grow together
in faith. Whether for young adults, parents, singles, or outdoor enthusiasts, affinity
groups offer a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the church community.
• House Church: These are intimate gatherings held in homes, these groups come together
for worship, fellowship, and study. Offering a more informal and relaxed atmosphere,
house churches foster deeper relationships and spiritual intimacy among members. They
emphasize hospitality, community,-building, and shared leadership among participants.
Leading Small Groups
“The place to start, when attempting to gather a group, is on your knees. In Luke 6:12–16
we read that before Jesus chose those who would follow him for the next few years, he
committed the choice to his heavenly Father.”2 This is an important step when considering
starting and leading a group. We need God’s guidance for everything. Other elements that should
be considered when forming a group are how people will be placed, what kind of group are you
leading, and who can you lean on to be an apprentice leader or a host/hostess.
Every group should have a standard for meeting and those standards and practices should be
applied internally and externally.
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1. Welcome (Community)
2. Worship
3. Word (Bible Study & Application)
4. Work (Ministry)
5. Witness (Evangelism)
Every group should have a group covenant. Some of the basic covenant components are listed
here:
1. The Covenant of Priority/
2. The Covenant of Prayer//
3. The Covenant of Outreach/
4. The Covenant of Growth//
5. The Covenant of Openness/
6. The Covenant of Availability/
7. The Covenant of Confidentiality//
8. The Covenant of Multiplication//
9. The Covenant of Accountability//
10. The Covenant of Love/
“When covenant writing is part of a healthy group pattern, everyone is allowed equal input, and
the success of the group ultimately lies with each individual attempting to meet the expectations
laid down and agreed to by all.”12
Growing Small Groups
“To lead an effective open group, you must start out with a clear mental picture of your
end result and then work hard to make that end result a reality.”13
1. To Get People in Groups:
• Include six weeks of small group participation in all new-member courses.
• Use publicity brochures and newsletter articles to encourage people to join.
• Small group leaders and groups can recruit for their own groups.
2. To Help People Grow, Have Available:
• Well-trained leaders who are ready to help people “get on track” with Christ.
12 Rod Dempsey and Dave Earley, Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying, Small Groups (Wordsearch, 2018), 88
13 Rod Dempsey and Dave Earley, Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying, Small Groups (Wordsearch, 2018), 111–
112.
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• Different kinds of groups tailored to the needs of your church or fellowship.
• The challenge for discipleship offered with each kind of group.
• Differing levels of leadership within the group.
3. To Help the Small Group Grow:
• Use Serendipity’s empty chair (put out a chair each week which represents people you would
like to have in your group) so that the group is always praying for others.
• Share with other leaders a vision for spiritual growth and outreach.
• Evolve toward a mission emphasis with time.
• Recognize that some groups will become evangelistic groups.
• Encourage all members to bring friends.
4. To Develop The “Mother Group” Idea:
• As groups grow, they can be broken into smaller units of four for study and prayer.
• Apprentices will complete leader training and begin their own groups, possibly “daughter
groups” from the “mother” group.
• Other groups continue to grow and “birth” new daughter groups.
• Daughter groups will grow to become mother groups.
5. To Ensure a Strong Leadership Foundation:
• Level 1. There will be a constant search for apprentice leaders.
• Level 2. Apprentice leaders will be trained to become small group leaders.
• Level 3. Small group leaders who have overseen “daughtering” will become coordinators or
coaches.14
“When your vision is clear, your members can follow you. Make sure that you, as the leader, see
the vision first, farther and clearer than anyone else! When you have a clear picture of where you
want to go and how you want to get there, then there is no stopping what you can accomplish.”15
Multiplying Small Groups
In our 21st/century context, we understand house-to-house ministry to resemble that of small
groups. Small groups foster community, discipleship, and accountability among believers,
enabling them to grow spiritually and fulfill their mission effectively. To grow and multiply new
small groups for the future, leaders should consider implementing the following:
14 Jeffrey Arnold, The Big Book on Small Groups (Revised Edition) (InterVarsity Press, 2017), 253–254.
15 Rod Dempsey and Dave Earley, Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying, Small Groups (Wordsearch, 2018), 112.
10
Investing in Leadership Development
“The early apostles provided the overarching leadership but depended on the house
church leaders to shepherd and care for the rest of God’s church.”16/Leaders should begin by
identifying potential leaders within their church community and providing them with training,
resources, and mentorship to lead small groups effectively. Empowering leaders will enable
churches to establish and oversee new small groups, fostering growth and multiplication. When
developing leaders, the formula promoted by Dave and John Ferguson in their book/Exponential
is a great tool to consider.
“I do. You watch. We talk.
I do. You help. We talk.
You do. I help. We talk.
You do. I watch. We talk.
You do. Someone else watches.
Jesus modeled something similar to this when he was working with the disciples, and a
careful review of Paul’s writings will show that he did something like this with Timothy and
Titus. A church leader needs a simple but effective model like this to successfully develop
leaders.”17
Creating a Culture of Invitation and Inclusion
This process involves encouraging existing small group members to invite others to join
their groups, emphasizing inclusivity and hospitality. “Group multiplication will happen
naturally when the group members have taken personal responsibility for their spiritual growth,
are reaching friends for Christ, and discipling them.”18/I aim to establish welcoming
16 Joel Comiskey,/Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church: New Testament Insights for the 21st Century
Church Links to an external site. /(CCS Publishing, 2012), 119.
17 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), 126.
18 Joel Comiskey. 2018. “Why Cell Multiplication Is Necessary.” Joel Comiskey Group. March
3./https://joelcomiskeygroup.com/2010/11/07/why-cell-multiplication-is-necessary/Links to an external site.
11
environments where newcomers feel valued and accepted, thereby contributing to the expansion
of small groups within our church.
Utilizing Technology and Social Media
“As with spiritual formation in general and online course design in particular, leveraging
social media and networking tools to promote healthy and informative uses requires
intentionality.”19/Leaders should plan to leverage technology and social media platforms to
promote small groups, share testimonies, and facilitate communication among members. By
establishing online communities where individuals can connect, engage in discussions, and find
information about joining or starting new small groups, churches can reach a wider audience and
facilitate a culture of discipleship and growth.
Develop/Transition Small Groups In Your Church
The journey of developing small groups involves intentional cultivation and continuous
improvement. Churches can have a “with” small groups, “of” small groups, and “is” small
groups model. “The differences are subtle yet distinct. A church “with” small groups has a few
groups meeting, but they are not central to the mission of the church and they are not overseen
by a staff member. A church “of” small group has an intentional strategy to get people into
groups and has a staff member responsible for developing the small group ministry. A church
that” is” small groups is a collection of groups (think home churches) that meet on Sunday
morning and the Senior Pastor is the point person for the entire group ministry. Most churches
thinking about a transition are thinking of going from “with” to “of”. If you are thinking of trying
to become a church that “is” small groups that requires a complete retrofitting of your
19 Stephen D. Lowe and Mary E. Lowe,/Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age: Spiritual Growth through Online
Education Links to an external site. /(Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2018), 94.
12
ecclesiological model and is probably more suited for a church plant.”20 When developing or
starting small groups, use the S.M.A.L.L. G.R.O.U.P model.
1. Seek God’s Vision
2. Make Sure the Senior Pastor is in the Lead Position
3. Adopt A Model that Fits Who and Where You Are
4. Leader Recruiting and Training
5. Launch the New Ministry
6. Grow the Quantity and the Quality of Groups
7. Reward the Right Behavior
8. Over Communicate
9. Utilize and Develop Coaches
10. Pray
11. See God Expand Your Vision
Bibliography
Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman,/DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help
Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples Links to an external site. /(Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013), 126.
Joel Comiskey,/Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church: New Testament Insights for
the 21st Century Church Links to an external site. /(CCS Publishing, 2012), 119.
Jeffrey Arnold, The Big Book on Small Groups (Revised Edition) (InterVarsity Press, 2017).
Rod Dempsey and Dave Earley, Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying, Small Groups
(Wordsearch, 2018).
Stephen D. Lowe and Mary E. Lowe,/Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age: Spiritual Growth
through Online Education Links to an external site. /(Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP
Academic, 2018), 94.
5 W’s Power Point Class Lecture, Liberty University, DSMN 630
“A Growing Community of Local Churches Committed to the Message & Practice of the
Kingdom of God. - Vineyard.” 2024. Vineyard USA. Accessed May 11.
https://vineyardusa.org/.
2024. Accessed May 11. https://communitychristian.org/connect.
“Church of the Highlands.” 2024. Next Steps | Church of the Highlands. Accessed May 11.
https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/next-steps.
2024. New Life Church. Accessed May 11.
20 Rod Demspey, Lecture Notes: 11-Step Process, DSMN630 Class Lecture Notes
13
https://newlifecolorado.ccbchurch.com/goto/groups/public.
“LifeGroups.” 2024. Life Church. Accessed May 11. https://www.life.church/lifegroups/.
“Connect Groups.” 2024. Connect Groups | USA. Accessed May 11.
https://hillsong.com/usa/nyc/connect-groups/.
“SmallGroups.” 2024. Saddleback Church. Accessed May 11.
https://saddleback.com/connect/smallgroups.
“Community Groups.” 2024. North Point Community Church. Accessed May 11.
https://northpoint.org/groups.
“Groups.” 2024. Willow Creek Community Church. May 3. https://www.willowcreek.org/get-
involved/groups/.
Joel Comiskey. 2018. “Why Cell Multiplication Is Necessary.” Joel Comiskey Group. March
3./https://joelcomiskeygroup.com/2010/11/07/why-cell-multiplication-is-necessary/
Links to an external site..
