3. Purpose of the Group
Growth
Nourishment or Feeding
Care/Concern/Encouragement
4. A Small Group is:
6 to 12 persons
Individual Bible Study
Meeting for discussion and sharing
Discovering and applying
5. WHY HAVE A SMALL GROUP STUDY?
a time of Community/Fellowship
understanding and application of the Bible
develops a sense of belonging
gives encouragement to less mature
Christians
disciplines to develop life-changing habits
opportunity for questions
7. Principles for a Small Group Bible Study
Sharing 3-Part Meeting Praying
Discussion
One Hour
10 Minutes 40 Minutes 10 Minutes
8. Contrast to other methods:
NOT NOT NOT
ORATOR EXPERT DEBATOR
x x x
x x x x
x x x x
9. 1. The Bible is
the Central
Focus around
which the
discussion
centers.
10. 2. The Holy
Spirit is the
Teacher and
all (including
leader) learn
from Him.
11. 3. The Leader and
the Group each
look into the
WORD (directed
by the study)
and each learns
from The Book.
12. 4. Group Discussion
is stimulated by
the LEADER who
ASKS
QUESTIONS and
talks less than 20%
of the time.
13. 5. Each Group
Member APPLIES
SCRIPTURAL
INSIGHTS and
shares the result
of learning with
the whole group.
14. THREE GOALS:
GOAL #1 – DISCOVERY
“WHAT DOES GOD SAY?”
GOAL #2 – UNDERSTANDING
“WHAT DOES IT MEAN?”
GOAL #3 – APPLICATION
“HOW CAN THIS AFFECT MY LIFE?”
15. FOLLOW-UP SMALL GROUP
TRAINING IN TWO PHASES:
1. Before an evangelistic event
1 ½ hours
a. ½ hour learning the principles
b. 1 hour experiencing-learning by doing the
lesson
Purpose: to train leaders
16. 2. After the Festival
Purpose: to help inquirers complete the
“Welcome to the Family” study
Six sessions (minimum)
1 hour each
Purpose: to nurture new Christians in
Christ
17. NEXT STEP
1. Decide to:
Train others? – within your local church to be
effective leaders
Lead group? – of interested inquirers and
new Christians after an evangelistic event.
2. Consult your pastor.
3. Explain the potential.
4. Work out your plan.
