SMALL GROUP HANDBOOK
FORWARD We believe that Small Groups are the lifeblood of the ministry of Second Baptist Church. It is through these groups that people become well-rounded disciples of Jesus through Bible study, fellowship, and service. Whether you have been a small group leader for many years or are interested in launching a brand new group, it is my prayer that this handbook will be a helpful resource for you. This book works a lot like a funnel: big ideas down to practical application. My intention is that you will gain insight, clarity, and information that will help strengthen your group and empower you as a leader. It’s a joy to serve alongside you,
David Raney Ministries Pastor Second Baptist Church
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1: OVERVIEW OUR Purpose 2 OUR Model 4 DEFINITION OF A DISCIPLE 6
2: RHYTHMS Bible Study 10 HANGOUTS 11 HELPOUTS 12
3: LEADERSHIP LEADER JOB DESCRIPTION
14 SHARED OWNERSHIP 16 LEADERSHIP ROLES WITHIN GROUPS 17 Replication OF LEADERS & GROUPS 18
4: LAUNCH HOW TO LAUNCH A NEW GROUP
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5: SUPPLEMENTS D-Groups 22 MDWK 23
2ND FAMILY VALUES
PART 1
OVERVIEW
We were created for community. Within the first few pages of the Bible, God says “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). This is the first time in the creation account that God says that something is “not good.” You know the story, God remedied the problem by creating a wife for Adam. This teaches us a vital truth: while a relationship with God was critical for Adam, relationships with other people were also very important. Disconnected people rarely become all that God has for them. This is why Small Groups are the lifeblood of the ministry of Second Baptist. We all need both a personal relationship with Jesus and a personal relationship with His Body - The Church if we are to grow into well-rounded followers of Jesus. Our Small Groups exist for one purpose: to make disciples. We believe we do this by connecting relationally to grow spiritually. Our Small Groups are not simply weekly Bible studies but are designed to provide the context and resources to help every person at Second Baptist take their next steps as a disciple of Jesus.
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OUR PURPOSE “DISCONNECTED PEOPLE RARELY BECOME ALL THAT GOD HAS FOR THEM.” 3
OUR MODEL Acts 2:42 gives a clear description of the first church’s small group ministry: they devoted themselves to the teaching of Scripture, to prayer, to building close relationships, and to meeting the needs of one another. They lived life together and leveraged their lives for the sake of the gospel. As a result, God did incredible things in their midst as people were saved and added to their number daily (Acts 2:47).
At Second, we offer three corporate large group worship services and three small group meeting times every Sunday. There are small groups for every person no matter their age or stage in life. We believe that it is vitally important for every person to not only engage in the corporate worship gathering, but to also devote themselves with a smaller group of believers.
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They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. ACTS 2:42-47 5
DEFINITION OF A DISCIPLE
WHAT IS A DISCIPLE? In short, what we mean by a “disciple” is someone who is following Jesus and is continually being transformed by him. We believe that a healthy, fruit-bearing disciple will exhibit growth and commitment to Bible study, community, and mission. This means a healthy disciple of Jesus will prioritize: • Communion with God through individual & corporate Bible study (2 Tim 3:16-17) • Loving, serving, and praying for one another as the Body of Christ (Romans 12:9-13) • Confession and repentance in authentic God-given relationships (James 5:16) • Replicating disciples and living on mission for the Kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20)
As he (Jesus) passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw SIMON and Andrew, SIMON’S brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. M a r k 1 : 1 6 - 1 8 6
INTRODUCED TO JESUS
INTRODUCED TO JESUS
Matt. 13:1-9; 18-23 A non-believer is introduced to Jesus. The seed is sown.
FOLLOWING JESUS Matt. 13:23; 2 Cor. 5:17 The believer finds new life in Jesus and commits to follow Him. The seed develops roots and begins to grow.
DISCIPLESHIP PROCESS
TRANSFORMED BY JESUS Gal. 5:22-23; Matt. 13:8 The believer establishes
help
roots in the church, in the Word,
REPLICATION
FOLLOWING JESUS
and lives on mission. The seed grows into a fruit bearing tree.
REPLICATION Matt. 28:18-20; 28:18-20 The believer shares the good news of Jesus. The seeds are
TRANSFORMED BY JESUS
scattered and God’s chosen method of replication begins the process again.
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“Our goal is to create contexts where we grow in different aspects of being a disciple of Jesus.” 8
PART 2
RHYTHMS
RHYTHMS Our goal with small groups is to create contexts where we grow in different aspects of being a disciple of Jesus. We accomplish this by utilizing three small group rhythms: (1)Bible Study, (2) Hangouts and (3) Helpouts. These rhythms are designed to help every person take the next step with Jesus no matter where they are in their faith journey. Additionally, the rhythms create the perfect opportunity for group leaders to train and raise up others where potentially every member of the small group is engaged in making the group happen. This also protects small group leaders from burnout caused by unrealistic expectations, thus ensuring the success of the group.
bible study UNBALANCED
UNBALANCED
healthy small group
helpout
hangout UNBALANCED
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RHYTHM 1
BIBLE STUDY This rhythm creates the expectation that the Holy Spirit will supernaturally produce growth and transformation in our lives through the Word of God. This rhythm also helps develop mature disciples as we learn how to study God’s Word and apply it to our lives. As a church body, every Small Group utilizes the same curriculum that coincides with the weekly sermon that is preached in our corporate worship gathering. We believe this helps build unity within our church body and creates a culture of personal application as each group wrestles with how the text can best be lived out in each of our lives.
BIBLE STUDY EXPECTATIONS • During this rhythm groups should study the Bible. This sounds obvious, but this is not the time to do a book study or a topical
BIBLE STUDY 10
theme - those activities fit into our supplemental resources such as MDWK classes or D-Groups. • Utilize LifeWay’s Explore the Bible curriculum. This curriculum walks a group through the Bible text in a clear and approachable way.
RHYTHM 2
HANGOUTS When Jesus created the church, he created a spiritual family. The goal of the Hangouts rhythm is to move a group from friends to family. Hangouts are a meal shared around a table or an activity that bonds us as family and allows us to get to know one another on a different level than just meeting together on Sundays. When you are together, have conversations and help one another see how Jesus is the center of every part of our lives.
HANGOUT EXPECTATIONS • Groups are expected to have at least one hangout time each month. • Aim for a time where all of the group is together. • A bonus 2ND Fam Hangout could be encouraging smaller groups going to lunch after church. The goal is fellowship, not just food. • Have fun, be intentional, and get creative!
Hangout Examples •A meal after church or Sunday evening •Tailgate at a UCA Football Game •Lake Day and Cookout •Friendsgiving Feast
HANGOUTS
•Scavenger Hunt around Conway •Christmas Progressive Dinner
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RHYTHM 3
HelpoutS
INTRODUCED Helpouts are planned times for your entire TO JESUS group to serve together and to practice evangelism together. This rhythm provides an intentional time to grow as disciples of Jesus as we seek to share the gospel and make disciples.
Helpout EXPECTATIONS • Helpout events should be planned far enough in advance to allow time for small group members to plan to participate. • Make it fun. Serving together should be a joyous time and a unifying time.
DISCIPLESHIP • Make it worthwhile. Find opportunities PROCESS to serve that resonate with your group. Helpout Examples
REPLICATION
• Serve at a food bank or homeless shelter
a nursing home
HELPOUTS 12
FOLLOWING JESUS
• Take cookies to homebound members or
• Host a block party in an apartment complex • Do yard work or handyman projects for widows • Volunteer to clean up flower beds/pick up trash at a school
TRANSFORMED BY JESUS
RHYTHMS
SUMMARY bible study HEALTHY SMALL GROUP RHYTHMS UNBALANCED
UNBALANCED
every Sunday
healthy small group
helpout
2. HANGOUTS
hangout UNBALANCED
1. BIBLE STUDY
one time per month
3. HELPOUTS one time per quarter
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PART 3
LEADER JOB DESCRIPTION 14
SMALL GROUP LEADERS ARE: GROWING PERSONALLY: You cannot lead where you haven’t been. A vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus is a must for a small group leader.
BOUGHT IN: Small group leaders have the position to either unite a church or divide a church. It is imperative that small group leaders support the mission and goals of Second Baptist Church and its leadership. Small group leaders love and fight for their 2ND family.
SETTING THE CULTURE: The whole “2ND Fam” thing isn’t just a catchy slogan; this is our DNA. Small group leaders create a “Welcome Home” mentality in their groups where everyone feels welcome. Groups often reflect the character and attitude of the leader. Lead the way in practicing uncommon hospitality.
PREPARED: Great small group leaders are well-organized and over-prepared. They are read up, prayed up, and they know the material. This is an important job; give it the time it deserves.
MULTIPLIERS: Great small group leaders are training others to replicate the culture they’ve created. They desire to start many new groups out of theirs.
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SHARED OWNERSHIP & RAISING LEADERS Small group leaders are responsible for fulfilling the purpose of small groups: to make disciples. This is accomplished by executing the three small group rhythms: Bible Study, Hangouts, and Helpouts. However, leaders are not solely responsible for planning and executing every aspect of every rhythm. In fact, we discourage leaders from doing so. Sharing ownership and raising up leaders is essential for the health of the group and the health of the individual small group members. In a family, there should not be one person doing everything and 20 people watching. Plan to share leadership of the group from the beginning. Create teams and roles so that everyone in the group can be involved. Celebrate when someone accepts a leadership role. Sharing ownership and raising up leaders is best done by utilizing the M.A.W.L. approach.
M.A.W.L APPROACH MODEL “Notice how I lead this Bible Study…” ASSIST “Let’s tag-team the Bible Study this week…” WATCH “You will lead the Bible Study this week and I’ll attend…” LAUNCH “Will you lead the Bible Study while I’m out this week…”
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OR “You are ready to start another small group…”
“SMALL GROUP LEADERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FULFILLING THE PURPOSE OF SMALL GROUPS: TO MAKE DISCIPLES.”
LEADERSHIP ROLES WITHIN GROUPS Bible Study Leader: Typically the small group leader, but they may appoint another who is proficient in leading discussion and keeping the group on target.
Helpout Leader: Holds group accountable to pray for, plan, and proactively schedule a mission opportunity at least once every quarter.
Hangout Leader: Can be held by one or multiple people, or rotate. This team helps the group proactively schedule and plan a hangout at least once a month.
Communications Leader: This person helps to keep everyone in the loop concerning upcoming small group gatherings, event details, church-wide events, etc.
Prayer Leader: This person helps the group prioritize prayer in every aspect and rhythm of small group life. They also help to share prayer concerns with the group.
Guest Follow-Up Leader: This person(s) makes sure that guests are cared for after they visit. This could include a call, text, email, etc. to encourage them to join the group again.
Member Care Leader: This person ensures that members of the group are cared for in times of need. This includes organizing meals, hospital visits, benevolent needs, etc. They also check on members when they have been absent for a few weeks.
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REPLICATION
“A GREAT small group leader will always have someone that they are investing in to one day take their job.” 18
While we expect that small group leaders are giving away responsibilities to individuals inside of their current group, ultimately the goal is to replicate the success of your group by starting multiple groups in order to reach more people. Shared ownership is a natural way to train future small group leaders and to see who in your group is a natural leader. We want to train and equip those people to eventually lead new groups. A great small group leader will always have someone that they are investing in to one day take their job. Here at Second, we don’t want to “split” your group. Instead, we want to replicate what God is doing in your group many times over. This is not simply word replacement; this is a culture shift. Replication is God’s chosen method for the gospel to advance. We want to model this method in our small groups as well.
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PART 4
HOW TO LAUNCH A NEW GROUP 20
REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW LEADERS
LAUNCHING YOUR GROUP
• Be a follower and disciple of Jesus
• Submit the Leader Application & Recommendation Forms
• Be an active member of Second
• Meet with Small Group Coach for training
• Be an active attender of worship services at Second
• Know your target audience and set goals
• Be involved in a current small group for at least 6 months
• Secure the time slot and meeting location of the group
• Have experience leading a small group rhythm • Create a team of at least 3-4 others who will commit to 6 months with the group (crucial) • Complete the small group leader application • Request a leader recommendation from your current leader
• Set a launch date and begin meeting • Consider having a launch party to celebrate what God is doing!
• Meet with the Ministries Pastor of Second
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D-Groups are groups of 3 to 5 believers of the same gender that meet together for the purpose of discipleship and accountability and commit to
PART 5
PART 5
D-GROUPS meet weekly for 12 months. D-Groups do not take the place of small groups, rather they funnel out of small groups. Meet over coffee, breakfast, lunch, Skype, or whatever else works for your group. Form your group of 3 to 5 believers and start meeting!
GETTING STARTED (15 minutes) • Review your “What now” for last week: How have you been obedient to what you said you were going to do last week? • Highs and Lows: Share the week’s highs/lows • Sharing Christ: How have you engaged your peers with the gospel?
PRAY TOGETHER (5 minutes) SCRIPTURE MEMORY (5 minutes) BIBLE STUDY (20 minutes) • Discuss your Scripture reading from the week. What has God been teaching you?
WHAT NOW? (10 minutes) • How are you going to apply what you learned and live it out?
PRAY TOGETHER (5 minutes) *We recommend that D-Groups utilize the Explore the Bible Daily Discipleship Guide*
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SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES
MDWK MDWK Classes (Midweek) occur Wednesday evenings at 6pm. These classes are six to eight weeks long and are topical in nature. Topics such as finances, evangelism, spiritual gifts, discipleship, marriage, parenting, addiction, and many others will be offered from time to time. MDWK courses and classes are designed to be supplemental. While we do not believe that they are required to develop as a mature Christian they are helpful and beneficial.
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2ND FAMILY VALUES
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GOSPEL RELATIONSHIPS “Their Good, His Glory.”
We want every relationship we have to be saturated and centered on the Gospel. This extends to familial, personal and romantic relationships. In the office or the mall we want to view all people with the compassion that Christ extends to us. This means we are all equals and yet we submit to natural and God-given roles such as those of the parent, spouse, elder and team leader. Ephesians 4.32; John 15:12; Luke 6:31
SPEAK LOVE “If you don’t have something nice to say, look harder.” We seek to encourage and build up all we come in contact with. We believe there is always something nice that can be said. When correction or admonishment is needed we will do our level best to do so with respect to one another and the goal of Christian maturity. Eph. 4.29-32; Psalms 141:3; James 1:19; Proverbs 27:6; Col. 3:16
REJECT GOOD FOR GREAT “The hardest decisions are not between good and bad but good and better.” God gave us His best and we should want to bring our best before the Lord, not wanting things to simply be “good enough.” We should always be looking for ways to make the good things we do great. We will dream God-dreams and pursue them believing that we follow a God that told us to make disciples of the entire world, every nation, every people group. Colossians 3:17, 23; 2 Timothy 2:15; Proverbs 13:4; 1 Corinthians 10:31
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REDEEM THE TIME “Not balance, priority.” Understanding that time is limited we strive to make the most of every minute we are given. We arrive at meetings promptly and when we can not we notify others. We set aside distraction during our allotted ministry time and push toward productivity and forward movement. When it is time to work, we work. When it is time to rest, we do so with abandon. Col. 3:17; Ephesians 4:28, 5:16; Colossians 3:23; 1 Thessalonians 3:10
LAUGH LOUD, HARD & OFTEN “Laughter is cheap medicine.” Having fun and enjoying serving God because we have more reason to rejoice than anyone-the tomb is empty! Romans 12:12; Philippians 4:14; Galatians 5:22; Proverbs 17:22
SACRIFICIAL COOPERATION “It’s not about me, It’s about us.” Whether it be church to church, small group to small group or person to person we work so that all will benefit. Our hope is to build kingdom efforts even if that means that we sacrifice our own immediate progress. With wisdom and prudence we will promote the welfare of our partners in mission and ministry. We will do this in a spirit of humility considering others as greater than ourselves. Philippians 2:1-30; Ephesians 4:1-3
ONE VOICE “Not working toward consensus but toward the right decision.” All will have an opportunity to fully and fairly share their views with the group but we will leave with a decision and will all speak to that decision with one voice.
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Philippians 2:2; 1 Peter 3:8; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Colossians 3:14
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