The Small-Group Ministry Movement of the Last Four Decades

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 547-559
Author(s):  
Harley Atkinson ◽  
Joshua Rose
Keyword(s):  
Small Group ◽  
Small Groups ◽  
Sunday School ◽  
Small Group Ministry ◽  
Christian Formation ◽  
Group Movement ◽  
Current State ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Group Ministry ◽  
The Church

The modern small-group movement emerged in the 1960s as small groups slowly began to replace the Sunday school as the preferred context for doing Christian formation in the local church. This article summarizes the development of the small-group ministry movement of the last four decades, addresses the current state of small groups in the church, and concludes with brief comments on the future of small groups in the church.

Equipping Members for Ministry through Small Groups

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 361-375
Author(s):  
Joshua Rose
Keyword(s):  
Small Group ◽  
Small Groups ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Small Group Ministry ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Group Ministry

There are many questions that are still yet to be explored regarding small group ministry among these questions this article addresses how small groups equip group members for ministry. This article argues that ultimately it is through the learning process in small groups, with the goal of attaining Christlikeness, that group members are equipped for ministry. This article will examine how various learning constructs support the equipping of small group members, and then recommend two propositions for improving small group ministry efforts to equip group members for ministry.

All the Rage: How Small Groups Are Really Educating Christian Adults Part 2: Augmenting Small Group Ministry Practice—Developing Small Group Leadership Skills through Insights from Cognate Theoretical Disciplines

2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 391-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Lamport ◽  
Mary Rynsburger
Keyword(s):  
Small Group ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Small Groups ◽  
Communication Theory ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Group Practice ◽  
Group Leaders ◽  
Current State ◽  
Ministry Practice ◽  
Small Group Leaders

This three-part series considers the current and widespread trend of church-based small groups for adult spiritual formation. It is proposed that a focus on relationships must be kept in balance with learning and application of biblical truth in order for greater spiritual growth to result. The mini-series appears in three parts: The first article (Spring 2008) assesses small group ministries for an understanding of the current state of its sometimes blemished practice. In addition, a review of Christian-oriented small group literature is included, as well as an annotated bibliography of non-Christian-oriented small group literature. The second article (Fall 2008) is intended to augment small group practice by adapting key educational insights from the academic disciplines of group dynamics, communication theory, and educational psychology. The third article (Spring 2009) anchors small group practice by delving into the unique spiritual aspects of learning and addresses the biblical/theological apologetic for the centrality of Scripture. Finally, suggested applications are given for small group leaders and trainers of leaders as to how adults may be more effectively stimulated to learn and grow through such group involvement.

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