Community Life 101: Getting the Most Out of Your Small Group Experience

I started this book with rather low expectations, because of its very small size and the annoying fact that the author wrote a 5-star review of his own book!! I was very pleasantly surprised by the substantial content that was packed into this rather quick read. What makes this book somewhat unique is that it is written specifically to small group members, explaining the responsibility for them to fully invest in group life and casting vision for all that God intends to do in and through small groups. Most small group books are written for group leaders or church leaders, but this one is focused on helping people to become better group members. Neighbour covers a lot of ground in a small book, but it doesn't feel rushed. Though it is not mind-numbingly profound, it's a good read, one that I'm happy to recommend to anyone who wants to learn how they can grow as a small group member.

It is critical for small groups, small group ministries, and small group churches that the participants of those groups fully understand the values of authentic Biblical community and take on ownership of those values in their groups. I've learned, over years of experience, that when the members "get it" then the groups can't help but flourish, grow, impact, and multiply! That's why I love this book. And that's why we bought a couple boxes of them so we could give one to every new small group member in our church. With nearly 100 groups and growing fast, that's a lot of books, but it's well worth it. Randall hits the nail squarely on the head with each chapter in this fast-paced, easy-to-read, easy-to-apply book. You could read it in the bathroom, while waiting in line at McDonald's, or, well, wherever else you have to be. I gave one to every member of a Turbo Group I was leading and asked them to read a chapter each week between meetings. We used it to launch discussions about what really makes effective, fruit-bearing small groups. Buy a couple of these for you and your friends. Or just get a couple boxes of them, like I did.

My motivation for writing this booklet was due to the flood of calls I receive each month from pastors saying "My small group members just do not interact between meetings, spend time with and invite unbelievers to join the group, or see themselves as potential leaders... what should I do?" The book is very, very easy to read. I filled it with personal stories from years of cell group life and leadership, and it will be well-received by your small group members. The chapters are based on four important principles: a. Prayer is essential to a relationship with Christ and others in the group. b. Spending time developing deep friendships with other members is where transforamation will occur. If it's just another once a week meeting, why bother at all? A sizeable effort must be made to live in authentic biblical community. c. Hanging out with unchurched friends and inviting them to do fun things with other small group members is one of the most powerful ways to show them the love of God. Few people outside of a loving Christian community have good friends... so it's not hard to see fruit if small group members will only reach out and include them. d. Everyone is a minister, not just a member. Ministers, by their very definition, have a ministry, so each small group member is important and can eventually lead if they press in and see their own ministry potential. I liken small groups to healthy families... one must be encouraged to grow up and move out of the house and start a family and give the original "parents" some spiritual grandbabies! Hope this helps you understand what this book is and what it can do to help your small groups become far more than Bible studies or fellowship groups! Check out my website at cellgrouppeople-dot-com for more information on small group and cell group resources... my contact information is also found there if you want to visit more about how to turn around groups who are missing the mark!