Destination Community Smallgroup Ministr

Destination: Community Small Group Ministry Manual by Rick Howerton is a really excellent resource that covers all the key aspects of small group ministry, of interest to small group leaders, coaches/shepherds, ministry directors, and those considering developing a small group ministry. The book discusses key questions like why small groups, how to lead a group, how to start a SG ministry, tips on effective SGs, tips on facilitating a SG mtg, and a specific section on Youth SGs. The book is very easy-to-read, with super short chapters of about four pages each. A key aspect of the book is the cover-to-cover emphasis on authentic relationships and community, not about the need to convey knowledge. The small groups proposed to not ignore discipleship, but they are insistent that this occurs best in close community, living life together. The book discusses both principles and practical ideas, yet without telling the reader what to do. Howerton stresses that every group is unique and should have a well-defined purpose that fits their group and is communicated well. On first reading I wasn't quite sure if what Howerton was proposing was an emergent or relational 'spin' on other excellent small group approaches (including the excellent books by Donahue and others from Willow Creek), but a second look suggests that it's more - that the emphasis on community and relationships is real and central to the book. The approach in Destination: Community will be of great interest to those seeking relational and redemptive community in a group setting, and to those who see the purpose of small groups as life transformation. The approach to small group leadership is fresh, with the leader much more of a shepherd and first among peers, sharing meaningful responsibility with others for facilitating, caregiving, and hospitality. Table of Contents SECTION 1: Basic Principles and Practices of Small-Group Life Chapter 1--Authenticity Chapter 2--Life is a Story Chapter 3--Embrace Adventure; Do Life Together Chapter 4--Experiential Discipleship Chapter 5--Compelling Community SECTION 2: The Heart of Leadership Chapter 6--Obtaining Group Members Chapter 7--Retaining Group Members Chapter 8--Organizing the Group Chapter 9--Unifying Group Members Chapter 10--Directing Group Members SECTION 3: Starting a Small-Group Ministry Chapter 11--Decide If Small Groups Are Right for You Chapter 12--Envision the Vision Chapter 13--Choose the Types of Groups You'll Include Chapter 14--Capture the Purpose Behind our Passion Chapter 15--Plan for Growth Chapter 16--Obtain Approval from Infl uencing Church Leadership Chapter 17--Enlist the Senior Pastor to Cast Vision Chapter 18--Recruit Generation 1 SECTION 4: The Model Group - Leading G1 Chapter 19--Five Actions of Healthy Small Groups Chapter 20--The One Anothers Chapter 21--In His G-R-I-P Chapter 22--Team Evangelism Chapter 23--Covenanting Chapter 24--Power Prayer Chapter 25--Multiplication SECTION 5: The Small-Group Meeting Chapter