Making Small Groups Work: What Every Small Group Leader Needs to Know

I love anything by Henry Cloud. This book was no exception. I think he nails the problem right on the head. We have too many groups out there that are great places to attend but many of them don't demand change from the members. (This leaves them empty and then they go back to their old patterns) The other type of groups may offer strong biblical truth but perhaps in such a "religious" way that they don't allow room for transparency and honesty from their members. (this can breed hipocracy from the few who will even bother to return!) Henry and John explain how to find balance and they also offer over 2 dozen chapters on line-by-line issues in groups and how to address them. Check it out for yourself! Blessings, Jeff Ludy -The Ark Family Church in Conroe, TX

Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend have written a book that every small groups leader/pastor can benefit from reading: Making Small Groups Work. It's been sitting on my shelf for 2 years, and I finally read it! The book focuses on basic principles of spiritual and relational growth, group structure, discussion facilitation, and the creation of safe growth environments. Thus, the book is applicable and relevant to leaders of any small group regardless of the type or model of small groups the church has established. The books is divided into six sections, and each section consists of several short chapters: 1. How Small Groups Help People Grow 2. What Happens in a Good Group 3. Starting a Small Group 4. The Resonsibilities of Group Facilitators 5. The Responsibilities of Group Members 6. How to Deal with Problems in Groups Each chapter is very practical, readable, and short. The authors make great use of bullet points and lists to narrow the focus of the topic they are targeting. Because of the arrangement of the chapters, the book also serves well as a quick reference guide. The authors include excellent examples of "role playing" and "scripts" to assist a leader in finding the right words to communicate the points they are illustrating. Their challenge to "guard the process" serves as a foundation for the entire book. I especially like the fact that they have dedicated an entire section of chapters to the responsibilities of group members. I spend a lot of time training leaders on their responsibilities, but I rarely address the expectations for groups members. This is an area in which we should try to grow at National Community Church. Since the book is so practical and not tied to any specific small group model or method, it could work well as a leadership training manual. Personally, I would like to see an existing small group actually use the book as their study text. Drs. Cloud and Townsend bring years of professional counseling experience and ministry experience to the church. While much of the book seems to be geared towards leading support/recovery groups, their work is extremely valuable and applicable to all types of groups. I would also recommend their book How People Grow.

As Director of Counseling at His Mansion Ministries (...), I have found this book to be a valuable tool. I have used it to teach my interns. These are young adults that serve for 1-year helping broken and hurting students find healing. The interns usually have no previous counseling experience and therefore I need to equip them fairly quick once on staff. Small groups and class work are used in our healing program and this book is a key teaching and training aid. I highly recommend it.

My life has been greatly changed by a men's small group that I attended through church. I was able to break through many issues that held me back in life. This book perfectly described the process that I went though. This is essential reading for those involved in small group ministries. It goes beyond theory and into practical matters of managing small groups to keep them effective and on track. Excellant examples of how to get the group to set rules, manage the members that dominate discussion and draw out those that always hold back. Highly recomended.

After reading through this book, I foresee using it periodically to take the pulse of the groups I lead (and the groups where I'm a member). The chapters are short and to the point, so that I can jump to a particular area where I need guidance in my current situation. Each area provides a big picture vision and then some practical ways to work out that vision.I enjoyed these books as well: How People Grow, Boundaries, and Safe People.