Connecting in Communities

Understanding the Dynamics of Small Groups

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Connecting in Communities by Eddie Mosley

This practical guide takes pastors and leaders from conception to implementation of a small-group ministry.

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Description: It’s hard to argue the importance of being in a small group. Members discuss the issues and challenges of life as they form friendships. They pray and care for one another and are missed if they don’t show up. Life happens in small groups.

Whether you are considering starting a small-group ministry or already have one in place, this practical guide is ideal for an entire small-group ministry--pastor, coaches, and leaders--to read. Practitioner Eddie Mosley shares from his wealth of experience basic principles and processes that you can adapt to fit your ministry's needs.

Follow the hands-on steps outlined, and your small-group ministry will impact and change lives.

Connecting in Communities

Connecting in Communities: Understanding the Dynamics of Small Groups by Eddie Mosley is a well-written, succinct introduction to small group ministry. The book contains a helpful introduction to all of the key players and concepts involved in small group ministry today. The discussions in this book do a great job of setting the stage for developing strong small groups in your community. There are a lot of practical ideas and the book is filled with great real life illustrations of how true community looks and feels. I appreciated the review questions at the end of each chapter. It was helpful to have specific questions for people thinking through their ministry (pastors) and separate questions for people thinking through their small group (leaders). The appendix is full of helpful information as well, so be sure not to skip that part of the book. I was glad to see that, from what I can tell, all of the most relevant small group books were cited in this book. This is great because Connecting in Communities can be used as a guide for further study for those new to this topic. I would recommend this book to those interested in starting small group ministries at their church. It is a great place to start! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by Krista Miller on 7/11/2011 1:41:38 PM

Small Group Ministry

I guess I had a different impression of what this book would be. It is a detailed description of creating small groups for Bible study, support, and connections that are based out of one church. I expected it to be more about how to make small groups work or suggestions for small group maintenance. It was too specific for me and described one church's way of building home groups within their church. If you are wanting to start a small-group ministry in your church, then this would be a good resource. As for managing a single small group, I do not think it would be very helpful. I really cannot say anything bad about the book as it was very detailed for what it was. It simply was not what I thought it would be by the title and description that I read.
Posted by Miriam on 7/8/2011 5:57:34 PM

sound guidance

‘Nothing builds relationships like small groups’ declares this book. Using a sub-heading of ‘understanding the dynamics of small groups’, this small volume sets out to explore the profit of studying the Bible together in a welcoming climate with a well managed small group. This a well focused book aimed initially at pastors or small group leaders but it has many valuable lessons for participants in existing study groups. Many of these lessons are already being applied elsewhere and the true to life situations, stories and scenarios reflect the settings in which study groups will find themselves in. A whole section devoted to ‘Organisation’ answers the practical questions that people will have, gives useful practical advice and sets out the principles that groups should keep to. It is interesting to note that advice given across the book is not completely prescriptive and offers guiding thoughts and principles for each group to find their way. It does give useful advice and templates with the ’Five Practical Steps’ sections for each church’s ministry and for the small groups at the end of each chapter, making this book stand out as so valuable. Very spiritually based and highly recommended.
Posted by donald macdonald on 6/27/2011 7:38:50 AM

The Heart Behind Small Group Ministry

Connected in Communities: Understanding the Dynamics of Small Groups is intended for pastors, church leadership, and small-group point people (hosts/ leaders) but the lessons can be integrated into anyone’s ministry perspective or mindset. The writer sought out to learn (and then engage us in that learning as well!) by procuring wisdom from several well-known church leaders specializing in small group ministry. They each struggles and triumphs, bringing the reader to understand the heart being small group interaction and allow them to not just view small group ministry as “another program” or “Christian thing to do.” I found an arching emphasis to be on the need for the church to be in the community, and the belief that this is best procured through the utilization of small groups within the church. Core groups that will strengthen and shape each other, not just come Sunday morning, but as daily life goes on in each family and group member. Each core group is then “assigned” their surrounding neighborhood or community and encouraged to let life happen – hosting block party barbecues, gardening in their front yards and talking with neighbors as they walk by, inviting children over to play (with their own kids), conversing at little league games –intentionally letting their own neighbors know that they care about them and opening relationships so that true Christianity can be lived out and the saving grace of Jesus shared. I appreciated the understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all program. The emphasis is simply on seeing the need for small group community within a church and how to go about proactively and intentionally bringing the reality of a small group ministry about in your local congregation. I loved being a part of our small group in Colorado Springs and can only wholeheartedly agree with how important they are! I also appreciated the practical tips and advice on starting a small group if there isn’t one already – with help on childcare, hosting, food, timing, curriculum, etc. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Posted by Elizabeth Bailey on 6/17/2011 8:15:02 PM

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