Customer Reviews

The Big Book on Small Groups

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the book for anyone who wants an introduction to small group ministry. I have read several books on the subject and most would be over the heads of a lot of the folks we will be using as home group leaders. It gives Bible basis for small group ministry that anyone should be able to grasp. That's why I would recommend this to anyone who needs to be introduced to the "why" of small groups" and for a text to teach others from. It also explains the benefits of small groups to churches in a way that is enlightening as well. It is a book that can easily be tailored to most small group situations. It has helped this pastor greatly.

Our church has used this book to teach, train, and implement small groups ministry in our local body. I would recommend this book to anyone trying to do the same.

Over the course of the past two weeks, i have read almost every book on Small Groups and have found many of them to offer inflexible and extra-biblical definitions of the Small Group (e.g. "You cannot grow as a Christian unless you're in a Small Group"). Jeffrey Arnold offers a more balanced and thoughtful approach.

much too "textbook" for me. I struggled through the first chapter and gave up. I was looking for a resource to guide our church through the foundational aspects of small groups. Arnold takes 20 pages to communicate what should fill 3.

I was able to read this book in about 2 hours. His information is useful in getting ideas on setting up small groups. However, he doesn't see it as the New Testament church in ACTS. He sees as a short term unit lasting only a year or so. He doesn't see the unit as a procreative evangelistic unit that helps support the larger church body. He doesn't see the small group as a place where a person gifts and spiritual gifts are developed for long term ministry. He doesn't touch on Gods power that has been released in small groups through healing or any other way.