Small Groups With Purpose How To Create Healthy Communities

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· 95 ratings · 9 reviews

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May 06, 2016 Kory rated it really liked it

Helpful for some of the shape we are trying to create in a Groups Ministry I have been brought into with the hopes of retooling it with purpose. Systems are a big barrier when you're in a position like this, and Gladen gives a lot of insight into what has worked (and hasn't in their structuring.) I was most encouraged by their HOST model creating an accessible entry point for people who might have the capacity to lead a group but don't feel the confidence to venture into that endeavor.

A little m

A little more exposition into the Biblical foundation for pursuing groups is what I'm looking for in a book like this that offers so many other things. Overall, good and helpful read from some faithful brothers and sisters in the Church.

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I will preface this by saying that in general, I am not a fan of "purpose driven" ideas that too closely resemble the business world.

I didn't find this book to be helpful. It was rather cheesy, full of a lot of little stories and jokes... and not so big on the practical advice. It kind of felt like a waste of time for me. I bought this book to read before I dove into the red book that goes with it (Planning Small Groups with Purpose), but I thought I should read this white book first and not rush ahead. I realize now that I would've been okay to have jumped right into that red book, but I wanted to be wise about it. For anyone who is trying to decide which book they should buy/read and they would rather have practical advice on small groups versus a casual conversation, I recommend skipping this book.

I read Sticky Church by Larry Osborne before this, and it was a much better book in my opinion.

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Mar 23, 2021 JJ Jackson rated it it was amazing

This book is incredible. I am overseeing a small group ministry in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I found it so helpful, as I was able to gather knowledge and wisdom from Steve's years of small group ministry. It is not just testimonies of what has worked, but more about tried methods that have worked, and can work in your church too.
If you lead a small group ministry, or run a group it is a very worthwhile read.

Apr 25, 2019 Michael rated it really liked it

Very good and well thought out. If you've read purpose driven church it's really more of a companion to that. Great ideas in here, but once again, you have to ask what is right for your church to do rather than simply trying to repeat. Also, you have to decide what role you want your small groups to play (assuming you even want to have a small group) and, more importantly, WHY. Very good and well thought out. If you've read purpose driven church it's really more of a companion to that. Great ideas in here, but once again, you have to ask what is right for your church to do rather than simply trying to repeat. Also, you have to decide what role you want your small groups to play (assuming you even want to have a small group) and, more importantly, WHY. ...more

Feb 23, 2018 Janice Smith rated it really liked it

3.5* A good book for churches that are starting or revamping their small groups. Lots of great big picture information with suggestions for setting your vision and implementing it.

...another try at finding a book that could stimulate some encouragement, some direction for planting a small group ministry at my church. At the time I read it, I devoured it, scouring for insights and a helpful twelve-step process.

All I found was Purpose Driven rhetoric and that the goal was to make purpose driven people and purpose driven groups rather than a people who have their hearts and souls buried in the Gospel pages and asking one another, "What does it mean to carry your cross?" (fa

With that critical note aside, the book was still helpful and encouraging. If, however, you're looking for a clever outline to follow to actually start groups at your church, this isn't your book.

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Jul 20, 2015 Ellie Sorota rated it really liked it

Small Groups with Purpose by Steve Gladen is exactly the practical how-to guide I was looking for. Easy to implement tactics with a strong sense of purpose anchoring small groups and lots of arrows driving them towards whole spiritual health, this reader highlighted alot and will be referencing as time goes on. Without getting bogged down in too many faqs, Gladen provides plans for recruiting leaders, sharing leadership within a group, launching new groups and more. Our groups will be implementi Small Groups with Purpose by Steve Gladen is exactly the practical how-to guide I was looking for. Easy to implement tactics with a strong sense of purpose anchoring small groups and lots of arrows driving them towards whole spiritual health, this reader highlighted alot and will be referencing as time goes on. Without getting bogged down in too many faqs, Gladen provides plans for recruiting leaders, sharing leadership within a group, launching new groups and more. Our groups will be implementing his vision for shared leadership this fall. A great tool for any small group ministry. ...more

Apr 06, 2016 Alicia rated it liked it

Overall, a very insightful books - speaks a lot to faith itself and growth within a community.

Only downside - there's a lot of acronyms that result in a more corporate sales type feel that takes away from all the personal testimonies and such. However, does make the concepts easy to remember and understand.

Overall, a very insightful books - speaks a lot to faith itself and growth within a community.

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Mar 11, 2016 Elliott Medlen rated it really liked it

Gladen knows small groups like the back of his hand. Anyone looking to learn more about implementing small groups should give this book a thorough run through.