This fresh look at small groups starts with people and principles rather than program and structure. Stark and Wieland examine why many small-group ministries fall short of their goals, and they offer strategies that start with God's leading and people's needs. Straightforward, informative, and practical, this new organic system works for smaller churches as well as larger ones. Useful for lay leaders, small-group members, and pastors who want people to thrive and develop their spiritual gifts.
“The bottom line is this: There is incredible freedom when God comes first and we come second, when we are God-centered and people-related.” (source)
“o one another, and building trust takes time. Many” (source)
“Jesus began with where they were, and over time He led them to where He wanted them to be.” (source)
“Being God-centered and people-related means that God’s will comes first.” (source)
“people-related rather than people-centered and God-related.” (source)
David Stark is the director of Changing Church through Prince of
Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, Minnesota. The founder and
director of training for Church Innovations, he has led dozens of
workshops and seminars throughout the United States and has
developed masters for small groups that are used by churches from a
variety of denominations. David holds an M.Div. and has published a
number of resources, including the LifeKeys books, for groups. He
lives in Minnesota with his wife and two sons.
Betty Veldman Wieland was introduced to small groups through a
women's Bible study. The experience ignited her passion for God's
Word and led her to leadership positions in Christian Reformed Home
Missions' small group ministry. Betty has two adult sons and she
and her husband live in Michigan.