This document provides guidance on building a revolutionary small group movement. It discusses that people experience transformation through community, as God designed people to do life together. Small group life allows sharing perspectives safely and doing life together through both ups and downs. The document defines the values of small groups at NorthRidge Church as being who you are, doing life together, engaging God's truth through discussion and prayer, inviting others, and connecting regularly. It emphasizes the importance of leadership and developing a sustainable leadership model for small groups.
4. BUILDING A REVOLUTIONARY
SMALL GROUP MOVEMENT
A.Community is about God’s Truth not a church
strategy
• Genesis 1:24-2:25 • John 17
• Exodus 18 • Acts 2:41-47
• Proverbs 15:22 • Romans 12
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 • 1 Corinthians 12
• Mark 3:14 • 1 Peter 5:1-4
5. BUILDING A REVOLUTIONARY
SMALL GROUP MOVEMENT
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live
together in unity! It is like precious oil poured
on the head, running down on the
beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down
upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew
of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For
there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life
forevermore.
(Psalm 133:1-3)
6. BUILDING A REVOLUTIONARY
SMALL GROUP MOVEMENT
A man of many companions may come to
ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a
brother.
(Proverbs 18:24)
In him the whole building is joined together and
rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in
him you too are being built together to become a
dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
(Ephesians 2:21, 22)
8. BUILDING A REVOLUTIONARY
SMALL GROUP MOVEMENT
Two are better than one, because they have a
good return for their work: If one falls down, his
friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie
down together, they will keep warm. But how can
one keep warm alone? Though one may be
overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord
of three strands is not quickly broken.
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
9. BUILDING A REVOLUTIONARY
SMALL GROUP MOVEMENT
C. Life transformation is supercharged in
community
14. BUILDING A REVOLUTIONARY
SMALL GROUP MOVEMENT
2. Clarify Your Definition of a Small Group
A. Be specific
15. BUILDING A REVOLUTIONARY
SMALL GROUP MOVEMENT
At NorthRidge, groups are determined by our SG values
Be Who You Are
No one is exactly the same (thank God for that). Can you imagine how
boring life would be if we were? We all see and deal with different
things in different ways, but Small Groups allow us to share these
perspectives safely and in a REAL way.
Do Life Together
Small Groups go far beyond a date and time on the calendar. This is
such a cool opportunity to live out God’s love for each other everyday
and to help one another push through the ups and downs of life.
Engage God’s Truth
The Bible is our authoritative life map that provides direction and
perspective to real life situations today. It’s so important that we look
to it for guidance. It’s true that sometimes it gets confusing…
encourage people to ask the tough questions…THAT IS WHY WE DO
THIS.
16. BUILDING A REVOLUTIONARY
SMALL GROUP MOVEMENT
Talk to God
Prayer is such a vital part in growing in our relationship with God.
Like anything, it can get stale. Praying with others will help you
experience the true power this gift has to offer. Keep it
conversational…When we talk to God He listens…and talks back.
Invite Others to Join
As you meet new people, you can invite them into your group as well.
This keeps the group dynamic and diverse. Because groups are
generally most effective with 4-12 people, as the group grows
larger, we will help launch new groups while obviously encouraging
people to remain connected with their friends. Embrace growth…it’s
proof that the group is healthy.
Connect Regularly
You’ll be surprised how fast and deep your group will grow together.
To experience the full benefit of Small Groups, each group should
officially meet at least twice a month…
17. BUILDING A REVOLUTIONARY
SMALL GROUP MOVEMENT
Follow the Leader
Growing spiritually is so much easier when you have
someone close to you who has already been where
you are now. NorthRidge Church is committed to
providing you with someone who is at least one step
ahead of you on the spiritual journey to lead your
Small Group. Leaders must always recognize the
incredible responsibility they’ve been given to guide
and direct people in this amazing pursuit of truth.
20. BUILDING A REVOLUTIONARY
SMALL GROUP MOVEMENT
3. Position Small Groups for Organizational
Impact
A. Value of influential leadership
B. Value of positional leadership
C. Collaboration is not optional
21. BUILDING A REVOLUTIONARY
SMALL GROUP MOVEMENT
4. Focus on Sustainable Leadership
A. This is a long journey not a quick road trip
B. Scour the landscape for high capacity volunteers
C. Personal “asks” are required. Avoid the masses only
recruitment approach
D. Create relational interaction not just mechanical
meetings
E. Develop a clear structure
22. BUILDING A REVOLUTIONARY
SMALL GROUP MOVEMENT
5. Great Group DNA
A. Small Groups are a way of life
B. Platform God’s truth
C. Be sure prayer is not stagnant
D. Create an open group mindset