#1. Always start with the end in mind.
- Where do you want to lead your group members?
- What steps do they need to take to get there?
- Make each step a lesson.
#2. Back each lesson with Scripture.
- The Bible is God’s Word to us (2 Timothy 3:16).
- God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).
- God’s Word is our spiritual food (Matthew 4:4).
- God’s Word gives us direction (Psalm 109:105).
#3. Use a template and format all lessons the same.
- Introduction
- Applicable Scripture
- Discussion questions
- Application
- Preview and assignment for the next week
#4. Always use open-ended questions to bring more discussion.
- The first questions should focus inward, towards their personal walk.
- The second set of questions should focus outward, how are they relating this to others.
#5. Keep the lessons simple.
- The most rewarding lessons are ones that have a small assignment for their members to do during the week, then share with the group at their next meeting. The more each member puts into the weekly lesson, the more they will get out of it.
Attached below is a free copy of Randy’s new group curriculum, “Living your faith: Between the Sundays” based on 1 John 2:6. Please feel free to use it in your small groups.
Randy is a full-time Principal Broker for Century 21 Real Estate and a ministry intern for Redeemer’s Fellowship in Roseburg, Oregon. Randy has a heart for small groups and has often led two separate groups each week. In October of 2014, he graduated with an M.Div. degree from Rockbridge Seminary, and in August of 2018, he was the third student to graduate from Rockbridge with a D.Min. Degree. Randy’s D.Min. research project was titled “Spiritual Transformation: Understanding the Journey of Becoming just like Jesus.
