The Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders

by Bill Search, Amy Jackson (Editor)

Most small-group leaders don’t have time to read a book on small groups. Most barely have time to lead a group, much less explore the ins and outs of group ministry. They just want to know how to lead their group well! In this book, you’ll find simple, clear answers presented in quick lists so you can easily find what you need. It will answer questions How do I start a healthy group? How do I build relationships within my group? How do I help people grow as Christ-followers? How do I help my group become more outward-focused? As a leading voice in small-group ministry and the author of Simple Small Groups, Bill Search has been serving in churches big and small for over 20 years, and he shares wisdom, humor, and realistic tips that every small-group leader—from brand-new to seasoned veteran—can implement in their very next meeting. Every group has struggles. Every group has its ups and downs. Every leader feels overwhelmed at some point. But there’s good news—the answers to your biggest leadership questions are pretty simple. There are easy steps you can take and simple principles you can apply that will solve the most common problems your group will encounter.

Genres: Nonfiction, Leadership

156 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2017

Reviews

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, concise and helpful. I will hang on to this as a reference guide.

[Vincent Derr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the definition of practical. The entire book is full of short easy to read and understand resources covering various topics regarding leading a small group. I believe this will be a great resource for our church going forward. I would like to place this book in the hands of all of our small group leaders.

[Clair Culberson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the second edition of this book, which is not on Goodreads, but was published in 2021 and is 197 pages long. It has some updates from the first addition, including an entire section about online small groups.

This book certainly has some helpful tips for hosting/leading a small group, but it is riddled with typos and errors, is extremely repetitive, and consists entirely of lists featuring 4-8 points. To reiterate, the entire book is a collection of lists. It’s not a colorful or interesting read, so it’s likely not meant to be read like a traditional book, but it’s also not designed to be easily referenced based on a question or issue. I’m really not sure how this would be used to help a small group leader in a practical way. It also gives guidelines as if they are the end-all, be-all directions for leading a small group, which was a bit off putting. Definitely not my favorite read of the summer.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not necessarily designed for reading straight through but sure is full of quick reference information for leading a small group.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the 2nd edition. This book is so practical and should be read by every small group leader, every small group pastor, and every senior pastor.

[Tim Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bill does a great job of covering every conceivable topic when it comes to small groups. From starting to ending to what type of curriculum to dealing with difficult people in your group. He uses his years of experience at Saddle Back to reveal best practices.