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The 8 Habits of Effective Small Group Leaders
Dr. Dave Earley has identified 8 habits of good leaders: Dream;Pray;Invite;Contact;Prepare;
Mentor;Fellowship and Grow. When your leaders adopt and practice these habits, your groups will undoubtly multiply.
Mentor;Fellowship and Grow. When your leaders adopt and practice these habits, your groups will undoubtly multiply.
135 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2001
40 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Dave Earley
70 books15 followersDave Earley’s life passion is to know, love, and glorify God and be used by Him to make a difference by reaching as many people as deeply as possible in the least amount of time. For twenty years that passion was lived out by planting and pastoring a healthy, growing multiplying church. Recently Dave accepted God’s call to move from local to global impact. His role has shifted from being a pastor to training pastors, from starting a church to equipping church planters, from leading small groups to developing small group leaders, and from pastoring the congregation of a local church to encouraging the followers of Jesus in many congregations.
Dave’s unique blend of passionate practicality and innocence, intensity, and idealism have given him a platform to many through teaching, training, writing, and speaking.
Dave’s passion for a vibrant personal adventure with God has resulted in several books, including The 21 Most Effective Prayers in the Bible (Barbour publishing, 2005) and Living In His Presence: The Immanuel Factor (Bethany House,2005). The 21 Most Encouraging Promises in the Bible (2006), The 21 Most Amazing Truths about Heaven, (2006) The 21 Reasons Bad Things Happen to Good People (2007) and The 21 Most Dangerous Questions in the Bible (2007). As a nationally recognized expert on small group ministry, he has written several popular books for small group leaders: Eight Habits of Effective Small Group Leaders (2001) and Turning Members into Leaders (2003) and The Pocket Guide to Leading a Small Group: 50 Ways to Help You and Your Group Grow (2007). Those books are published by Cell Resource Network and have been translated into several languages.
Dr. Dave Earley is Chairman of the Department of Pastoral Ministries and Church Expansion at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He also serves as Director of the Center for Ministry Training at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, the Director of the Center for Church Planting of Liberty University. (www.liberty.edu/cmt)
Prior to teaching at Liberty, Dave was the founding sr. pastor of the New Life Church of Gahanna-Columbus, Ohio. New Life started in his basement with 12 people and grew to nearly 2,000 a week in attendance with over a 100 small groups. (www.enewlife.com)
Dave, and his wife, Cathy, have three highly active teenaged sons, Daniel, Andrew, and Luke. They enjoy rafting, biking, hiking, hanging out, and art.
Dave’s unique blend of passionate practicality and innocence, intensity, and idealism have given him a platform to many through teaching, training, writing, and speaking.
Dave’s passion for a vibrant personal adventure with God has resulted in several books, including The 21 Most Effective Prayers in the Bible (Barbour publishing, 2005) and Living In His Presence: The Immanuel Factor (Bethany House,2005). The 21 Most Encouraging Promises in the Bible (2006), The 21 Most Amazing Truths about Heaven, (2006) The 21 Reasons Bad Things Happen to Good People (2007) and The 21 Most Dangerous Questions in the Bible (2007). As a nationally recognized expert on small group ministry, he has written several popular books for small group leaders: Eight Habits of Effective Small Group Leaders (2001) and Turning Members into Leaders (2003) and The Pocket Guide to Leading a Small Group: 50 Ways to Help You and Your Group Grow (2007). Those books are published by Cell Resource Network and have been translated into several languages.
Dr. Dave Earley is Chairman of the Department of Pastoral Ministries and Church Expansion at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He also serves as Director of the Center for Ministry Training at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, the Director of the Center for Church Planting of Liberty University. (www.liberty.edu/cmt)
Prior to teaching at Liberty, Dave was the founding sr. pastor of the New Life Church of Gahanna-Columbus, Ohio. New Life started in his basement with 12 people and grew to nearly 2,000 a week in attendance with over a 100 small groups. (www.enewlife.com)
Dave, and his wife, Cathy, have three highly active teenaged sons, Daniel, Andrew, and Luke. They enjoy rafting, biking, hiking, hanging out, and art.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 13, 2021
I gave this book 3 stars (rating scale in bio).
Overall, good book and content for those who are starting small groups. I definitely highlighted a few lines within its chapters that I do want to hold onto for future use. The eight habits are
Dream, Pray, Invite, Contact, Prepare, Mentor, Fellowship, and Grow. I think that these eight habits are cornerstones to planning, starting, sustaining, and multiplying small groups.
I will say that this book was published in 2001, in the pre-9/11 era. Thus, I must say, this book is fairly outdated. First of all, this book was published by an organization call Cell Group Resources. After 9/11, the term "cell" is closely associated with terrorist organizations because in order for them to multiply and survive, cells are vital. Using this same method from a Christian perspective can turn something that is meant for destruction into something that is meant for good. Just like how Billy Graham called his evangelism meets "crusades." But I must ask, why reuse something that is already meant for evil? When we are called to be co-creators with God and are able to create something new instead?
Second, about half of the methods of carrying out these eight habits have become irrelevant today. Again, the eight habits are a great skeleton to work with. Now, we just need an updated version that will put future generations on a better path of success. For example, what about utilizing social media as a tool for creating community. Or how about employing globalization for an unlimited connection?
Just those terms alone "social media" and "globalization" are offensive words within the church because the church has become unequipped to handle the transformation of generations. These terms would not be offensive if the church was willing to accept that fact that, though the gospel of Christ never changes, the church has to in order to not just survive but thrive. We are already seeing this happen. The millennial generation (gen Y) has been noted by some scholars such as Dr. Robert Houlihan as "the most spiritually aware generation." Yet only one generation later, the post-millennial generation (gen Z) has placed the role of the church in a historical position from a post-christian cultural mindset. Post-Christianity is no longer confined to the strictly atheistic countries such as the Czech Republic, but is has now ventured into countries that are some of the world's most notable Christian nations such as Great Britain and the United States. And here is another thought: millennials are now having grandchildren called the shadow generation (gen AA).
So! To conclude this review: I really think that this book holds (eight) great keys that we needs to use to unlock the future (more so the present) success of the church. However, an updated version is very much needed.
Overall, good book and content for those who are starting small groups. I definitely highlighted a few lines within its chapters that I do want to hold onto for future use. The eight habits are
Dream, Pray, Invite, Contact, Prepare, Mentor, Fellowship, and Grow. I think that these eight habits are cornerstones to planning, starting, sustaining, and multiplying small groups.
I will say that this book was published in 2001, in the pre-9/11 era. Thus, I must say, this book is fairly outdated. First of all, this book was published by an organization call Cell Group Resources. After 9/11, the term "cell" is closely associated with terrorist organizations because in order for them to multiply and survive, cells are vital. Using this same method from a Christian perspective can turn something that is meant for destruction into something that is meant for good. Just like how Billy Graham called his evangelism meets "crusades." But I must ask, why reuse something that is already meant for evil? When we are called to be co-creators with God and are able to create something new instead?
Second, about half of the methods of carrying out these eight habits have become irrelevant today. Again, the eight habits are a great skeleton to work with. Now, we just need an updated version that will put future generations on a better path of success. For example, what about utilizing social media as a tool for creating community. Or how about employing globalization for an unlimited connection?
Just those terms alone "social media" and "globalization" are offensive words within the church because the church has become unequipped to handle the transformation of generations. These terms would not be offensive if the church was willing to accept that fact that, though the gospel of Christ never changes, the church has to in order to not just survive but thrive. We are already seeing this happen. The millennial generation (gen Y) has been noted by some scholars such as Dr. Robert Houlihan as "the most spiritually aware generation." Yet only one generation later, the post-millennial generation (gen Z) has placed the role of the church in a historical position from a post-christian cultural mindset. Post-Christianity is no longer confined to the strictly atheistic countries such as the Czech Republic, but is has now ventured into countries that are some of the world's most notable Christian nations such as Great Britain and the United States. And here is another thought: millennials are now having grandchildren called the shadow generation (gen AA).
So! To conclude this review: I really think that this book holds (eight) great keys that we needs to use to unlock the future (more so the present) success of the church. However, an updated version is very much needed.
October 11, 2013
To build a healthy, growing, multiplying small group, the leader must dream, pray, invite, contact, prepare, mentor, fellowship, and grow. At times, Earley seemed to use prayer and fasting as manipulative methods to get things to go his way (e.g., p. 32). Good practical tips on organizing and growing a small group. Excellent section on personal growth (ch. 8).
October 8, 2019
8 Habits that make us more effective disciples makers!
What a wonderful examination of putting Biblical principles and practice to work on the ground running. I have been praying for God to provide me a breakthrough in my thirst for growing discipleship.
This book isn’t a Bible study guide. It is a road map for becoming engaged in the fulfillment of the Great Commission in each of our lives, regardless of if we are leading a small group or not.
I’m more than excited about putting this together in my own life and can’t wait to see what God can do through His Word and Prayer!
What a wonderful examination of putting Biblical principles and practice to work on the ground running. I have been praying for God to provide me a breakthrough in my thirst for growing discipleship.
This book isn’t a Bible study guide. It is a road map for becoming engaged in the fulfillment of the Great Commission in each of our lives, regardless of if we are leading a small group or not.
I’m more than excited about putting this together in my own life and can’t wait to see what God can do through His Word and Prayer!
July 27, 2022
I read this book on recommendation. I found these 8 habits to be something that is typically done in great small groups but also recognize that when it is not done groups do not thrive. It is a bit outdated, no one really listens to tapes anymore, but that is easily overlooked. The principles are solid. I know there are several books and podcasts on this subject so it may not be the greatest resource but it is still very powerful. I look forward to reading it again and implementing these 8 habits.
September 21, 2022
Dave Earley certainly knows his stuff, and I think today's small group leaders and pastors would benefit from a new edition that accounts fore new technology, social media, etc. One thing I find lacking is an attempt to build a robust foundation for a biblical definition of community and how small groups may not necessarily provide the most effective structure for biblical church community depending on that church's location and demographic context.
February 7, 2017
Good book on the fundamentals of leading a small group yourself and more importantly empowering others to do so as well. Very practical resource. Also loved the intentionality imbedded in every habit. I will keep this book on my short list for recommending to others.
January 31, 2022
This book is ok, but it’s very shallow and too doesn’t go deep enough for my personal taste. Could be a great starting place for those who have never led I suppose. But for rich deep content, go to ‘Leading Small Groups That Thrive’
September 20, 2024
Some good stuff in here for small group leaders. I love the importance given to prayer, personal growth and vision for the group to grow and multiply. But a bit dated and suited to the American context
June 28, 2025
The book is missing several phrases and numbers and formating
It seems like somebody took the book and copy/paste into google translate and made the book. I really want to have the book correct but I cannot find it.
It seems like somebody took the book and copy/paste into google translate and made the book. I really want to have the book correct but I cannot find it.
February 12, 2018
Principles for helping small group leaders lead effective and fruitful small groups.
December 10, 2020
Read this as I took a course for how to become a Bible study leader! It's a book I want to keep going back to as I learn more and more about how to be effective in this area!
February 7, 2024
Too pragmatic in my opinion but definitely very practical.
June 3, 2013
Concise and practical guide for small group leaders that answers the question: "What do I do OUTSIDE my small group time to lead a healthy and growing group?" Earley's answer is a plan of daily/weekly habits that any leader can follow. Don't expect to be stunned by the brilliance of his suggestions, but rather challenged to put these simple steps into consistent practice.
I've lead a couple groups in the past, with enthusiasm but mediocre results. How I wish someone had put a guide like this in my hands a few years ago! This year I'm taking on the role of small groups "coach" at my church, and I'll be using this book as a training guide for the leaders I'm working with.
I've lead a couple groups in the past, with enthusiasm but mediocre results. How I wish someone had put a guide like this in my hands a few years ago! This year I'm taking on the role of small groups "coach" at my church, and I'll be using this book as a training guide for the leaders I'm working with.
January 2, 2017
An excellent, concise book on the fundamentals of leading a small group. Little of it is surprising advice, but it covers each topic with a surprising amount of practical detail, and it biblically makes a strong case for why each element is important. Definitely a great book for anyone who is leading a small group, and also for those who are not leading but want to get an understanding of what's involved in doing so.
August 29, 2013
Excellent book to help the budding small group leader get soundly on track from the beginning. Also very useful for the established leader, making sure that he has all the bases covered when it comes to leading his group. One habit that I thought would make a fitting 9th one is the participation of the group in poor projects because as Christians we are called to remember the poor.
May 24, 2012
Normalmente leio este livro no início de ano.Quando paro para pensar nos resultados do ano passado e começar a planejar o ano que se inicia.
Depois de ler este livro não vai te faltar "direção" para colocar seus planos em prática!
Depois de ler este livro não vai te faltar "direção" para colocar seus planos em prática!
July 24, 2014
Pretty good tips
November 2, 2011
Just read it for the second time after about 8 years, still has some great ideas for how to lead. I should read it again in a few years, or just try to remember better this time...
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews