Community & Groups: Actively participating in a small group; learning to love, support and encourage one another.

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Connecting (Healing Relationships)

• Author: Larry Crabb

  © Various W Publishing Group ISBN 0849914132

• Notes: This book presents the idea that connecting with others can lead to deep change and healing. Perhaps we already know that community is important, yet we are afraid of making such connections with others. This book offers an insightful Biblical approach to healing the deep wounds of the soul -- an approach that revolves around building intimate community.
• Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
• Growth Level: Develop

Life Together

• Author: Dietrich Bonhoeffer

  © Various Harper San Francisco ISBN Numerous Editions

• Notes: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor who underwent extreme persecution and eventual death at the hands of the Gestapo in 1945, wrote this book about the power of community. In it, he presents his experience with Christian community, presenting insights about how life in Christ and life in community relate. Recommended for growing Christ-followers looking for a more challenging read.
• Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
• Growth Level: Deepen

Connecting (Mentoring Relationships)

• Author: Paul Stanley & Robert Clinton

  © 1992 NavPress ISBN 0891096388

• Notes: We need connections with others. We need access to wisdom, experience, and directions of others who have gone before. We need to share guidance with others. We know we need it - why don't we do it? In this book, the authors talk about the true nature of community and mentoring.
• Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
• Growth Level: Deepen

Consider Hosting a Taste of Community Group

• Event Organizer: Gateway Community Church

  Gateway Community Church - Schedule: (NA)

• Notes: Taste of Community is a great way for people to check out a small group community at Gateway. If you might be interested in Hosting a group (facilitating the discussion, providing a place for the group to meet, and generally just being welcoming), fill out the basic info linked below and someone will be in touch with you. This is a great next step both for people currently in a group, and those who aren't in a group but may be interested in facilitating one.
• Resource Access: Email for more info: smallgroups@gatewaychurch.com
• Growth Level: Develop or Deepen

Leading a Life-Changing Small Group

• Event Organizer: Gateway Church - Gary Foran

  Gateway - Schedule: Approximately 3-4x/year

• Notes: Check out the next round of Gateway U for info on this seminar suitable for anyone who is leading a small group or who is interested in starting.
• Growth Level: Deepen: Leadership

There are currently no resources of this type in this category.

Christian Community

• Author / Series: Rob Suggs / Life Guide

  © 2002 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830715

• Bible Section: Topical Study
• Notes: Community really matters -- through our interactions with others in the church we discover so much about ourselves, about others, and about our relationship with God. This study guide walks through a variety of Bible passages (many that you may not have studied before) to consider what Christian community is all about.
• Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
• Leader Notes: 10 sessions. The Life Guide series is usually quite easy to lead.
• Growth Level: Develop

Acts: Build Community

• Author / Series: John Ortberg, Kevin Harney, Sherry Harney / New Community (Willow Creek)

  © 1999 Zondervan ISBN 0310227704

• Bible Section: NT-Acts
• Notes: A study on the New Testament book of Acts with sessions for groups (could also be used by individuals). The six lessons do not cover the whole book of Acts in-depth, but do cover important parts of the book that relate to community. Includes good descriptions and challenging text.
• Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
• Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for new leaders.
• Growth Level: Discover or Develop

Connecting in Christ Together

• Author / Series: Life Together / Brett Eastman / Experiencing Christ Together

  © 2005 Zondervan ISBN 0-310-24981-3

• Bible Section: Topical Study
• Notes: Six sessions towards better understanding how Jesus loves us and how we should love others.
• Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore online ordering
• Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Suited as a follow-up for Taste of Community groups.
• Growth Level: Develop

Beginning Life Together

• Author / Series: Brett Eastman / Life Together

  © 2002 Zondervan ISBN 0310246725

• Bible Section: Topical Study
• Notes: 6-week introductory group study, often good for Taste of Community groups. This volume is all about doing life together in community with others.
• Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
• Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Easy-to-lead study. Contact bookstore for info about ordering several copies for your group.
• Growth Level: Discover or Develop

101 Great Ideas to Create a Caring Group

• Author / Series: Thom Corrigan / Stand-Alone

  © 1997 NavPress ISBN 1576830721

• Bible Section: Topical Study
• Notes: A book for group leaders. This is an idea book for leaders looking to have a group that cares for one another. Some suggestions will be better for your group than others, but this list can get you thinking of new ideas
• Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
• Leader Notes: (NA). (NA)
• Growth Level: Develop

Seven Tools For Building Effective Groups

• Author / Series: Jeffrey Arnold / (NA)

  © 1997 NavPress ISBN 1576830209

• Bible Section: (NA)
• Notes: An interactive study book for leaders. Presents elements of leading a group including creating an environment for growth, managing group dynamics, and enabling others to participate.
• Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
• Leader Notes: (NA). (NA)
• Growth Level: Deepen: Leadership

Community: Buidling Relationships

• Author / Series: Bill Hybels / InterActions (Willow Creek)

  © 2005 (updated) Zondervan ISBN 0310265916

• Bible Section: Topical Study
• Notes: Group Study on topics about community. The sessions have conversational-style text, Scripture references, and study/discussion questions. This book deals with the need for community, cost of community, and relational boundaries (among other topics).
• Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
• Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for new leaders. Revised in 2005 under the same title.
• Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)

201 Great Questions

• Author / Series: Jerry D. Jones / (NA)

  © 1998 NavPress ISBN 0891092846

• Bible Section: Topical Study
• Notes: For Small Group Leaders & Facilitators. A book of questions that can be conversation starters for group leaders.
• Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
• Leader Notes: (NA). (NA)
• Growth Level: Reference Material

Groups: The Life-Giving Power of Community

• Author / Series: John Ortberg, Laurie Pederson, Judson Poling / Pursuing Spiritual Transformation

  © 2000 Zondervan ISBN 0310220769

• Bible Section: Topical Study
• Notes: A general study book for more experienced leaders on the power of community - deals with authenticity, broken relationships, forgiveness, love, and other topics.
• Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
• Leader Notes: 7 sessions. Recommended for experienced leaders. Questions may need to be revamped for your group.
• Growth Level: Develop

Team/Group Agreements

• Author: Gateway Church

  © Gateway Church

• Notes: Reference guide for Serving Team Leaders, Small Group Leaders and Serving Group Leaders at Gateway to use when writing an Agreement for a Team or Group.
• Resource Access: Download PDF
• Growth Level: Deepen: Leadership