Abstract
The title of this substantial book is a confident and accurate description of its content. Written with a North American church focus, the authors use a research-based approach to identify five ‘shifts’ that will help small groups develop in depth of spirituality and community. The research arises from a two-year study involving nearly 100 churches from 12 denominations with congregations ranging from 30 to 3900 people. This breadth of research cohort is, I suggest, both a strength and a weakness. A great deal of common ground is revealed but, for example, the small group challenges in a church of 30 are going to be very different from one of nearly 4000. The authors, Ryan Hartwig, a Professor of Communication at Colorado Christian University, Courtney Davis, an associate Professor of Communication Management at Asuza Pacific University and Jason Sniff, a Pastor of Small Groups at Eastview Christian Church in Illinois, combine personal small group experience with their professional expertise to produce a challenging and practical text.
A quick Google search reveals that books about running small groups are abundant! The key to maintaining effective small groups in churches is something of a holy grail. They have so much potential and yet often struggle. They can be a source of great joy but also significant frustration to both leaders and members. This book tackles areas such as the role of leadership in starting and establishing the group, having meaningful discussions, and handling difficult conversations. The latter point was particularly significant as their research identified that clashes of opinion were positive signs of growth, but many groups never got to that point and discussions remained superficial. The book finishes with several chapters on self-care for leaders, planning for leadership succession and multiplying groups. All areas that can be forgotten amid the challenges of trying to get a group of tired people to engage enthusiastically with a bible study on a Wednesday night when they would rather be watching Masterchef!
Some of the data is fascinating; groups smaller than 8 and bigger than 17 are most effective, spending time worshipping and singing has more impact on spiritual growth than praying together or bible study, people grow most quickly in new groups. However, the research detail is limited to a few concluding pages which is frustrating. That aside, this is book has much to commend it and some excellent tips for developing small groups. Who would benefit from reading it? I think it is most relevant for experienced small group leaders, or church leaders planning a small group ministry or who already have small groups. Specific areas of learning can then be shared more widely and contextualised for a UK ‘market’ and for different styles and shapes of church. However, I fear that new small group leaders may be overwhelmed by this book, the leadership expectations are very high. They may resign before they start, and although that is not covered in this book, we can safely assume that is not a good thing!