Simple Small Groups
Bill Search
Baker Books, 2008, 185 pp., $13.99, www.bakerbooks.com
Seeking God Together: An Introduction to Group Spiritual Direction
Alice Fryling
InterVarsity Press, February 2009, 152 pp., $15.00, www.ivpress.com
There are ample resources for small groups, but Bill Search brings an extra element to the purpose of small groups and the communal aspects of how members connect with one another, as well as to the mission of the small group.
Search brings an incredible experience as a pastor and reveals many tips to overcoming the difficulties of maintaining and sustaining a small-group ministry. He identifies many of the pitfalls that lead to obsessive behaviors within the small group context.
Seeking God Together is an introduction to small groups, and the author’s purpose for small groups is spiritual direction. Spiritual direction is, in part, a safe environment where individuals can experience what it means to share thoughts and feelings, as well as be accepted by others so they can learn to listen more attentively to the presence of God in their lives. The author places a strong emphasis on prayer and praying for one another.
This is a good book for anyone (especially someone with no experience) interested in starting a small group and offers several excellent ideas, including formats and questions, to facilitate the process. Several resources listed in the appendices cover the practical and logistical aspects of small group dynamics.
