If the real power for deeper relationships and spiritual growth is found in the process of spending time together grappling with the implications of the previous weekend’s sermon and text, it doesn’t matter all that much which sermon it is or where it fits in any given series.

a friend of mine who told me recently that he’s finished with these kinds of conferences. He claims that every time he goes, he gets fired up. But every time he goes back for a refresher course, everything has changed.

there is no need to worry about aligning a sermon series with your small group calendar.

This has two huge advantages. First, it keeps extroverts and those who like to shoot from the hip from dominating the meeting. Second, it undercuts the natural tendency we all have to let the first person who speaks set the tone and framework for everyone else’s answer.

just because a church does small groups well doesn’t mean they’re doing something that will work in your church.

Chapter 13 Determining Your Primary Purpose

Coming to America

The biggest downside of our summer break is that it leaves us with nothing particularly sticky during a time when many new people are moving into the community, looking for a new church home. It means we’re not at our best. But it’s a price we’re willing to pay to stay healthy for the long haul.

Typically, the military moves these families every three years or so, often from West Coast to East Coast.