Biblical Foundations for Small Group Ministry: An Integrational Approach

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InterVarsity Press, 1994 M03 1 - 396 pages

Small groups have had a major influence on the growth of the church in recent years. They are an important place for ministry, community and discipleship. Yet all too often small group programming has taken place apart from consideration of its biblical underpinnings. Gareth Icenogle thoroughly examines both Old and New Testaments for the basis of small group ministry. He considers the texts in new ways, providing heightened understanding of their implications for ministry in the context of small groups. Then he turns to the early church to study tradition and practice. In addition, he brings an integration of theological, sociological and educational principles to the biblical text. All through the book, practical applications of these principles offer guidance for setting up and running a biblically based small group ministry program. Those who are working or who hope to work with small groups will find this one-of-a-kind book invaluable.

 

Contents

Part One Old Testament Foundations for Small Group Ministry
17
1Small Group Origins
19
2Small Group Paradox
26
3Small Group Covenants
37
4The Ten Commandments for Small Groups
46
5Small Group Relationships
67
6Small Group Leadership
79
7Small Group Structures
92
14Training Small Group Leaders
199
15Empowering Small Group Members
216
16Mobilizing the Small Group for Ministry
231
Apostolic Foundations for Small Group Ministry
241
17The Ecclesia as an Extension of the Twelve
243
18Small Group Direction and Disciplines
255
19Small Group as Formational and Transformational Community
274
20Mutual Ministry in the Small Group
288

8Small Group Ministry
105
Gospel Foundations for Small Group Ministry
113
9The Small Group of Twelve
115
10Gathering the Small Group
126
11Modeling Group Life
140
12Leading the Small Group
160
13Observing Small Group Dynamics
185
21Small Group Images and Metaphors
308
22The Small Group in Ministry and Mission
324
23Small Group Integrity and Destiny
338
24The Church as Small Group Network
354
Conclusion
371
Bibliography
389
Copyright

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About the author (1994)

Gareth Weldon Icenogle (D.Min., Fuller Theological Seminary) is the senior pastor of West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, New Jersey. He teaches the Doctor of Ministry course in small groups at Fuller and speaks on small group ministry across the United States and internationally.

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