Small group discipleship

By Laura Norberg

Lori O'Dea discusses the need for conflict management
in small groups.

Following the Opening Plenary Session in the Indiana Convention Center, Tuesday evening, participants of this year’s Pre-General Council Leadership Seminar dispersed to attend the first breakout session of the nearly 20 different leadership course options. Those gathering in the Marriot Ballroom 3-4 were present to hear Assistant General Superintendent Charles Crabtree open the Commission on Discipleship Seminar with a discussion on the future of small groups in the Assemblies of God.

“Discipleship is one of the great challenges facing the Assemblies of God and any other fellowship or denomination,” Crabtree says, stressing the need for retaining new converts in AG churches.

“Small Groups have relaxed atmospheres,” he says, “where people can be nurtured in healthy relationships, led into healthy discipleship and where they can grow and develop a healthy hunger for the Lord.”

Rebecca Gullion, administrative assistant for small groups, followed Crabtree by discussing the new resources that are available to pastors through GPH and the Commission on Discipleship Web site.

One strong aspect of the Web site is the Small Group Forum, which gives those with successful small group programs and those who are interested in beginning a small group program an outlet for discussion.

“By interacting online with other pastors and small group leaders from around the country, leaders are able to connect the dots,” said one seminar participant, “and look to each other for what is working in the local churches rather than looking to the national department for structured curriculum.”

The Wednesday morning sessions featured seasoned Small Groups Pastor Lori O’Dea, from The Oaks Fellowship in Red Oak, Texas.

In this second breakout session entitled, “Transitioning to Small Groups,” O’Dea stressed the need for change management and conflict management skills to secure positive transitions.

When beginning the transition, the most important thing to communicate to the church people is why.

“People want to know you have a good reason,” says O’Dea, “a God reason.”

In this session, O’Dea discussed the outcomes and philosophy of small groups, how small groups work in a small church and the common mistakes made by churches implementing small groups.

In the final session, O’Dea talked specifics about training lay leaders for small group ministry, including what makes a good leader, what should be included in leadership orientations and the benefits of providing leader coaches.

After the conclusion of the final session, Daniel Schreck, small group pastor of First Assembly of God in Fort Wayne, Indiana, moderated a round table discussion. Roundtable participants included five additional pastors whose churches also have successful small group ministries.

For more information and resources about small group ministries, visit the Commission on Discipleship’s Web site, at www.discipleship.ag.org.