I believe the small group experience is critical in creating connection and spiritual movement in one’s life. The typical small group leader will spend a lot of time organizing, preparing and providing a safe comfortable experience for the participants of a small group. The reality is the component that creates the most life change is what you choose to study and experience together. A good choice in curriculum makes all the difference in the world.
I have done a lot of weddings over the years. I am amazed at how much time and money people will spend on things that they think will make the wedding one to remember. One of the most important elements of a fun and memorable wedding is without doubt the person who performs it. I mean, they say the most, share stories about the couple and bring not just the relational aspect to the ceremony but the spiritual one. Have you ever been to a wedding where the person officiating seems like they met the Bride and Groom that day? Not only that but it feels like they are reading the same script they did at the last wedding they performed. If so, you walk away thinking the ceremony was boring, lacked personal relationship and created NO emotion or excitement in the heart of those who attended. Well, in many ways poor curriculum choice can do the same thing a small group!
There are a lot of myths about curriculum and people are “mything” the point of small groups. Here are three myths I believe to be true when it comes to selecting a curriculum for our small group experience…
Myth #1: Tell Us More vs. Look for More
Many study guides in the Christian market today focus on content or rely on a teacher to help people find truth. People erroneously believe if they hear more, or have more information, they are learning more. Information alone does not change lives. Consider for a moment the person who spends hours scouring books or websites for information about heart disease, but never makes any changes to his or her diet or exercise regimen. It’s not about information.
Discovery is the central means by which learning takes place. God’s word is the source of truth and God’s spirit is guide and revealer of all truth. I encourage you to look for small group curriculum that leads people to discover what God’s word says to us today.
Myth #2: More Questions vs. the Right Questions
Many Christian study guides ask questions that have painfully obvious answers that no self-respecting learner should have to answer. Others are empty yes-or-no questions that require hardly any thought at all. And the worst questions of all are the ones where the writer has a specific answer in mind and is willing to wring every ounce of energy out of the group to get the answer he is looking for.
Rather than write a list of very specific questions that push group members through a rigorous examination of “What does this verse say?” or “What did the writer mean by that?” It’s about having the RIGHT questions, not simply more questions.
Myth #3: What We Know vs. How We Change
The goal of all Bible study is life change. The longest stretch of learning is from the head to the heart. It’s much easier just to keep accumulating information than it is to change our lives.
The Liquid method is designed to push learners toward a point of change. Ultimate personal change is a matter of the heart. As God changes our hearts, our “steps” always head in a different direction.
This is why I love Liquid. It creates emotion, an experience and a way for people to take God’s Word through their life! Many times we are “myhting” the point of small groups. Your curriculum choice is the most important choice you make when leading a small group!
Meet Chris Lagerlof. Chris worked for 17 years as a Pastor and Champion of several ministries (including small groups and evangelism) at Mariners Church in Irvine, CA. His experience, expertise and joy of seeing others “get it” are what motivated Chris to consult, coach and ignite individuals and churches. Chris’s 17 years of experience in executive leadership, evangelism and church growth has helped him develop and refine ideas, strategies and tactics to help individuals at all levels of an organization grow, change and move ahead. Chris is the Lead Strategist at HI-DEF Consulting and Solutions and the COO of Liquid. Chris lives in Irvine, CA with his beautiful wife Kristen and 2 daughters, Tessa and Mandy.