Product Description

Over the past thirty years there has been a boom in small groups, both in society at large and within the church. From Bible studies to MOPS to Alcoholics Anonymous, it is estimated that four out of ten Americans belong to a small group that meets regularly for the care and support of its members. But are these groups creating true, biblical community, or do they settle for self-focus and personal gain? Julie Gorman has studied small groups for decades and presents her analysis, insights, and suggestions in Community That Is Christian, an essential resource for building community in church-based small groups. This comprehensive book serves both as a text for those who equip leaders or lead small groups and as an interactive manual for small-group members, helping them transform their relationships into Christ-centered community. The book begins with biblical support for coming together, contrasting it with our often individualistic mind-set that undermines community. Gorman then sets forth the goals of community and describes the process of transformation. She draws from extensive research to address the why and the how of small-group ministry, giving special attention to gender and cultural distinctions. Community That Is Christian provides readers with charts, discussion questions, and inventories to further help them establish community within their small groups.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #467211 in Books
• Published on: 2002-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 264 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780801091452
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From the Back Cover
Community That Is Christian is an essential resource for anyone working to build community in church-based small groups. This comprehensive book guides both those who equip leaders or lead small groups and small group members themselves, helping them transform their relationships into a Christ-centered community. "If you want to replace shallow and superficial expressions of church life with a deeper, richer, biblical experience of what it means to be part of the Christian community, Julie's book is a must-read." Bill Donahue, director of small groups, Willow Creek Association author, Leading Life-Changing Small Groups "There is no other small group book like this one. It is important that every primary leader of small group ministry understands what Julie teaches." Gareth Weldon Icenogle, author, Biblical Foundations for Small Group Ministry "A fresh, engaging, and solid look at how we are called to live together as followers of Christ. This is not just a book for pastors and church leaders, but is rather a comprehensive resource for everyone who wants to bring back relational intimacy into the center of the church's life and mission." Chapman R. Clark, associate professor of youth, family, and culture Fuller Theological Seminary "We are indebted to Julie for pointing out mistakes of the past, but more importantly, the amazing possibilities for the future. For anyone in charge of small group ministry, I highly recommend this book." Lyman Coleman, founder, Serendipity House "Over her many years of effective ministry, Julie Gorman has won our respect and affection as a significant Christian leader. In this book, she provides a blueprint that will be helpful to every pastor and congregational leader." Larry Richards, author and Christian educator "From her long-term experience in the field, Julie Gorman provides numerous insights into the nature, types, and dynamics of community. This is an eminently practical book." Robert Banks, director and dean, Macquarie Christian Studies Institute, Australia

About the Author
Julie A. Gorman is assistant professor and director of the Christian Formation and Discipleship Program at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. She is the author of two small-group studies, Let¹s Get Together and No Stranger to God, as well as The Small Group Training Manual.

Customer Reviews

Excellent handbook
I'm currently working with small groups in the Christian Union group at my university, and literally stumbled over this book while searching for other titles on Amazon. Based on the "Editor's review", I quickly decided to give the book a try, and ordered it.

I would greatly recommend this book to anyone working with small groups in a christian setting. It can in fact be very helpful for those who work with small groups in any setting, as much of the book is devoted to the processes that take form in a group of 5 to 12 people.

But first and foremost the book is about what makes a christian community unique, and how to stimulate this deep community in a small group. Especially, a clear distinction is pointed out between real community, where members love and know each other, and pseudo-community, where members appear polite and careful, but without showing real care for each other.

The author shows great insight into the reactions and different stages that take place in a small group, and uses this knowledge to explain what steps might be wise to do as a leader of such a group. As an extra bonus in addition to the excellent text, each chapter is followed by a section of "Firestarters" which can be used as is in your existing small group. These "Firestarters" are helpful games, questions or case studies that helps the group members open up towards each other. These sections are nearly worth the price themselves.