Mike Nappa - Instant Small Group: 52 Sessions for Anytime, Anywhere Use

2011 by Nappaland Communications, Inc.

Published by Baker Books

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P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

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ISBN 978-1-4412-3216-8

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Scripture marked NLT is taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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For Rob Strouse and Jennifer Hanes,

who made me ask a few questions.

Wisdom begins in wonder.

Socrates

contents

Theme: God, our Father. Scripture: Luke 15:1132; Psalm 68:56

Theme: Jesus, Gods Son. Scripture: Matthew 16:1320; John 1:15, 1418

Theme: The Holy Spirit. Scripture: John 14:1617, 26; Acts 2:113

Theme: Angels and Demons. Scripture: Hebrews 1:14; Ephesians 6:1012

Theme: The Bible. Scripture: Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:1617

Theme: Creation. Scripture: Genesis 1; Colossians 1:1517

Theme: Sin and Forgiveness. Scripture: Romans 6:23; 1 John 1:89

Theme: Grace. Scripture: Matthew 20:116; Ephesians 2:89

Theme: Faith. Scripture: Hebrews 11:1; John 20:2429

Theme: The Church. Scripture: Acts 2:4247; Ephesians 2:1922

Theme: Prayer. Scripture: Matthew 6:913; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Theme: Worship. Scripture: John 4:2024; Psalm 150

Theme: The Last Days. Scripture: Luke 21:717, 3236

Theme: Discipleship. Scripture: Luke 5:111; Ephesians 5:12

Theme: Failure. Scripture: Mark 14:6672; Romans 7:1425

Theme: Gods Gifts. Scripture: Romans 12:68; Matthew 25:1430

Theme: Hope. Scripture: Lamentations 3:2126; Psalm 27:1314

Theme: Joy. Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16; Psalm 100

Theme: Money. Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:611, 1719

Theme: Peace. Scripture: John 14:27; Romans 14:19

Theme: Patience. Scripture: Isaiah 40:31; Ecclesiastes 7:89

Theme: Pride. Scripture: Proverbs 16:1819; Luke 18:914

Theme: Perspective. Scripture: 2 Kings 6:823; Luke 19:110

Theme: Sharing Faith. Scripture: John 13:3435; Romans 1:1617

Theme: Spiritual Growth. Scripture: Philippians 1:6, 911; Galatians 5:2223

Theme: Truth. Scripture: John 8:3141; 14:6

Theme: Children. Scripture: Mark 10:1316; Psalm 127:36

Theme: Discipline. Scripture: Proverbs 3:1112; Hebrews 12:511

Theme: Encouraging Others. Scripture: Ephesians 4:2932; 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Theme: Blessing Your Community. Scripture: Jeremiah 29:47; Luke 10:19

Theme: Kindness. Scripture: Luke 10:3037; Titus 3:36

Theme: Love. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:113; Romans 5:8

Theme: Parenting. Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:69; Proverbs 22:6

Theme: Priorities. Scripture: Matthew 22:3540; Colossians 1:1819

Theme: Resolving Conflict. Scripture: Acts 15:135; Galatians 5:1315

Theme: Respect. Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1317; Ephesians 6:16

Theme: Service. Scripture: John 13:117; Romans 12:1017

Theme: Trusting God. Scripture: Mark 5:2124, 3542; Proverbs 3:56

Theme: Work. Scripture: Ephesians 6:79; Titus 3:12, 8

Theme: New Beginnings. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:18

Theme: Gods Guidance. Scripture: Psalm 23; John 16:1315

Theme: Victory. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:1627; 15:5158

Theme: Marriage. Scripture: Ephesians 5:2133; 1 Corinthians 7:15

Theme: Legacies. Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1415; Acts 9:3643

Theme: Jesuss Resurrection. Scripture: Mark 16:111; 1 Corinthians 15:120

Theme: Motherhood. Scripture: Ephesians 6:23; Philippians 4:89

Theme: Heroes. Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:4150; Judges 6:1124

Theme: Freedom. Scripture: Luke 4:1621; John 8:3436

Theme: Fatherhood. Scripture: Colossians 3:1921; Romans 12:918

Theme: Fear. Scripture: Mark 4:3541; Psalm 56:11; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18

Theme: Gratefulness. Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Luke 17:1119

Theme: Jesuss Birth. Scripture: Luke 2:120; John 3:1617

introduction

The Secret

It doesnt take a genius to lead a small group.

Seriously.

Now, I know that some of my colleagues in professional ministry will take offense at that statement. Theyre usually the ones who believe the Bible should only be taught by trained professionalsyou know, seminarians, Christian counselors, pastors, authors, and the like.

Personally, I think thats a bunch of excrement left behind at a bullfight. (And yes, Ive stepped in that excrement more than once in my life!)

After thirty years in both professional and volunteer ministry, Ive discovered the secret about what it really takes to lead a powerful, life-changing Bible study group. There are only three things you must have, and they are:

1. You.
2. A Bible.
3. Enough curiosity to ask questions.

Ta-da! Youre ready to lead.

Now, if youd like a little help with number three on that list, then Ive got good news for you. This book is going to help you become a person who can comfortably ask relevant, thought-provoking, and sometimes entertaining questions during a small group discussion. Anytime. Anywhere.

Seriously.

Instant Small Group is your pocket-sized teaching resource that provides a years worth of engaging, transforming, and easy-to-lead discussion guides for adult small groups.

Combining biblical depth with entertaining, educationally sound Socratic teaching techniques, this book will both challenge and inspire members of your small group toward authentic spiritual growth.

All fifty-two guides here require zero pre-session preparationyou can literally open and go when its time to begin discussion with your small group. And anyone in the group can lead. You can even let group members take turns leading from week to week, lessening the pressure on you to constantly direct the meeting.

Even better Instant Small Group is as transferable as the title suggests. You can use this book in a variety of settings outside the formal small group. For instance, on a road trip, during a retreat, in a coffeehouse, on a date, during dinner with family, as a personal devotional, or even when youre just hanging out with friends.

And heres a little bonus for you: special callouts with discussion-specific teaching tips, brief Backseat Bible info, and add-on ideas to enhance the experience are also included. Theres even a Twenty Tips for Dynamic Discussions appendix at the end of the book thatll give you expert advice for getting the most out of each small group session.