Field Guide for Small Group Leaders: Setting the Tone, Accommodating Learning Styles and More
"As a writer and thinker, Sam O'Neal understands the big-picture theological foundations for community. As a small group leader, Sam knows how to lead a small group for real people. In this work, he provides practical help to small group leaders. His work is a great tool for leaders." (Eric Geiger, coauthor of Simple Church)"I've always felt that leading a small group is more art than science, more organic than mechanical. But you can't ignore the mechanics, and even art has underlying tips and techniques, which, if mastered, enhance the authenticity of the medium. Samuel O'Neal'sField Guide for Small Group Leadersprovides many such techniques as practiced by a master artist. His application of learning styles alone has already improved my own group leadership." (Dave Treat, small group consultant and trainer, thinkingsmall.net)"With the dizzying array of methods and models for small groups out there, who couldn't use a little help navigating the landscape? I can't think of a better guide than Sam O'Neal. Sam knows small groups. He's participated in them, led them and studied them.Field Guide for Small Group Leadersis the perfect primer on the subject. With clean, engaging prose, Sam clears the fog surrounding the topic and delivers advice for small group leaders that is both practical and biblical. Pastors, make sure your small group leaders don't head into their next meetings without this valuable resource in hand." (Drew Dyck, managing editor of Leadership Journal and author of Generation Ex-Christian)"Whether we are first-time small group leaders or seasoned disciple-makers, we all need some guidance and direction along the way. Sam O'Neal has walked the path of small groups and now serves as a tour guide for those who wish to join in the adventure of leadership. With practical tips and refreshing honesty, O'Neal gives step-by-step direction for establishing a healthy and transformational community, warns of potential pitfalls and offers encouragement for many of the common challenges that leaders face." (Heather Zempel, author of Sacred Roads and Community Is Messy)"Small groups often struggle, so we need a trusted guide on how to improve them. Sam O'Neal is my guide of choice, because he's not only read the literature on small groups, he has lived his life in them." (Kevin Miller, associate rector, Church of the Resurrection, Wheaton, IL)