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Guides for small group ministry

Practical how-tos for pastors and group leaders, each with a free template you can use this week.

• How to track small group attendance, and actually follow up — A simple way to track small group attendance across every group, spot who is drifting after two missed meetings, and follow up well. Free spreadsheet template included.
• A small group leader guide template you can use this week — A free template for a leaders-only meeting guide: preparation, a run of show, discussion questions and follow-up. Works for sermon-based or study-based small groups.
• How to train small group leaders (without a semester-long course) — A practical way to train new small group leaders: one training evening, a few weeks as a co-leader, and a monthly huddle afterward. Free training plan included.
• How to start small groups at your church: a 10-week plan — A step-by-step plan for launching small groups at a church: decide what groups are for, find and train leaders, pick a simple first study, and run a sign-up that fills groups. Free 10-week launch plan included.
• Small group icebreaker questions: 50 that actually work — Fifty small group icebreaker questions, sorted by how well a group knows each other, from a first meeting to a group that has met for years, and how to use them without it feeling forced. Free printable list.
• How to choose small group software for your church — Church database groups module, free chat app or a dedicated small group tool? A plain comparison of the three kinds, the questions to ask every vendor, and how to run a fair trial. Free checklist included.
• The best small group software for churches: an honest comparison — Planning Center Groups, Church Center, Realm, RightNow Media, GroupMe and Synodo side by side: what each is, what it is strongest at, and what to watch for. No sponsored rankings.
• How to run a Bible study at a small church — A practical guide to leading a weekly Bible study in a close-knit church: what to study, how to run a 90-minute meeting, getting quiet people talking, sharing the leading, and keeping people connected between weeks. Free season planner included.