At CCC, we've experienced a number of benefits from using The Big Idea in our small groups.  Here are three reasons why the Big Idea is a huge "win" for small groups:

# 1 The BIG IDEA Increases Application and Transformation

Without a doubt life change is most likely to occur within the context of community. Giving people a chance to sit in a circle with others on a similar spiritual journey to interact on the content of our weekend celebration services significantly increases the likelihood of people actually applying the topic to their life. Even the most dynamic and interactive celebration services tend to be primarily a didactic experience; we talk, we sing, we dance, they listen, they watch. Small groups by nature are experiential and discussion-oriented and as a result, more likely to foster life change. In addition, because the topic of the discussion guide is directly tied to the topic for our weekend celebration services, every weekend our campus pastors and teaching team have a great opportunity to invite people to explore the topic further in a small group.

# 2 The BIG IDEA Diminishes Peoples Fears of Leading a Small Group

One of the greatest challenges in launching new groups and keeping existing groups healthy and growing is identifying and recruiting potential small group leaders.  We have found that the most common fears among potential small group leaders are the following:

- “I don’t know enough about the Bible.”

- “I don’t have enough time to be a good leader.”

- “I’ve never thought of myself as a leader.”

The weekend prior to the launch of every BIG IDEA series we publish a small group discussion guide with a small group lesson that parallels each topic (or week) in that BIG IDEA series. Developing these discussion guides and making them available to our leaders significantly reduces their insecurities regarding leading. The Bible verses for discussion are included in the discussion guide, and the lessons require minimal preparation with helpful insights and directions for the leaders.

# 3 The BIG IDEA Eliminates the Problem of “What Do We Study Next?” 

Small groups tend to get overly focused on the topics or subject matter for their discussions, often at the expense of developing relationships and experiencing genuine biblical community. The relational small group experience can easily slip into more of a classroom teacher/student context. Anyone who has ever been part of a small group has spent way too much time trying to answer the question, “What do we study next?”  Following The BIG IDEA minimizes this challenge and offers small groups an easy plan to follow when it comes to topics or subject matter.

Order your copy of The Big Idea here.

Comments

[Henry Judy]

I have read The Big Idea twice now. (Thanks Dave for the copy). Since we are planting a multi-site church in Naples Fl and starting a reproducing network at the same time, I think it is paramount to implement in "The Big Idea" through small groups. The sermon should be looked at as the "Focus on the Message", and small groups are the "Multiplying The Impact". Transformation begins with the seed planted by The Big Idea in the sermon but is grown through learning application in small groups. I would argue that to be most effective in life transformation, small group participation is crucial.