1. Better Basics The Key to Positive Change

2. 1. The Biblical Mandate Command not suggestion (Matt. 28:19-20)
The early church’s response (Acts 2:42)
A Jewish pattern (Deut. 31:11-13)
Large group worship/small group study

3. 2. The Great commission provides a threefold focus
Going=Evangelism
Baptizing=Assimilating
Teaching=Discipling

4. 3. Maximize the 6 basic principles of healthy growth
Process
Pyramid
Receptivity
Homogeneity
New Unit
Leadership

5. 4. Organize based on stage in life
Takes advantage of homogeneity and receptivity
Helps you know when it is organized
Makes assimilation natural
Easier to reorganize

6. 4. Organize based on stage in life
Keeps small groups from stagnating
It is simple, flexible, and comprehensive
Helps with creation of new units
Organize based on who you are trying to reach not who you already have

7. 5. Teaching for transformation
Aim for the head and the heart
Teach the Bible from the Bible
Teach with passion
Use appropriate method based on lesson and people
Practice what you teach—modelling is critical

8. 5. Teaching for transformation
Be a team player—about the kingdom, not your class
Attempt to give birth to a new class annually
Seek to reproduce yourself

9. 5. Teaching for transformation
Standardize curriculum in all adult classes
Helps with planning
Reduces competition and creates a team spirit
Helps with creation of new units and adult promotion
Easy to explain

10. 5. Teaching for transformation
j. Characteristics of good curriculum
Biblically sound
Open-ended
Comprehensive
Affordable
Lasting value

11. 6. Reaching the lost Begins with leadership
Evangelism requires a change of culture
Evangelism is not a program of the church
We must get out of the building to be effective
Help people identify and invite lost friends to church

12. 6. Reaching the lost Simplify training
Minister to your community in Jesus’ name
Make sure your guest card reflects small group structure
Organize each class to follow up on visitors from their age group
Schedule regular events for pre-Christians
SPLASH your community

13. 7. Assimilating through small groups
It must be intentional and strategic
Cannot disciple those you fail to assimilate
The failure to assimilate will ultimately impact evangelism
Adopt a plan of universal enrollment
Develop a comprehensive care group ministry

14. 7. Assimilating through small groups
Personal contact must be regular
Meeting personal needs is biblical
80% are lost in the first 6 months
Of those active in 5 years—16% if only attend worship, 83% if attend worship and small group

15. 8. Keeping it going
Constantly check to ensure you have Great Commission balance
Keep good records
Pay attention to your physical surroundings
Make sure guests are welcomed and members are cared for
Do regular teacher recruitment and training
Schedule regular workers’ meetings

16. 8. Keeping it going Promote members on a regular basis
Establish and publicize goals
Give appropriate recognition
Innovate without compromising
Be creative in providing space
Pray, Pray, and Pray some more