The Big Idea Eliminates the Question, “What Do We Study Next?”

Small groups tend to become overly focused on the topic of their discussion, 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 more than a few sessions trying to answer the question, “What do we study next?” Recently I was told of a small group leader who spent hours researching possible topics for future study. On the evening he presented his ideas, someone in the group brought a new book he had been reading and in a matter of minutes hijacked the conversation. The leader’s research was forgotten, and the group was swayed by this persuasive member to “vote” for his suggestion. The group membermeant no harm, but who do you think knew more about what the group needed? And what are the chances that the leader will put so much time and effort into researching future topics? Sticking to the Big Idea minimizes this challenge and offers small groups an easy plan to follow when it comes to subject matter.

Small groups tend to become overly focused on the topic of their discussion, often at the expense of developing relationships and experiencing genuine biblical community.

Ferguson, D., Ferguson, J., & Bramlett, E. (2009). The big idea: focus the message---multiply the impact. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

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-- Josh Hunt