Abstract & Overview
Problem As churches continue to grow from small to large communities, they struggle to meet the need of a growing community. There is a need to involve more church members in the ministries of the congregation. The churches also need to assimilate the new church members. Increasing demands are placed upon the pastors of churches to meet the challenge. Method This study deals with a program designed for lay ministry through small groups. It consists of two main parts. The first considers the concepts of small-group lay ministry in the theological, sociological framework of the local church. It includes an examination of related literature about small groups and reports that analyzes and gleans strategies from the churches, both in Korea and U.S.A., that have successfully run lay ministries through small groups. The second part focuses on the practical application of the ministry in the local-church setting. A systematic small-group ministry'program is designed on the basis of this research. It gives viable procedures and models for the effective integration and implementation of this ministry into local churches. It includes practical suggestions for planning, launching, and evaluating the program. Conclusions Small groups can be used to meet many key needs in the church: shepherding and caring for church members, assimilating newcomers and connecting them to the church, and developing lay leadership and empowering leaders for ministry.