Tools for Small Group Leaders

Welcome to the Tools for Small Group Leaders page of our church's website. Here we will keep you informed of resources that will not only help you lead your group, but also provide you with tools for your own personal growth as a leader. This section of the website is JUST FOR YOU, the small group leader.

We will continually be developing and adding resources to this page, so be sure to check back often. Also, if you find certain resources especially helpful and effective in your ministry as a small group leader, please be sure to pass them along.

Pastor Randy Odom is always available to support you in your ministry as a small group leader.

  1. Small Group Manager
    Our web-based Small Group Manager will assist you with effective ministry in your group by providing a simple way of sending a group email to your small group. Also, using Small Group Manager you will be able to track attendance in your group, as well as note special prayer needs or other concerns that may arise.

    To begin using this helpful feature, please click on Small Group Manager to create a login ID for yourself.

    If you have questions on how to use Small Group Manager, please contact Maria Martinez or Susan Okamura.
  2. Recommended Study Materials
    Following are materials recommended by your Community Life pastoral staff.  There is a brief description of each study, along with a weblink where you can order the materials and have them sent directly to you.  Share the cost of the materials with the members of your group. 

    If at the conclusion of your study you would like to contribute any leftover materials to our church’s Small Groups Resources Library, please contact Katy Vold at katy@3crosses.org or 510.537.4690 ext. 207.

    For September ’08 ~

    * Dangerous Surrender - Three-session DVD study with Kay Warren -  What if God's plan for your life is far bigger, far more risky, and far more fulfilling than what you had planned?  For more information, or to purchase - http://www.saddlebackresources.com/enUS/SmallGroups/ChristianLiving/ChristianLiving.htm

    * Way of a Worshipper - Four-session DVD study on discovering friendship with God.  For more information, or to purchase - http://www.saddlebackresources.com/en-US/SmallGroups/ChristianLiving/ChristianLiving.htm

    * Be Still – Four-session DVD study that demonstrates how contemplative, or "listening", prayer can be a vital way to experience God's guidance and peace in the midst of frenzied, fast-paced lives.  For more information, or to purchase - http://www.willowcreek.com/wca_prod.asp?invtid=PR30639

    Additional studies ~

    * Wide Angle: Framing Your Worldview - A six-session small group study with Rick Warren and Chuck Colson discussing the implications of a Biblical worldview.  For more information, or to purchase - http://www.saddlebackresources.com/enUS/SmallGroups/ChristianLiving/ChristianLiving.htm

    * S.H.A.P.E.: Finding and Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose For Life - In six sessions, Erik Rees unpacks the five elements of God’s blueprint for creating you. Each session includes tools that help bring clarity to future goals and show how to have the most fulfilling life possible—a life lived for God’s Purposes, by God’s design.  For more information, or to purchase - http://www.saddlebackresources.com/en-US/Resources/ProductDetail.htm?sku=PJ832601

    * Go Fish – Six-session DVD study explores the motivation behind sharing our faith and how it can become a natural part of our lives. This study by Andy Stanley will take the struggle out of sharing your faith—offering a new perception of the word "evangelism".  For more information, or to purchase - http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=525480&event=CF

    * Managing Our Finances God's Way - A seven-session small group study in collaboration with Crown Financial Ministries on Biblical financial management.  For more information, or to purchase - http://www.saddlebackresources.com/enUS/SmallGroups/ChristianLiving/ChristianLiving.htm

    * A Spiritual Roadmap in a Mixed Up World – Two-volume study of 1 Thessalonians (each volume is six sessions) taught by Pastor Lance Witt.  Small group participants work through thought-provoking questions and discussions prompting them to unpack the spiritual road map prepared for the Thessalonians and engage in deeper study, application, and prayer.  For more information, or to purchase - http://www.saddlebackresources.com/en-US/SmallGroups/BooksOfTheBible/SpiritualRoadMap.htm

    * Foundations - a fresh, innovative series of 11 four-session small group studies on the essential truths of the Christian faith and how these truths are to be lived out in your relationships, your character and your work.  Participant guides and teaching DVDs by Tom Holladay and Kay Warren.  For more information, or to purchase - http://www.saddlebackresources.com/en-US/SmallGroups/Foundations/Foundations.htm

    *How to Study the Bible
    By: John MacArthur -- How to Study the Bible is part of the John MacArthur’s Bible Studies series. This study takes an indepth look at various Bible passages and examines not only how to study the Bible but why Bible study is so important in every believer’s life. Dr. MacArthur’s series consist of the study notes from his messages and corresponds to his taped messages. This is ideal for personal or group study.
    http://www.gbibooks.com/Details.aspx?ID=0802451055


    *Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
    By: Donald S. Whitney -- The freedom to grow in godliness-to naturally express Christ’s character through your own personality-is in large part dependent on a deliberate cultivation of the spiritual disciplines. So if you’d like to embark on a lifelong quest for godliness, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life will help you on your way.
    http://gbibooks.com/Details.aspx?ID=1576830276

    Spiritual Disciplines (Study Guide)     -- This study guide is designed to accompany the book by Donald Whitney. Each chapter recaps the central ideas in the book, giving additional material for thought. Scripture reading, personal application and further suggestions for study are also included.
    http://www.gbibooks.com/Details.aspx?ID=0891097597


    *The Pursuit of Holiness
    By: Jerry Bridges -- “‘Be ye holy, for I am holy,’ ‘Be holy for without holiness no one will see the Lord.’ These are serious commands from our Lord that will be followed by serious believers. Holiness involves being consecrated to the Lord’s service and thus being separated from the commonplace—and most importantly, sin. In The Pursuit of Holiness, Bridges deals largely with putting off the ‘old self’—addressing sin in our lives. This is a classic that is a must for every Christian’s personal library.”
    —Richard Harasick Elder, Grace Community Church.
    http://www.gbibooks.com/Details.aspx?ID=157683932X

    The Pursuit of Holiness (Study Guide)
    By: Jerry Bridges -- This study guide is the companion to the book The Pursuit of Holiness, also by Jerry Bridges. Each chapter follows the book and offers insightful questions and additional scriptures for personal reflection or group discussion.
    http://www.gbibooks.com/Details.aspx?ID=1576839885
  3. Study Materials Available to Borrow from the Church Office The church has a collection of Small Group Materials that are available for "check-out" from the Main Office. Please see Tracy Teyler who will gladly let you look through the materials. Please Note – Only the Leader’s Guide, DVD or Video Tape are available for check-out. You will need to order the participant study guides from the publisher or your local Christian bookstore. If you need help with this, please contact Tracy Teyler or Randy Odom.

    Browse the available resources.