Designing, activating, and evaluating a training program for small-group leaders in the Cleburne First Seventh-day Adventist Church

Problem. The Cleburne First SDA Church was growing and the church board was considering ways to meet the needs of the membership. The board was interested in increasing church growth, enhancing membership nurture, and expanding its leadership.;Method. After examination of various training programs for small-group leaders, a ten-week training program was designed and implemented. Those trained were asked to form and lead small groups for at least a seven-week course of Bible study. At the end of the entire process an evaluation was made by trainees, small-group participants, and the group coordinator.;Results. The seventeen who took part in the first training seminar started seven groups. The eleven who were trained in the second seminar teamed up with those from the first seminar and together they led seven small groups.;Conclusions. The small-group leadership training did produce a number of the desired effects upon the Cleburne First SDA Church: outreach was broadened, membership needs were more effectively met, and the pastor was given additional lay leadership support.