Growth Groups Trainee Sessions

An episode of the Reformed Thinking podcast, hosted by Edison Wu, titled "Growth Groups Trainee Sessions" was published on March 19, 2026 and runs 40 minutes.

March 19, 2026 ·40m · Reformed Thinking

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Summary

Deep Dive into Growth Groups: How to Lead Disciple-Making Small Groups by Colin Marshall - Growth Groups Trainee SessionsThe provided text is a comprehensive training manual designed to equip individuals to lead Growth Groups, which are disciple-making small groups focused on shepherding members toward Christlikeness. The curriculum is structured around a ten-session training course where participants are expected to read assigned leadership topics and prepare draft Bible studies based on the book of Colossians prior to each meeting.The training methodology heavily relies on three main types of activities: Mirror exercises to reflect on group operations, Topic discussions to explore leadership themes, and Practice exercises. A central component of the Practice exercises is the fishbowl method, where a trainee leads a mock Bible study while designated observers assess the session. These observers use detailed charts to evaluate both the teaching process, such as whether the leader acted as a facilitator and effectively used different types of questions, and the group participation, such as how quiet members were treated and what roles individuals adopted. Following the practice, the group engages in constructive feedback to sharpen their observational and leadership skills.Throughout the ten sessions, the manual covers a wide array of practical topics including preparing studies, managing group dynamics, facilitating prayer, encouraging evangelism, and dealing with problem people. It also addresses structural leadership aspects like the biblical necessity of designated leaders, establishing healthy ground rules, starting new groups, and training future leaders.Additionally, the manual provides appendices that advise leaders on balancing pre-packaged Bible studies with writing their own materials. It includes a practical preparation sheet that guides leaders through understanding a passage, setting teaching goals, and formulating questions, alongside a detailed sample study on Colossians to model the lesson preparation process.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730

Episode Description

Deep Dive into Growth Groups: How to Lead Disciple-Making Small Groups by Colin Marshall - Growth Groups Trainee Sessions

The provided text is a comprehensive training manual designed to equip individuals to lead Growth Groups, which are disciple-making small groups focused on shepherding members toward Christlikeness. The curriculum is structured around a ten-session training course where participants are expected to read assigned leadership topics and prepare draft Bible studies based on the book of Colossians prior to each meeting.

The training methodology heavily relies on three main types of activities: Mirror exercises to reflect on group operations, Topic discussions to explore leadership themes, and Practice exercises. A central component of the Practice exercises is the fishbowl method, where a trainee leads a mock Bible study while designated observers assess the session. These observers use detailed charts to evaluate both the teaching process, such as whether the leader acted as a facilitator and effectively used different types of questions, and the group participation, such as how quiet members were treated and what roles individuals adopted. Following the practice, the group engages in constructive feedback to sharpen their observational and leadership skills.

Throughout the ten sessions, the manual covers a wide array of practical topics including preparing studies, managing group dynamics, facilitating prayer, encouraging evangelism, and dealing with problem people. It also addresses structural leadership aspects like the biblical necessity of designated leaders, establishing healthy ground rules, starting new groups, and training future leaders.

Additionally, the manual provides appendices that advise leaders on balancing pre-packaged Bible studies with writing their own materials. It includes a practical preparation sheet that guides leaders through understanding a passage, setting teaching goals, and formulating questions, alongside a detailed sample study on Colossians to model the lesson preparation process.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainer

Spotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdw

https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730