Activate

Book Review

Searcy, Nelson. Thomas, Kerrick. Activate. An entirely new approach to small groups. Regal, 2008.
N.S.- founding pastor of The Journey Church, New York.
K.T.- teaching pastor at The Journey Church.

Comment. Henry.
When I see the phrase ‘an entirely new approach’, my interest is raised but not my excitement. I’m with Solomon, ‘there is nothing new’.
What is unique about this small group approach is that it reflects a church OF small groups not a church WITH small groups. This limits the transferability of the concepts that are being presented. It would be a major undertaking to transition a church into this program. The program is valid and has obviously worked well for ‘The Journey’.

Small group methodology needs an ‘overhaul’ (rethinking). Small groups should be outward focused. Groups of ten or more are better than smaller groups. Focus on friendship rather than intimacy in group dynamics. There are four spaces in which spiritual growth can take place, public, social, personal and intimate. Our culture is devoid of social space (gatherings of 5-20) and this can be provided in small groups. This is where friendships are formed which can lead to intimacy.



When it comes to structure, “the ideal length of a small group is ten to twelve weeks”. (28) Asking people to commit themselves to a small group that has no expectation of when the commitment will end is not inviting for many people who could benefit from the experience. (How about asking people to commit to church membership?) “Promotion months” (35) are used to facilitate those who desire to join in mid-semester. Joining a group must be a simple one-step sign-up process. Sound planning will include full staff participation. When the church family grows to 300+ a small group specialist should be added to the staff.

Leaders of small groups should be trained in an apprenticeship program. Staff participation should not be staff control; decentralize. Continuing to raise up new leaders within groups will result in groups multiplication not groups splitting.

Twelve “big ideas” (78) have been introduced and they are put into practice around four concepts, “focus, form, fill and facilitate”. (78) “Three months of every calendar year are set aside as Focus months.” (84) These are second month of each semester and this is when planning for the following semester takes place. A great variety of study topics are available to choose from but there is some control exercised. Evaluating, planning and setting goals are part of ‘focus’.

The ‘ingredients’ of forming a group are explained. Groups are formed (reformed) three times a year. This process is a success due to sign-ups that really work.


Every part of church life is impacted by the sing process.

Group facilitation (how they function from week to week) is based on five principles: “1. Training group leaders. 2. Structuring the first group meeting. 3. Conducting week to week facilitation. 4. Conducting monthly facilitation. 5. Conducting semester facilitation.” (186-217)