As one might expect Small Groups Made Easy deals with organizational and pragmatic concerns in leading a small group. Lokkesmoe takes a very realistic approach to dealing with matters such as logistics, the role of a group leader, and preparing for group meetings. The author is focused not only on the success of small groups, but also on helping leaders to set realistic expectations. The second part of this book includes twelve plans for small group sessions which revolve around essential questions such as 'What is God Like?' and 'Where is God When I Suffer?'. Each session includes a personal question, an open-ended spiritual question, and a lead-in question. The sessions are organized to include a social section, a study section, and a prayer section. One of the best features of this book is that it includes information on how to pass the baton of leadership onto others, a way of fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples. I am grateful to have received a copy of Small Groups Made Easy: Practical and Biblical Starting points to Lead Your Gathering from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received on monetary compensation.

If you are ever asked to lead a small group, it can seem intimidating. What is going to be expected of you? What happens if people don’t come? How do I handle questions that I can’t answer? These and other thoughts can make you doubt your ability to lead.

Ryan Lokkesmoe addresses the concept of being a small group leader from a practical standpoint. Giving reassurance that you don’t have to be perfect or know all there is to know about the topic, he shares how to lead the group. His tips are simple and easy to put into use. Additionally, he includes 12 topics and brief outlines that you can use to prepare yourself for the leadership role, or to use in the group itself.

Though the book is short, there are many helpful tips in it, and they can be used by anyone that leads a Bible study. The one that stuck with me is to keep meeting. I’ve been in classes, both leading and learning, where attendance fluctuated. It can be easy to get discouraged and want to give up, but sometimes we have to wait out the bumps.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.