SMALL GROUPS ARE BIBLICAL

The primary focus of Jesus’ public ministry was not with the masses, but rather with a small group of guys that He did life with. This original small group changed the world!

The believers of the early church (Acts 2:42-47) gathered at the temple and in homes. While Acts is simply describing the practice of the early church, it does provide a principle for us today: discipleship involves both corporate worship services and times in smaller groups.

Moses demonstrated the principled importance of both large and smaller groups. He led God’s people corporately but also entrusted responsibility to others within their community (Ex 18).

SMALL GROUPS ARE PRACTICAL

The best way to care for people personally and intentionally is through small groups. Small groups are a place not only to be known, but also loved!

Small groups are an additional step beyond our weekend worship services to grow in the Lord and in His Word.

SMALL GROUPS ARE THE REAL WORK OF THE CHURCH

Small groups are designed to challenge men and women to grow as faithful and fruitful followers of Jesus Christ. We aim to increase our capacity to worship Christ, walk with Christ, and work for Christ.

Small groups provide an environment where close-knit relationships are cultivated for the glory of God.

SMALL GROUPS ARE AN UNCOMMON COMMUNITY
Our small group ministry is an “Uncommon Community” of disciples (Jesus followers) who want to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus. (Matthew 16:24) Below are eight characteristics of an “Uncommon Community” Harvest Small Group.

Redemptive: it is safe to confess sin

Transparent: people get real

Intentional: there is an effort to meet and connect regularly

Relational: people laugh, cry, and connect deeply

Giving: everyone shares generously of their time, treasures, and talent as they are able

Intrusive: others have permission to get into your “business” lovingly

Serving: taking care of the needs of others outside the group

YOU: as part of this Uncommon Community

Small Group Leaders

Small Group Coaches

This following list is not exhaustive. There are many other sources out there that would be a blessing for you or your small group to go through. All small group leaders should confirm resources with their small group coach before beginning a study. Also, don’t forget to check out the many helpful video series studies on RigthNow Media.

The writer of Ecclesiastes wisely stated, “Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12) Every year there are more and more resources published under the label or appearance of Christian teaching. While it would be impossible to review every single resource out there, it is possible to recommend authors or resources who are writing in accord with sound doctrine.

The pastors of Harvest Bible Chapel Des Moines take our charge to protect the flock from false teachers and unsound doctrine very seriously. Knowing that everyone has a finite amount of time for study, we will strive to recommend best in class resources. If you only have time to read one book on a topic, what should it be? That is what we hope to share with you.

Abuse
In the Aftermath – Pam Gannon and Bev Moore
Putting Your Past in Its Place – Steve Viars

Addictions
Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel – Ed Welch

Anger
Uprooting Anger – Robert D. Jones
The Heart of Anger: Practical Help for the Prevention and Cure of Anger in Children – Lou Priolo

Anxiety/Worry
Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest – Ed Welch
When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety – Ed Welch

Apologetics
I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist – Norm Geisler and Frank Turek
Why I am a Christian – Norm Geisler and Paul Hoffman

Biographies/Testimonies
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert – Rosaria Butterfield
God’s Smuggler – Brother Andrew
21 Servants of Sovereign Joy – John Piper
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret – Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor

Catechism
New City Catechism

Christian Fiction
Pilgrim’s Progress – John Bunyan (free PDF or ebook on www.desiringgod.org/books)
Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis
The Wingfeather Saga – Andrew Peterson

Church
9 Marks of a Healthy Church – Mark Dever
The Church: The Gospel Made Visible – Mark Dever
What is a Healthy Church? – Mark Dever
What is a Healthy Church Member? – Thabiti Anibywle
Church Discipline – Jonathan Leeman
The entire 9Marks series

Church History
Turning Points – Mark Noll
Rescuing the Gospel – Erwin Lutzer

Communication and Conflict Resolution
Communication and Conflict Resolution: A Biblical Perspective – Stuart Scott
War of Words – Paul Tripp
The Peacemaker – Ken Sande

Contentment
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment – Jeremiah Burrows
Learning Contentment – Nancy Wilson

Decision Making
Just Do Something – Kevin DeYoung

Depression
Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness – Ed Welch
Shame Interrupted – Ed Welch

Devotional
A Gospel Primer – Milton Vincent
New Morning Mercies – Paul Tripp
Whiter Than Snow – Paul Tripp

Discipleship
Multiply – David Platt and Francis Chan
Follow Me – David Platt

Enjoying God & Creation
Desiring God – John Piper
The Things of Earth – Joe Rigney

Evangelism
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism – Mark Dever
Evangelism – Mack Stiles
What is the Gospel? – Greg Gilbert

Fear of Man
When People are Big and God is Small – Ed Welch
What do you think of me? Why do I care? – Ed Welch

Fighting Sin
Holiness – J.C. Ryle
Overcoming Sin and Temptation – John Owen
The Enemy Within – Kris Lundgaard
Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices – Thomas Brooks

Heaven
Forever – Paul Tripp
Heaven – Randy Alcorn

Hospitality
The Gospel Comes with a House Key – Rosaria Butterfield

Identity
Because He Loves Me – Elyse Fitzpatrick
Idols of the Heart – Elyse Fitzpatrick

Kids
Indescribable – Louie Giglio
God’s Very Good Idea – Trillia Newbell

Leadership
The Conviction to Lead – Al Mohler
The Book on Leadership – John MacArthur

Manhood/Husband/Father
Biblical Manhood – Stuart Scott
The Complete Husband – Lou Priolo
Disciplines of a Godly Man – R. Kent Hughes
What’s the Difference? Manhood and Womanhood Defined According to the Bible – John Piper (free PDF on www.desiringgod.org/books)

Marriage
This Momentary Marriage – John Piper (free as a PDF on www.desiringgod.org/books)
Strengthening Your Marriage – Wayne Mack
What Did You Expect? – Paul Tripp
Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage – Lee Strobel

Modern Issues
12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You – Tony Reinke

Mutual Ministry
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands – Paul Tripp
Side by Side – Ed Welch

Overcoming Sin
Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave – Ed Welch
Humility: True Greatness – C.J. Mahaney

Parenting
Withhold Not Correction – Bruce Ray
Shepherding a Child’s Heart – Ted Tripp
Tying Their Shoes – Rob Green
Parenting – Paul Tripp
Give them Grace – Elyse Fitzpatrick

Prayer
Valley of Vision
A Praying Life – Paul Miller
The Prayer that Turns the World Upside Down – Al Mohler

Preparing for Marriage
Tying the Knot – Rob Green
Preparing for Marriage God’s Way – Wayne Mack

Priorities & Time Management
What’s Best Next – Matthew Perman
Don’t Waste Your Life – John Piper
Do More Better – Tim Challies
Crazy Busy – Kevin DeYoung

Sex
Sex, Dating, and Relationships – Gerald Hiestand
Biblical Principles of Sex – Robert Smith
Making All Things New – David Powlison

Sexual Purity
Finally Free – Heath Lambert
Sex, Dating, Relationships – Gerald Hiestand and Jay Thomas

Singleness
Redeeming Singleness – Barry Danylak

Small Groups
Why Small Groups – C.J. Mahaney

Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life – Don Whitney
Habits of Grace – David Mathis (free PDF on www.desiringgod.org/books)

Study of God
Knowing God – J.I. Packer
The Knowledge of the Holy – A.W. Tozer
Attributes of God – Arthur Pink

Studying Scripture
How to Study Your Bible – Kay Arthur
Understanding Scripture: An Overview of the Bible’s Origin, Reliability, and Meaning – Wayne Grudem
The God Who is There – D.A. Carson
God Wrote a Book – James MacDonald
How to Read the Bible for All its Worth – Gordon Fee

Suffering
Suffering and the Sovereignty of God – John Piper & Justin Taylor
Don’t Waste Your Cancer – John Piper
Suffering – Paul Tripp
Books by Joni Eareckson Tada

Relationships
Relationships: A Mess worth Making – Tim Lane and Paul Tripp
Sex, Dating, and Relationships – Gerald Hiestand

Theology
Systematic Theology – Wayne Grudem
Bible Doctrine – Wayne Grudem
Everyone’s a Theologian – R.C. Sproul

Womanhood/Wife/Mother
Women of the Word – Jen Wilkin
What’s the Difference? Manhood & Womanhood Defined According to the Bible – John Piper (free PDF on www.desiringgod.org/books)
Helper by Design – Elyse Fitzpatrick
Treasuring Christ when your Hands are Full – Gloria Furman
Mom Enough – Multiple Authors (free PDF or ebook on www.desiringgod.org/books)
Glory in the Ordinary – Courtney Reissig
Eve in Exile – Rebekah Merkle

Reputable Authors
John Piper
D.A. Carson
Russell Moore
R.C. Sproul
A.W. Tozer
Jerry Bridges
Elyse Fitzpatrick
Gloria Furman
Carolyn Mahaney
Wayne Mack
Dave Harvey
Heath Lambert
Bob Kelleman
Michael Emlet
Tim Chester
David Powlison
Ed Welch
Jay Adams
Mark Dever
Greg Gilbert
Tim Keller
John Calvin
Jonathan Edwards
Paul Bunyan
Kevin DeYoung
Norm Geisler
David Platt
Randy Alcorn
Albert Mohler
Paul Tripp
C.S. Lewis
Joni Eareckson Tada
Jen Wilkin