2001 Xenos Summer Institute
The Power of Small Groups
We invited Dale Galloway, Leith Anderson, Gary DeLashmutt, and 16 breakout leaders to address how the local church can foster vital Christian community through home groups and small groups. You can download some of their notes. The institute also featured practical breakout sessions taught by regional pastors who have implemented successful cell-based ministries.
Less Is More
God’s power can be unleashed in new and exciting ways when people come together in small groups of people who are praying for, serving and encouraging one another. The power of a few.
Many Servants
The Body of Christ is not one member but many.Small groups provide opportunities for everyone to serve. Learn how to develop your abilities for the good of others. Help people discover the unique role God has given them. The power of many.
A Vision for Change
Many churches have tried to make small groups and home groups a bigger part of their ministry–many others would like to, but change can be difficult, even threatening. Get a practical vision for leading change in your church from pastors who have been there. The power of vision.
Community...
...everyone is looking for it. The early church had it. We read in Acts that they took their meals together and were of "one heart and soul."
How can we build this kind of life-giving, spiritually transforming community in our hectic, over-worked, stressed-out world? The same way they did in the early church–by meeting house to house in life-giving, vital home groups. Spend just three days with hundreds of committed Christian workers and pastors. You’ll come away with both a vision and a plan for building greater community in your church through small groups.
Featured Speakers
Dale Galloway
Dale Galloway founded New Hope Community Church in Portland, Oregon in 1972. By 1995, New Hope grew to more than 6,000 people, with 500 lay pastors ministering to the church's 5,000-plus small-group members. Dale currently serves as Dean of the Beeson International Center for Biblical Preaching and Church Leadership at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky. He is the author of several books including: Dare to Discipline Yourself, Leading with Vision, The Small Group Book: The Practical Guide for Nurturing Christians and Building Churches.
Leith Anderson
Leith Anderson is the senior pastor of Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Wooddale is a large church known for its emphasis on evangelism and discipleship. Leith is a well known speaker and author. Each weekday, he hosts "Faith Matters," heard on radio stations across the country. His books include: Dying for Change, A Church for the Twenty-First Century, Winning the Values War, Praying to the God You Can Trust, and Leadership That Works.
Gary DeLashmutt
Gary DeLashmutt is a founder and lead pastor of Xenos Christian Fellowship in Columbus, Ohio. Xenos is a large, innovative church specializing in evangelism, discipleship, and home church multiplication. Gary is a dynamic speaker and author. His books include: Loving God's Way and The Myth of Romance (co-authored with Dennis McCallum).