About the Author

Dr. Courtney W. Davis is Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at Azusa Pacific University, where she teaches organizational, small group, and professional communication. Her primary area of research involves communication in organizations with a focus on organizational entries of newcomers, member exits, organizational knowledge, and identity. She earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Communication from the University of California, Santa Barbara and has consulted with and coached church and parachurch organizations, non-profit organizations, and professional associations. Dr. Ryan T. Hartwig is Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of Communication at Colorado Christian University, where he teaches group, organizational, and leadership communication courses. His research centers on teamwork, group facilitation, and collaboration, particularly in the church. His first book Teams That Thrive (InterVarsity Press, 2015) was named Outreach Magazine's Leadership Resource of the Year and won the 2015 Readers' Choice Award from InterVarsity Press. Ryan hosts a blog at www.ryanhartwig.com, and can be found on Twitter at @rthartwig. Jason A. Sniff is pastor of small groups at Eastview Christian Church in Normal, IL, and a licensed professional counselor with over 15 years of working and developing group life within the private and public sectors. Jason currently serves as the Illinois Director for the Small Group Network (Saddleback). He earned his M.A. In Educational Psychology (emphasis in Community Counseling) from Baylor University in Waco, TX.

Reviews

'Based on rock-solid research, this gem unearths the strengths and weaknesses of many small group ministries, and offers assessment tools to evaluate your ministry. But, most of all, this is a leadership book. When leaders read and apply Leading Small Groups That Thrive, they'll grow into effective, confident, transformational disciple-makers.'
* Rick Howerton, small groups expert, author, and church planter at The Bridge Church *

'For years I've hoped for some real research about how and why groups work. Yours feels the most accessible. I'm not being polite when I say this, but if a person was only going to buy one book on small groups, I'd direct them to yours!'
* Bill Search, pastor and author of Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders *

'Leading Small Groups That Thrive is an important book for all of us who realize that the church is not an event, but a community with a cause! Ryan, Courtney, and Jason combine passion for small groups with solid research, real-life stories and practical tools to show us how to get good at groups. If you want to know how to make disciples and foster genuine Biblical community then this is a must read!'
* Dave Ferguson, pastor, lead visionary for NewThing, and author of Hero Maker *

'Since the church was born, small groups have always been a vital part of Christianity, and they will only become more important in the future. This book is a gift to God's family, filled with resources to give you the right foundation and practice for thriving small groups.'
* David Guzik, author and Bible commentator, Enduring Word *

'Small group ministries are the great conundrum in most American churches. Everybody says they're vital, but few have figured out how to make them actually work. Frankly, we've been given too much theory and idealism and not enough research highlighting the best practices that really work. This book will be a great help to the church at large.'
* Larry Osborne, pastor at North Coast Church, and author of Sticky Church *

'The staggering amount of research in this book has been used to create practical, doable takeaways for anyone in small group leadership who wants to see the people in their groups thrive. I'm SO thankful this book is now available to leaders.'
* Amy Jackson, director of The Perch and former publisher of SmallGroups.com *

'This book speaks visionary truth with empowering grace. Combining fascinating real-life research with insightful questions, thoughtful analysis, compelling models, and pragmatic recommendations, this is a unique and valuable resource for small group leaders and ministries.'
* Carolyn Taketa, small groups pastor and host of the GroupTalk podcast *

'This fresh, powerful book is gold. Both engaging and informative, it shows small groups that thrive and empowers leaders to move their groups to greater health. Seasoned leaders will be surprised by the new insights that the book brings out.'
* Warren Bird, coauthor of 32 books for church leaders, and Michelle C. Bird, small groups leader and trainer *

'Want to learn the secrets of sustainable momentum to overcome groups that struggle, limp along, and eventually sputter out? This outstanding book is chock full of fresh insights, practical tools, and a powerful roadmap that can lead any group to the next level. If you've ever wondered how to cast a compelling vision for small group life that equips existing leaders and raises up new ones, this is a must-read! I can't wait to get this into the hands of our leaders!'
* Tim Lucas, lead pastor of Liquid Church *

'We're constantly asked: How can I improve my small groups ministry? I'm grateful for this book that provides great answers to the questions small group leaders consistently ask. Based on robust research and the science behind what makes groups work, this book lays out an actionable plan to take your group from barely surviving to thriving. It's my pleasure to recommend it to you.'
* Steve Gladen, pastor of small groups at Saddleback Church and author of Planning Small Groups with Purpose *