Small Groups That "Succeed."
Small groups are the key to impacting lives in your church. But a healthy small-group environment--one that fosters meaningful, lasting connections--doesn't just "happen."
So pull up a chair. Let's talk about how to "make" it happen.
Bill Willits and bestselling author Andy Stanley share their successful approach, which has resulted in nearly eight thousand adults becoming involved in small groups at North Point Community Church in Atlanta . Simply put, the five principles clearly described here have passed the test.
This is not just another book about community; this is a book about strategy--strategy that builds a small group culture. Creating Community shares clear and simple principles to help people connect into meaningful relationships. The kind God desires for each of us. The kind He uses to change our lives.
Put this proven method to work in your ministry and enjoy the tangible results--God's people doing life TOGETHER.
"The small-group program at North Point Community Church is not an appendage; it is not a program we tacked on to an existing structure. It is part of our lifestyle. We think groups. We organize groups. We are driven by groups. "Creating Community" contains our blueprint for success. And I believe it has the potential power to revolutionize your own small-group ministry " -- Andy Stanley
Story Behind the Book
Creating Community flows out of the North Point Community Church story. The message here is not just some new small group program, but reflects a passion lived out and implemented in their church from the very beginning. Even with phenomenal growth, the church has stayed true to its commitment to small groups and has fine-tuned its ministry process into one of the most unique and effective models in churches today. Andy Stanley and Bill Willits have put these successful principles into this new book with the hope and prayer that pastors, churches, and leader with put them into practice.

Connect. Change. Cultivate. These three words can simplify the vital work of a small group leader. Bill Search, small groups pastor for one of the nation's largest churches, lays out these three "patterns" for success that don't lock you into one approach, the latest fad, or complicated procedures. These biblically grounded C's can make whatever small group model you like best work better. Whether you're a first-time facilitator or a seasoned veteran, a pastor or a volunteer leader, applying these principles will enrich the spiritual life of any small group. "Too often we complicate what God designed to be very simple. Fortunately, Bill Search has peeled back much of the complexity that often gets built into ministry, as he explains small groups as an essential but simple concept. Simple Small Groups is liberally sprinkled with the stories and quips of a small groups pastor who is first and foremost a clear and insightful communicator."--Steve Gladen, pastor of Small Groups Community, Saddleback Church "This simple, user-friendly book with a truly modern approach can help your church and small groups achieve harmony and balance, while helping to overcome obstacles that create dysfunction. Transform your ministry!"--Dave Stone, senior minister, Southeast Christian Church "What I like most about Simple Small Groups is its smart fusion between philosophy and practice. This is neither a dense theological treatment, nor a simplistic how-to manual. Rather, it's the best of both."--Jason Malec, director of Starting Point, North Point Community Church "Through stories that we all can relate to and principles learned through years of group life experience, Bill shares a mind-set that is easilyunderstandable, and easily applied and customized to groups of all types."--Mike Hurt, former small groups pastor at McClean Bible Church, Washington, DC; senior pastor, Parkway Church, Victoria, TX "Bill does a great job addressing the practical struggles with small group life. It's a great book for real 'rubber meets the road' evaluation of ministry."--Brandon Guindon, executive pastor, Real Life Ministries