New Hope Christian College presents Small Group and Interpersonal Communication Dynamics, a course inspired by the teachings of Acts 1 and 2. This course explores the journey from small gatherings of believers to effective leadership and communication that nurture healthy small groups within the Church. Through this course, students explore how relationships, leadership, and communication build the foundation for small group ministry, echoing the principles of the early church. Read on to see the heart behind this course and it’s basic structure.
Few. Leadership. Decision. Purposeful Patience. Communication. Together.
Eleven frightened, bewildered yet willingly obedient men knew their first task was to complete their group. There was an empty spot. One had betrayed Jesus. His place must be filled. A leader stepped forward and the decision was made. Time for results.
The eleven were now twelve. The leader did not have just the eleven plus himself. He now had an additional 108 others who knew they, too, were to “wait” with “The Twelve” for “the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4 NIV). The waiting and the prayer birthed the Church with 3,000 added in one day. The daily life of the Church began.
We are told, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer” (Acts 2:42 NIV). Acts 2:42 provides the Scriptural parameters for the course, MIL 314: Small Group and Interpersonal Communication Dynamics.
The course’s content is presented in three units: Relationships, Leadership, and Small Group Development. We begin with relationships, a study of relationships within the church fellowship. Five types of relationships are studied: friend, associate, assignment, mentor, and advisor.
Next is a unit on leadership. First, leadership is examined with the broadest of terms and functions down to the specifics of character, actions, and responsibilities. This unit discusses the Christian leader in the public marketplace or employment, and the discipleship or small group leader in the local church.
The third unit on small group development, overlays Acts 2:42 on the local church ministry. There appear to be three significant actions of the newly formed church. These are study of the apostles’ teaching, fellowship and breaking of bread, and prayer. These actions are applied to small group ministry and studied for purpose, content, leadership, relationships, and results.
This course will empower you to foster strong relationships and build effective small groups within the church, helping both personal and communal growth as we are shaped more into His image. If you are interested in auditing this class or what it would look like to be a student at NHCC, please reach out to us at admissions@newhope.edu and we would love to connect with you!
