FLOW: the state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience is so enjoyable that people will do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.
— Mihaly Csikszentmhalyi
Finding the Flow: A Guide for Leading Small Groups and Gatherings
Finding the Flow is for anyone who facilitates a group of people to lead them closer to God. That group can be a small group, a house church, a support group-- it doesn't matter. The skills we address in Finding the Flowapply to a wide range of different types of groups.
In addition to covering basic skills like listening, asking good questions, and dealing with conflict, Finding the Flow also takes group life to the deeper levels of knowing yourself as a facilitator, understanding where the group is in its life span, and understanding the ultimate purpose of a group: spiritual transformation. As a supplement to the book, you will have access to a downloadable training powerpoint.
Finding the Flow was released in October of 2008. You can purchase it through Amazon.com or IVP.
"An interactive, conversational and engaging guide to empower and equip group leaders, helping them create life-changing environments that produce passionate followers of Christ."
- Dr. Bill Donahue, Pastor of Leadership Development, Willow Creek Community Church
"Community doesn't come with a manual. But if it's experience and wisdom you're looking for, Peppers and Miller have a ton of it. Using real-life examples, solid relationship principles, and hands-on exercises, Finding the Flow, explores the dynamics of gatherings that thrive versus survive, and the facilitation practices that can help make the difference."
- Sally Morgenthaler, The Emergent Manifesto of Hope
"Practical yet profound. Finding the Flow is a necessary companion for anyone involved in small group leadership and development."
- Bob Logan, President, CoachNet International
"Finding the Flow is a helpful book written by two practitioners who have lived and breathed small groups in their local church. This book will help every current or prospective leader of small groups be more effective. This is must-reading for small group leaders!"
- Jim Tomberlin, founder, Third Quarter Consulting, former regional pastor, Willow Creek Community Church
"This is one of the most practical books available regarding how to develop transformational leaders who can in turn lead transformational groups. What sets their work apart from all the other small group books out there is their focus on the leader of the group. I've seen Jenn and Tara at work firsthand in the church where I pastor, and they've taken the small group ministry to a new level of effectiveness."
- Ron Johnson, founding and lead pastor, Restoration Church, Denver, Colorado
"The first thing you need to know about Finding the Flow is that the book is not prescriptive. What you will find is a grouping of philosophies and skills that center on the foundational elements of Christian community: self-reflection, the stages of group life, listening skills, asking good questions, navigating conflict, developing leaders, and spiritual transformation. Each chapter of the book covers one of these key ideas. Miller and Peppers effectively use stories to illustrate the issues and skills they find most important."
- Sam O'Neal, SmallGroups.com, March 16, 2009
"Miller and Peppers write about leading a small group in a very deep, thoughtful way. If you love to read or you have a small group leader who loves to read, this book will knock your socks off."
- Randall Neighbour (randallneighbour.com), February 18, 2009
Excerpts from Amazon.com reviews:
"And if you're a pastor or small group ministry leader, then buy enough books to use it as a training resource for all of your small group facilitators. They will thank you for it."
"This book is an amazing resource for leaders and groups."
"While I detest Christian how-to books, I do appreciate clear, concise analysis on concrete yet realistic ways to tackle tough issues. This book certainly does that with wisdom, clarity, and honesty. Check out the book's website for more information and resources."
"Jenn Peppers and co-author Tara Miller have put together a resource that does what few (if any) other Xtian small group resources do: Assume that God is actually present in the midst of a small group gathering, and respect His role as the primary leader of the group."
