Connecting in Communities: Understanding the Dynamics of Small Groups is the latest book by Eddie Mosley who is the executive director of GroupLife at LifePoint Church in Smyrna, TN. It is very evident from the tone and direction of this book that connecting people to small groups is a passion of Mosley’s. He writes from the perspective of experience. I believe what makes this book really work is that organizing and encouraging small groups and small group leaders is what Mosley does every day. This book is not about abstract thoughts and untested principles. Rather, it is about proven methods fleshed-out through years of “on the field” experience. Mosley has consulted with and learned from the top minds in small group ministry from across the nation including Saddleback and Willow Creek.

Connecting in Communities was written to help churches and church leaders who were looking to implement small group ministry. Throughout the book, Mosley stresses the benefits of small group ministry from the point of accountability, discipleship, assimilation to the overall church ministry, and the development of a community mindset. Mosley asserts that individuals connect better in their community when they spend time together, eat together, minister to one another, share each other’s lives, and personally take an interest in their neighbors. He uses the term “refrigerator rights” to describe this kind of personal involvement. This terms refers to the comfort level that small groups share with each other. Refrigerator rights describes the feeling of walking into someone’s home, opening the refrigerator, and helping yourself.

This book serves as  road map for leaders who want to plan, organize, and maintain small groups. Mosley uses personal experiences from the small groups he has been a part of. I like the fact that he cautions the reader that small groups are not right for every church. He cautions the reader small groups are not a band-aid for struggling ministries. He cautions the reader that small group ministry are not easy and require a great deal of effort and care. I liked the fact that Mosley gave what he calls “5 Practical Steps” and the conclusion of every chapter that helps the reader to connect and think. Years of ministry shine through in this book. A great book in which I recommend.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”