By Brent Lacy

The curriculum you choose for your small group matters less than most people think. A mediocre curriculum used by a leader who genuinely cares about the people in the room will produce more fruit than excellent curriculum used by someone going through the motions. That said, choosing well saves time and sets your group up for better conversations.

What to Look For

Discussion-Driven, Not Lecture-Driven

The best small group curriculum generates conversation rather than delivering content. Look for studies with open-ended questions that cannot be answered with yes or no. If the questions can be answered in one word, they will not generate the kind of discussion that produces growth.

A good test: read the discussion questions out loud. If they sound like a Sunday school worksheet from 1987, keep looking. If they sound like something you would actually want to talk about with a friend over coffee, you are on the right track.

Appropriate Length

Most small groups meet for 60 to 90 minutes. A study that requires 45 minutes of video teaching leaves no time for discussion. Look for studies with 15 to 20 minutes of content and 40 to 60 minutes of discussion. The conversation is where the real learning happens.

Theologically Sound

Read through the leader guide before committing to a study. Make sure the theological content aligns with your church convictions. This is especially important with free online studies, where the theological perspective of the author may not match your own.

Accessible to Non-Christians

The best small groups include people who are not yet believers. Choose curriculum that does not assume everyone in the room is already a committed Christian. Studies that use a lot of church jargon or assume familiarity with Scripture will alienate the very people your group is trying to reach.

Free Options Worth Considering

The MinistryPlace curriculum library includes Bible studies designed for small group use. Here are a few that work well:

• Echo and the Truth — Works well for mixed groups of believers and seekers. Focuses on the reliability of Scripture without assuming prior knowledge.
• New Testament Lesson Series — Can be adapted for adult short-term studies. Each lesson stands alone, so you can pick and choose.
• Topical Studies — Shorter studies on specific topics (prayer, forgiveness, identity in Christ) that work well for groups just getting started.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Other common mistakes:

• Choosing a study you have not read through. Always preview the entire study before committing. You need to know where it is going.
• Sticking with a study that is not working. If the discussion is flat after two or three weeks, it is okay to switch. The goal is life change, not completing a book.
• Ignoring the leader guide. The leader guide exists for a reason. It will help you facilitate discussion and keep the group on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a small group study last?

Six to eight weeks is the sweet spot. Long enough to build relationships and go deep, short enough that people can commit without feeling trapped. After eight weeks, give people the option to continue or step out. Low-pressure commitment keeps people coming back.

Should we use video-based or discussion-only curriculum?

For small churches, discussion-only usually works better. Video-based studies require equipment, reliable internet, and a screen. Discussion-only studies require a Bible and a leader who has done the reading. Simpler is almost always better in a small church setting.

What if our group includes people at very different stages of faith?

That is actually ideal. A group that includes a new believer, a long-time Christian, and a seeker will have richer conversations than a group where everyone is at the same place. Choose curriculum that welcomes questions and does not assume everyone agrees.

How do we handle it when someone dominates the discussion?

Address it directly but kindly. “I appreciate your thoughts. I want to hear from some others who have not had a chance to share yet.” A good leader guide will include tips for managing group dynamics. Use them.

Sources

1. Barna Group, “New Metrics for Measuring What Matters”
2. Lifeway Research, “5 Signs Your Church Is Ready for a Reset”
3. Church Leadership, “There Is No Such Thing as Church Revitalization”
4. Exponential, “Church Revitalization: 7 Innovative Models”