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.
Appropriate length. Most small groups meet for 60-90 minutes. A study that requires 45 minutes of video teaching leaves no time for discussion. Look for studies with 15-20 minutes of content and 40-60 minutes of discussion.
Theologically sound. Read through the leader guide before committing to a study. Make sure the theological content aligns with your church convictions.
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.
Free Options Worth Considering
The MinistryPlace curriculum library includes Bible studies designed for small group use. The Echo and the Truth study works well for mixed groups. The New Testament lesson series can be adapted for adult small groups.