
	Youth Ministry Small Group Trader has been committed to youth groups and student ministry for over 15 years. Youth ministries are looking for creative and high-energy videos to rock their students. Small Group Trader has partnered with great communicatorslike David Nasser, Doug Fields , Louie Giglio , Mark Matlock , Sean McDowell , Chris Hill and others to speak Biblical truth into the lives of your teenagers. Adult Small Groups Small Group Trader is working with gifted communicators like Erwin McManus , Don Miller , Chip Ingram , Louie Giglio , Leslie Parrott , Greg Matte and Beth Moore to produce relevant video series for adult Bible study, Sunday School, and small groups Marriage & Parenting Christian families are the core of a local church. The health and strength of those families is vital to the mission and vision that God has for each church. Small Group Trader has turned to experts Drs. Les and Leslie Parrot, Chip Ingram, Dr. Ross Campbell, Dr. Kevin Leman and others to provide Biblical and practical teaching on marriage and parenting. We have also interviewed dozens of parents, couples and teenagers so that their real-life stories can spark discussion in your adult small groups. Women's Ministry Whether you are married or single, restless or content, wounded orstrong, the You Matter More Than You Think study is designed for everywoman who longs to be more than part of the mainstream. Along with this great study, Small Group Trader also offers a few other studies from Margaret Feinberg that may be useful in your Women's Ministry Books and Workbooks Supplemental items are available for many Small Group Trader products. These items are the perfect compliment to the video resources and allow you to purchase more books and workbooks as your group grows. We also have a few stand-alone books from authors like Erwin McManus , Don Miller , Margaret Feinberg and Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott.


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Andy Blanks

Small Group Trader Contributor
Director of Resource Development, Student Life

My name is Andy Blanks. I am currently the Director of Resource Development for Student Life. This means I get to work with a lot of really cool, really creative people to develop awesome small group resources. I live in Birmingham, AL with my wife and three daughters. My passion is communicating the powerful truth of God’s Word through writing, speaking, and teaching. I volunteer at my church teaching teenagers, adults, and even occasionally college students. I am most alive when I am in front of a group teaching through a passage of Scripture. I am a former Marine and a life long Boston Red Sox fan. Stop by andyblanks.com where there is usually always a lively conversation going on.

Andy Blanks Interview with Small Group Trader:

Small Group Trader: When did you decide to serve in Small Group Ministry?

Andy Blanks: I have been teaching small groups since I first became a Believer in 1997. My passion is teaching God’s Word. The community and transparency that small groups provide is the ideal environment for spiritual development.

Small Group Trader: What encouragement would you offer to small group leaders out there?

Andy Blanks: There are two statements I would offer. 1) Fellowship is important, but God’s Word is essential. The primary reason for small groups is to grow together in spiritual maturity. This is the picture we see in Acts 2:42-47. Deep investment in knowing and applying God’s Word must be at the heart of all small groups. 2) God’s Word is essential, but fellowship is important. As the leader of a small group, your job is to foster an environment where true community can grow. True community is defined by transparency and authenticity. These two elements can be messy. Don’t be afraid of it. The binding tie of Christ is strong enough to bear the weight of our heavy life issues.

Small Group Trader: In what ways have you and your spouse/family grown spiritually since you have been involved in this ministry?

Andy Blanks: As teachers, we grow when we prepare to bring God’s Word to the group. As co-learners, we grow when there is honest, lively discussion that grows out of the application of Scripture.

Small Group Trader: Why does small group ministry play such a critical role in the church today?

Andy Blanks: As the Mega Church continues to dominate the American church landscape, small groups quite literally become a person’s “church.” There is no real community in a worship center with 3,500 people in attendance. There is corporate worship, which is important. But community exists in the small group. When you are sick or brokenhearted or experiencing life’s various trials, your small group will be who ministers to you.

Website: andyblanks.com

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Image vs. Mission by Andy BlanksHow Small Groups Become Communities by Andy Blanks

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