The Transformative Power of Small Groups: A 7-Step Guide for Building Vibrant Catholic Communities (A Rebuilt Book)

by Michael White, Tom Corcoran

Overview

In an era marked by Eucharistic revival, synodal renewal, and Jubilee celebrations, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran—the bestselling authors of Rebuilt—offer a practical guide to revitalizing your parish through small groups. In The Transformative Power of Small Groups: A 7-Step Guide for Building Vibrant Catholic Communities, they show you how to foster faith-based friendships, which result in vibrant communities that not only sustain Christian love and service but also change the world.

This concise guide shows how small groups can become the backbone of your parish’s pastoral care, discipleship, and evangelization efforts. Through their signature blend of engaging storytelling—highlighting real-life successes and struggles—White and Corcoran share examples of how small group members rally around each other during times of crisis, challenge one another toward spiritual growth, and provide meaningful support in everyday life.

Whether you’re a parish leader or a dedicated parishioner, you’ll learn how to:

• Understand the transformative impact of small groups on spiritual growth and community building
• Easily organize and structure small groups for all ages and ministries, with minimal time and resources
• Choose engaging content and resources that inspire participation and growth.
• Launch and maintain a vibrant small-group ministry in your parish
• Address common challenges and navigate obstacles to becoming a parish of groups with ease

 

With step-by-step guidance and three practical appendices—featuring scripture references, FAQs, and responses to common concerns—The Transformative Power of Small Groups is an essential resource for any parish looking to grow in faith, community, and mission, without needing a big budget or extensive time commitment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781646803477
Publisher:	Ave Maria Press
Publication date:	02/07/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Fr. Michael White is a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, pastor of Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland, and cofounder of Rebuilt—an organization designed to rebuild parishes for growth and health.

White is the coauthor of the best-selling  book Rebuilt—which narrates the story of Nativity’s rebirth—Tools for Rebuilding, Rebuilding Your Message, The Rebuilt Field Guide, and ChurchMoney. He is also coauthor of Seriously, God?; Rebuilt Faith; and the best-selling Messages series for Advent and Lent.

During White’s tenure as pastor at Church of the Nativity, the church has almost tripled in weekend attendance. More importantly, commitment to the mission of the Church has grown, demonstrated by the significant increase in giving, service in ministry, and much evidence of genuine spiritual renewal.

White earned his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland and his graduate degrees in sacred theology and ecclesiology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

In 2023, White and his lay associate, Tom Corcoran, were honored by Pope Francis with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award for outstanding service to Church and Pope.

Tom Corcoran has served Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland, in a variety of roles that give him a unique perspective on parish ministry and leadership. First hired as a youth minister, Corcoran has also served as coordinator of children’s ministry and director of small groups. He is lay associate to the pastor and is responsible for weekend message development, strategic planning, and staff development. Corcoran also is the president of Rebuilt—an organization designed to rebuild parishes for growth and health.

Corcoran is the coauthor of best-selling book Rebuilt—which narrates the story of Nativity’s rebirth—Tools for Rebuilding, Rebuilding Your Message, The Rebuilt Field Guide, and ChurchMoney. He is also coauthor of Seriously, God?; Rebuilt Faith; and the best-selling Messages series for Advent and Lent.

In 2023, Corcoran and Fr. Michael White were honored by Pope Francis with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award for outstanding service to Church and Pope.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Faith sharing in small groups is the ‘secret sauce’ to building community and igniting discipleship in any parish. The Transformative Power of Small Groups is essential reading for any parish that wants to form disciples who are on fire with the Holy Spirit. Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran speak first-hand from their proven experience of building a healthy and growing small group ministry in their parish. Read this book and discover the effective path they cultivated.” —Most Rev. Adam J. Parker, Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore

“Like many parishes, St. Hilary began as a parish with a few small groups, such as the men’s group and the women’s group. Following the small-group model developed by Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran, we transformed our parish into a parish of small groups. In a matter of months, the number of small groups at St. Hilary doubled, and half the people who attend Mass each weekend were in small groups. I am hearing stories of friendships formed and lives changed. I recommend The Transformative Power of Small Groups for anyone looking to revive their parish and build a structure for growth and deepening of faith.” —Fr. Roger G. Gustafson, pastor, St. Hilary Church and School, Tiburon, California

"Whether you are a church leader starting from scratch, or you have been inviting your members to the group experience for years, The Transformative Power of Small Groups can feed your soul and fuel your strategy. Here your questions get answered about how to become a parish of small groups, where Sunday to Sunday people are going deep in their commitment to and desire for Christ as they pray and share life with their friends in faith. There’s something for every one of us whose mission it is to keep church relevant in the lives of the faithful." —Gail Rayos, pastoral associate, Saint Mary Magdalen Parish, Altamonte Springs, FL

“Our small-group friends at Church of the Nativity help us to see Jesus in our everyday lives. Recently, we shared a heartache with our group, and in that vulnerable moment, they listened and leaned in close. They prayed with us, and we bonded in our brokenness. We felt safe, secure, and loved. Our fellow small-group members were Jesus with skin on.” —Beth and Dan Morrison, Church of the Nativity, Timonium, Maryland