NEW WEB-BASED SERVICE GIVES SMALL GROUP LEADERS MOBILITY, FLEXIBILITY, MORE TIME TO MINISTER

LEAWOOD, Kan. – “Small Group Link,” a powerful new web-based technology that allows small group ministry leaders to work from any location at any time and have more time for personal ministry, is now available, Luke Smith, vice president of The Mapping Center for Evangelism and Church Growth, announced today.

“’Small Group Link’ is a multifaceted, yet user-friendly service built around the latest mapping technology, “said Smith. “It brings churches closer together by connecting people to each other, especially in their neighborhoods. There’s nothing like it on the market.”

“Small Group Link” connects members to leaders, assigns prospective members, manages groups, maps contacts and groups, enhances follow-ups and tracks small group growth – all online.

Members and visitors can pick the group that suits them best – based on group type, location, age range or marital status – with a list of matches assisted by maps. Each time a member goes to the web site and requests information, a leader is assigned for follow-up.

“If you can browse the Internet, www.smallgrouplink.com is a cinch,” said Smith. “There’s no software to install, so technical issues are eliminated. State-of-the-art security protection also is included.”

Pricing is based on church size, with fees as low as $19 a month, Smith said. Free demos also are available. The service works well with existing church software systems, including the Mapping Center ’s “Community Connector” and “Visitor Connector,” he said.

“’Small Group Link’ has been a wonderful tool in the management of our small group ministry,” said Don Hickman, assistant pastor – community ministries at Grace Chapel in Scottsdale, Ariz. “It has given me the ability to decentralize tracking and administration by allowing each leader to record the changes in their individual groups. Now I am able to think strategically, rather than be bogged down by the daily routine.”

The Mapping Center for Evangelism and Church Growth (www.mappingcenter.org) is a not-for-profit ministry created in 1997 to facilitate the mobilization of the Body of Christ in America . Honorary board members include Dr. George Barna, Barna Research Group; Stephen Douglass, Campus Crusade for Christ; Toby Frost, North American Mission Board, SBC; and Dr. Larry Lewis, Mission America Coalition.