Aaron Armstrong

RightNow Training Contributor
Gateway Church- London, Ontario

“I knew him before he was a glasses wearing, book reading, Calvinist, blogger-guy… I am the coolest girl in the world.” That’s what my wife says about me (and our relationship).

Before I blogged, I wore glasses, read books and was a Calvinist. Before that, I wore glasses and read books, but wasn’t a Christian. So, obviously, glasses and books are two of the only constants in my life.

I was born in Orangeville, Ontario, in 1979; I was born again in May 2005. I am happily married to the coolest girl in the world, Emily, and the daddy of a very cool two-year-old girl named Abigail. I went to school for graphic design and now work in marketing as a writer for Compassion Canada (a partner office of Compassion International) in London, Ontario. When not writing for Compassion, I write a blog (Blogging Theologically), prepare study material for our small group, and I'm working on a book that I hope will be published some day.

Aaron Armstrong Interview with Editor of Small Group Trader:

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

Aaron Armstrong: I decided to start serving in a leadership capacity in January 2007. My wife and I had been part of a couple of different small groups where we had occasionally facilitated the evening’s conversation over the previous year and a half. After both of those groups ended, we felt compelled to start a group of our own, which has been running for the last two years.

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

Aaron Armstrong: Advice and encouragement: First, study ahead of your group to help anticipate questions and conversation direction. Second, leadership is a lot more than popping in a DVD and asking questions. You have been blessed with the opportunity to disciple men and women as they grow in their maturity as believers. Let your life speak as much as whatever material you use to study together.

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

Aaron Armstrong: Because we are the parents of a young child, we rarely have time or funds to socialize with friends. Babysitting is a luxury we rarely can afford. Having a small group in our home, in addition to being the place where we have really identified and begun to exercise our gifts, has given us a strong community surrounding us where we could otherwise feel incredibly isolated.

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

Aaron Armstrong: With many churches, it’s impossible to have real meaningful connection on a personal level within the corporate gathering. Small groups allow all churches to have a Biblical model. We don’t just go to the Sunday gathering; we do life together in a meaningful way, working out our salvation together.

Website: www.hardwords.wordpress.com

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Unqualified Leadership? Why You Don’t need a Seminary Degree to Lead a Small Group An Unregenerate Sheep in the Fold: What to do if You Think a Group Member Isn't Saved Experimenting with Style: Finding the Right Study Technique by Aaron ArmstrongDon't Just Lead (Learn to Let Others Minister to You) by Aaron Armstrong