A daylong conference at The Springs Church next weekend will teach the basics of small groups within a congregation.

"This Changes Everything: Group Life Conference" on Oct. 24 is a one-day small group leadership training event broadcast live on the Church Communication Network. It is presented by the Willow Creek Association.

The focus of the conference is to enable and encourage small group leaders to take the next step in spiritual growth through small groups.

Sandy Skinner, director of adult ministries at The Springs, said small groups are an important part of church life.

"This year is a great opportunity, not only for the small group ministers but also their small group leaders," said Skinner, who added that you do not have to be a member of The Springs to attend. "We have churches coming from Roswell and Winder and Sugar Hill. It is open to everybody."

The conference will feature nationally recognized speakers such as Andy Stanley, Henry Cloud and Bill Donahue.

"One of the ones I am really excited about is Henry Cloud, and he wrote ‘Boundaries,'" Skinner said.

The speakers will be broadcast live from Willow Creek in Chicago.