What do you call a dinner party when everyone brings a dish to share? In the Midwest, I’ve heard it called a potluck. Or a “dish-to-pass.” Or a “Jacob’s join.” No matter what name you tack on the invitation, it’s all the same idea––bring what you can, pass it along, enjoy the company, and hope there’s not too much Jell-O.
There are many names you might give to groups of your congregation members who meet outside of regular services. Whether it’s a life group, small group, or another term, these places are a way for your congregates to bring their ideas and experiences, pass them along, and enjoy the company and support of others in the church. The terminology gives way to the practice: whatever you call them, it’s a good thing when people gather to support each other and support the church.
And because these connections and groups matter, it’s important to empower your church leaders to increase participation in these groups.
The cliche is true for a reason: there’s strength in numbers. We’re usually most comfortable when we are surrounded by our community and trusted company. The same is true when getting involved in organizations like a church. When your members have a reliable group of close connections (who usually become close friends), the benefits are not only internal and one-sided.
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Pro tip: Members of a small group are more likely to participate in volunteer opportunities if the group can serve together. It becomes a bonding event, letting small group members deepen their small community. |
Asking small groups to serve as a unit also makes it easier for your church leaders to recruit helpers. It’s easier to get the ‘yes’ when the group is all sitting in the same room, more willing to offer up the talents of its members and serve together. This becomes a cycle of:
Give your small groups something to talk about––and make it meaningful. Do this by connecting deeper into your current sermon series using discussion questions and interesting topics to continue into their week-night meetings. Really create a springboard for their discussions of faith, allowing them to continue contemplating the message throughout the week. This will help the members who are already a part of a small groups to grow and mature.
We bet you also want to increase the percentage of your church that participates in the small groups. You’ll need to motivate your congregation, as a whole, to make these more intimate gatherings a part of their regular habit. Communicate the importance of bonding and deepening their learning at the end of your sermons or in your services. Even if you’re not the specific church leader who manages and overlooks the small groups, you should set the tone for their importance in the community ministry and lead by example in empowering these practices. That means, you and your staff should be in groups.
You can (quite literally) power this increased participation by making it simple for new small group members to find the perfect group for their individual journey. By using a small group module or tool on your church website, you can allow them to connect at their own pace, browse their options, and filter by categories, such as:
This is especially helpful for new visitors (or members new to the small-group hunt) because they can connect online first, then take the next step––instead of having to attend an in-person meeting without the comfort of an introduction. This customization to the needs and questions of users lowers the barrier to entry for church small groups.
Once you’ve made joining a small group a welcoming and comfortable process, highlight the unique strengths within your church community. Describe these strengths beyond the demographic "filter" when you actually talk among yourself at your church. Be ready to recommend open groups that could help your members mature, grow and serve.
Being transparent, open, and welcoming are valuable qualities to ensure your church small groups are honest and unique opportunities in your ministry. If a small group has traditions and fun quirks that make up its group identity, acknowledge and praise them. Try to tell these things to new members before they show up. For example, if one of the groups always hosts its discussion over burritos, other burrito-loving members might love to know this. Or, if they are competitive front-lawn Corn Hole players, it might be nice to tell new people they should bring a pair of flip-flops if they’re coming straight from the office. Encourage your groups to be completely honest and excited about what makes their journeys and meetings unique in order to help prepare and recruit new members.
As a church leader, your recognition of these mini-communities is an important step in showing their value to your ministry and mission. Encourage connectedness, and be welcoming and respectful in a way that helps individuals find their best small group. Tailor your engagement with small groups to the cultures each of them have grown. Be aware that the vulnerability that connects the members within each group is the strength that elevates your entire congregation to a deeper, more invested body.