Growing Small Groups by Looking Outside the Church

For those of us who work with small groups and disciple-making ministries it can be easy to get discouraged when a group or groups do not catch the vision of multiplication. It seems like we have said over and over how important it is to launch new groups, and that multiplication only happens when groups are starting new groups. While this is a vision we need to continue to share with our people it is important that we not get stuck putting all our energy there. So how do you grow your groups ministry when not all the teachers and small group leaders understand this principle? Here are a few suggestions:

1) Spend the majority of your time working with the leaders who get it. In the long run you will do much better if you have half your groups multiplying than if you neglect those group who are willing and able to grow in order to hound those who won't. Invest the majority of your time where you will see the most return. That does not mean to neglect the rest of your leaders. It means love and serve everybody, but invest in what brings the greatest return.

2) Think outside the walls of the church. Can you start some home groups? Is God opening up some unique opportunities in the community? Not long ago an assisted living facility ask one of our small group members if he would come a lead a Bible Study with the residents. That was the beginning of a massive work of God. In just 5 months word has spread, and we have started 3 other small groups in these type facilities. We have also had the opportunity to start some in Mobile home parks across SW FL. Your greatest impact for growth may not be inside the walls of your church, they may be (and usually are) out in the community.

3) Provide good and motivating training for your leaders. I have found that many times you can bring in an "expert" from the outside and your people will listen. They do this despite the fact that you have said the exact same thing for the past 5 years. Sometimes people need a new voice and a new context from which to draw the same conclusion. I have done training all over the country for other churches, but I still bring in others to train my people. I want them to hear it from someone else from time to time. When they do it gives me credibility and engages my people in a fresh way. Never neglect to invest in the training of your leadership.

4) Never forget that the biggest hindrance to growth is our lack or prayer. When we are asking for peoples lives to be changed we are asking what we know to be the Lord's will. His word is crystal clear on the power of prayer. If you want to see growth happen in your small groups start on your knees. The best laid plans of man are futile apart from the hand of God. I have been in churches where the plans on paper looked ancient and uninspired, but the hand of God was moving and the growth was unbelievable. Don't neglect good planning and a sharp vision, but never plan apart from a deep and earnest prayer life.

If I can help your ministry train and equip small group leaders please let me know. I would love to serve you.