Is it possible to begin and build a small group ministry in a small church? While every church is unique, there are some common actions that can lead to success in many situations. Consider the five steps offered by Mark Howell, founder of SmallGroupResources.net, in an article entitled Five Keys to Building a Small Groups Ministry in a Small to Medium Sized Church. Howell’s five steps are in all capitals followed by my commentary:
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GET CLEAR ON YOUR MISSION. What are you called to do as a church? What does God want you to accomplish for Him? How do small groups fit into that mission, vision, and strategy? Where are you headed? How can small groups help you get there? You will have difficulty “selling” your vision about the mission, if you don’t know what it is.
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GET CLARITY ON YOUR REAL CUSTOMER. Who are you pursuing? What are people like in your community? Howell used the phrase, “unconnected,” to describe people you are trying to reach. I like Howell’s suggestion of talking to those already attending worship. Attempting to reach everyone is like trying to shoot a turkey with a shotgun at 300 yards. You need a rifle to focus from that distance. For instance, reaching a Nascar fan, automotive technician could be significantly different than reaching a opera fan, psychologist. Do demographics studies. Survey your community. Get in touch with real people in your community and their needs.
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GET SPECIFIC ABOUT WHAT YOU CALL SUCCESS. How will you know that you have been successful in your small groups ministry? What are key measurements of progress? Success likely will be more than simply numbers. It may include leadership and ministry involvement and much more. Without a target, you may continue to move without a sense of accomplishment or stopping to celebrate what God has done.
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GET THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT SEATS (ON THE BUS). This picture is from Jim Collins‘ book, Good to Great. The idea is getting the right team headed in the same direction together. Enlist and train quality people. Invest carefully in this process early. Follow our Lord’s leadership in choosing His disciples. Make sure people are in the right positions, places of service in which they are fulfilled and fulfilling. And then help them to work effectively to the best of their abilities.
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EMBRACE A ‘CROWD TO CORE’ STRATEGY AND PHILOSOPHY FOR YOUR SMALL GROUPS MINISTRY. Help them take steps toward greater commitment, learning, and relationships. Help the crowd to take growth steps that lead to success and growth. I like Howell’s emphasis on “movement…in the direction of greater commitment and service.” His example is the following, “Your next growth step may be to open your home, serve a few refreshments, and tell a few of your friends. If you can do that, you can be a host of a small group.”
Begin in prayer. Seek God’s leadership throughout the process. Seek participation and ownership of the process. Start small and do it right! Build on successes. Give God the glory. Be revolutionary!
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