Small Groups

Small groups are such an important part of ministry.  It is here where people can grow and connect.  People can challenge each other, encourage one another, build each other up, support one another and guide one another.  We can hold each other accountable and see how we are really doing!

The sad thing today is that so many people think that they do not need to belong to a small group and try to live life by themselves.  They do not realize what they are missing out on.

It has become harder to start small groups up and to keep them going.  Life has become so busy and hectic for many that the thought of a small group is just another “thing” to do on their busy schedules.  So how do we get people excited about small groups and motivated and help them realize the importance of them?

Well here are a few things that have helped me and I thought I would share them with you:

1.  Small groups are all about relationships.  We need to have a personal relationship with each person in our small group.  It is not enough to know them by name, you need to get to know who they are, what they like and don’t like and we need to show a genuine interest in them and their lives.

2.  We need to spend time praying for people.  We need to lift them up before God and ask Him to lead and guide them and to help them through varies things in their lives.

3.  We need to give them a purpose.  People don’t want to take time out for nothing.  We need to make sure we are meeting a need in their lives.  To do this tackle topics they can relate to, do a series on things that they are interested in and can grow and learn from.

4.  Keep it interesting and exciting.  Each week try to do something fun and new.  It does not have to be big, something small will do.  Get creative and think outside the box!

5.  Have some time for fellowship where people can get to know each other and just chat.

6.  Spend time in the Word.  Even if you only read one verse to open up with, make sure that you use your Bible.

7.  Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and listen to His promptings.  Be sensitive to the needs of your group as well, if there is someone who is uncomfortable about a topic don’t pick on them or embarrass them.

8.  Do not judge or criticise people.  It is often easy to look down on people when they open up and share.  Remember it is the job of satan to accuse and condemn, but God forgives and loves and encourages us to come back to him.  We need to encourage, forgive, love, show compassion and help people to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  They already feel guilty and ashamed, we do not need to rub it in more!

9.  Allow people to ask questions and to share their thoughts.  It is okay not to always have the answer.  You want people to think through things and to hear each other’s thoughts and see their view points.

Some things NEVER to do:

1.  Be scared of silence.

2.  Be unprepared and waste peoples time.

3.  Let someone dominate the group for their own agendas.

4.  Go over time.

5.  Exclude people or leave them out.

Other useful ideas:

Remember your body language:

• Smile and be friendly (Not Fake)
• Use an open posture
• Use eye contact
• Show interest
• Pay attention when people speak
• Nod
• Avoid distractions

I hope that this will be helpful to you as you continue in your small group ministry!