Is Your Small Group Snagged?

“How’s your small group going?” You’re likely to hear this question from a number of people. And whether you’re the leader or just a committed participant, it’s a good question to ask yourself and your small group at this time of year.

There’s a good chance that if your group has been meeting for several weeks, you’re through the initial stage of optimism and friendly politeness. Suddenly the questions loom: Will this group really work? Just who are all these people who come, anyway? Are we all on the same page? What can a leader (or a committed member) do? Here are a few tips:

1. Be sure to clarify the purpose of the group, especially if that wasn’t done earlier and if the group seems to be changing its focus. Make sure you understand the chapter’s intent for small groups: are they intentionally open to seekers? Is the small group the major doorway for a student into the chapter?

2. Be flexible and reassuring. All groups face a transition period after a few meetings. rather than being forceful and rigid, let the members share their feelings and raise questions. Hold to the purposes of the group while being open to new ways of doing things.

3. If the group is expanding, some of the original people may feel that they’re losing a sense of closeness. You might consider splitting into two or more groups. For groups with a very small core of believers (such as GIGs that may be composed mainly of non-believers), consider having the believers meet a second time during the week for prayer and fellowship.

4. By now, you may have found that some people like to talk a lot, and some don’t talk much at all. If you didn’t set any ground rules for discussion at the start of the year, now is a good time to explain that everyone has something to contribute. The talkative members can really help the quiet ones by backing off now and then and letting them speak up.

5. Remember that God is sovereign; he put your group together, and he can bless your fellowship. Give your group to God, and rest in his power to pull you together.