08 Mar Planning and Organizing Your Small-Group

PURPOSE: To show you what is necessary to be an effective Small Group Leader.

Often times, we think we have to be perfect, that our home has to be spotless and that we have to have an exact way to place our chairs and have a certain amount of people for our groups to be effective.  Being an effective leader does not have to be that difficult.  Here, we will look at some key components of effective leadership as we learn how to organize and plan for our groups. 

1. Invite people.

There are several ways to get members to join your group.  One of the best ways is to ask them. 

• Meet with people in the lobby. Find someone you don’t know and start a conversation.
• Shoulder tap, finding people you do know that are not connected.
• At the altar, as a leader one of your responsibilities is to pray with others at the end of the service. When praying with them, find out if they are in a group. If not, they just may be a good fit for yours.
• Next Steps Kiosk is also available. There is someone there each week who is knowledgeable about groups and can help people get connected.

Incidentally, the number of people in your group is not as important as you may think.  Although, the max is 12 members, there is no minimum.  Some of the best groups have less people.  Remember, God is adding to your group.  Let the Holy Spirit lead them to you.

2. Incorporate food.

Sharing a meal or a snack can make a great ice-breaker.  The best conversations can be shared over food.  You don’t have to do all the cooking, ask each member to bring a dish, side, dessert or snack.  Eating together is a great way to get to know each other.  If a meal is not an option, then use another type of ice-breaker.  Go to smallgroups.com or google some ideas.

3. Set the atmosphere.

Make people feel welcome. 

• Put some soft music on in the background, light some candles to set a warm and welcoming environment. Yes, you want to have your home clean but you don’t have to go crazy making sure everything is picture perfect.  In fact, your group is probably only going to be limited to just a few rooms like bathroom, living room and kitchen. 
• Greet people at the door, don’t just yell ‘Come in’! There is something to be said about a smiling face at the door. (See 5 Keys to an Irresistable Group Environment)

4. Gather for the study.

Be social, but get to the message.  This may require a little bit of strategy on the leader’s part.  You are transitioning from snacking or eating a meal and having such a great conversation.  Call your group into another room.  The chairs will already be arranged so invite everyone to sit where they are most comfortable. Take out your guide. Once people see that you are starting they will start to get engaged. You can assign scripture verses to those who are comfortable reading aloud. This helps with group participation.

5. Make time for prayer.

Prayer is key to having an effective Small Group.  Pray before your group starts, pray during the week for your group members and pray with your group.  Weather you pray before or after discussing the message is irrelevant, but you should always incorporate prayer.  Keeping a journal of answered prayers allows your group to see how God is moving and encourages them.

6. Fellowship.

Before ending the group for the evening, allow for people to talk with one another.  Sometimes these conversations can be with the whole group and sometimes individuals may have something in common to talk about. 

7. End in a timely manner.

Most groups are on ‘school nights’ so you don’t want to keep the members out too late nor you probably don’t want to be up too late.  Make it a point (add it to your group description on Planning Center) to let people know the start and end time of your group.  If it becomes an issue and people are still ‘hanging around’ after the meeting’s end time, nicely but firmly remind them what time it is. 

Organization and planning give people confidence and security especially those new to groups.  Structure allows for God moments. Plan your group but allow for God to move. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us:   Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.