Ever wonder if you are headed in the right direction with your small group ministry? If what you're doing is the right thing? Or if what you're focusing on is making a difference?

Can we know whether we're focusing on the right things?

I believe we can. And I believe it is possible to measure outcomes to check progress; that much like looking for certain milestones or markers on a long journey, we can be on the lookout for signs we are still headed in the right direction.

Here are the top 10 signs you're prioritizing the right things:

1. Your true percentage connected is growing every year.

You're not treading water. If your church is growing your percentage connected is keeping up or gaining. If your church attendance is steady your percentage connected is growing.

This is a very important indicator. It stands to reason that if you're prioritizing the right things, your percentage connected (average weekend adult worship attendance divided by the number of adults in groups) will be increasing (whether your church attendance is increasing, flatlined, or decreasing).

This is a very important indicator. It stands to reason that if you're prioritizing the right things, your percentage connected (average weekend adult worship attendance divided by the number of adults in groups) will be increasing… Click To Tweet

See also, What Percentage of Your Adults Are Actually Connected?

2. Being a participating member of a group is becoming a real expectation.

Modeled by staff and leadership, it is becoming surprising to discover regular worship attenders who aren't involved in a group.

Think about what it means when it becomes surprising to come across regular worship attenders who aren't involved in a group. In most churches the opposite is true. In a many churches more are in groups than not, but only a few churches are surprised to find someone who is not. 

Think about what it means when it becomes surprising to come across regular worship attenders who aren't involved in a group. In most churches the opposite is true. In a many churches more are in groups than not, but only a few… Click To Tweet

3. Your number of leaders is growing every year.

You're not just replacing leaders who move away or need to take a break. You're adding new leaders on a regular basis.

In order for the number of leaders to grow every year, a different method of leader identification, recruitment and development will be necessary for most churches.

In order for the number of leaders to grow every year, a different method of leader identification, recruitment and development will be necessary for most churches. Click To Tweet

4. Your group leaders are growing in their leadership.

Far more than hosts who convene meetings or facilitators who lead discussions, your leaders are becoming true shepherds who do the right things TO and FOR (and WITH) their members.

Again, in order for this to be true, most churches will require an almost complete rearrangement of their leadership development system.

In order for this to be true, most churches will require an almost complete rearrangement of their leadership development system. Click To Tweet

See also, 8 Commitments for Small Group Leaders and What Can I Require of My Small Group Leaders.

5. Your number of groups is growing every year.

Your groups aren't just growing to accommodate friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members of their members. Your total number of groups is growing and increasing the connecting and caring reach and capacity of your ministry.

Since launching new groups is an essential component of thriving small group ministries, the total number of groups will be growing every year (and not just the total number of adults in groups).

Since launching new groups is an essential component of thriving small group ministries, the total number of groups will be growing every year (and not just the total number of adults in groups). Click To Tweet

See also, Are You Prioritizing the Launch of New Groups?

6. Your groups are inviting and including friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members.

Far beyond holy huddles, your groups are truly inclusive outposts in the community.

When the character of your groups is limited to places of refuge and shelter from the culture, they're leaving the best opportunity to reach the culture on the table.

When the character of your groups is limited to places of refuge and shelter from the culture, they're leaving the best opportunity to reach the culture on the table. Click To Tweet

7. Your coaching structure is delivering on its promise.

New group leaders are receiving experienced guidance. All leaders feel cared for as a result of a healthy span of care.

See also, 6 Characteristics of an Effective Small Group Coach.

8. Your coaches feel like their contribution is essential and that they are valued contributors.

They feel they are being shepherded and cared for; that someone is doing TO and FOR them the kinds of things that help them grow in their own relationship with Jesus.

See also, Model What You Want to Happen at the Member Level.

9. Group members are becoming better disciples.

Far beyond simply belonging to a group, group members are steadily becoming more like Jesus.

See also, 8 Things I Know for Sure about Making Disciples in Groups.

10. Life-change stories are powerful and abundant.

You don't have to go on a hunt for stories. They're already being told by group leaders and coaches. The stories being told are powerful examples of authentic life-change.

See also, Skill Training: Design Your Group Meeting for Life-Change.

What do you think?  Are you prioritizing the right things? Want to suggest another priority? You can click here to jump into the conversation.

Image by Peter Reed