Skill Training: Top 10 Ways To Find New Group Members

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find searchWho makes the best new members for your group?  That’s easy.  Unconnected people with whom you are actively building a relationship.  Here are some ideas that will help you find new members:

  1. Look for people who are already doing the same things you are.  If your kids are in High School, make it a point to get to know other parents.  If your kids are younger…make it a point to meet other parents as you check them in to Sunday School.  Whether you’re in a bunko group, on a softball team, do scrapbooking, or regularly watch your kids’ little league games…be on the lookout for people who are already doing the same things that you are.
  2. If you sit in the same area at the same service every week, you’ll often begin to notice some of the same people.  Get in the habit of getting to know one or two new people every week.  In the “say hello to a few people around you” part of the service…make it a point to remember their names.  Write their name(s) down as soon as you sit down.  As the service ends tell them you’ll see them next week.
  3. Take a few minutes in your next meeting to talk about who your members know that would be a good fit in your group.  It’s a good idea to talk through the Circles of Life handout (click here to download a copy). Sometimes all you need is something to jog your memory.
  4. Plan a social get-together (potluck, cookout, theme dinner, chili cookoff, etc.) and invite unconnected friends over.   This is a great idea to schedule on a regular basis between studies.  The perfect way to get to know a few new people.
  5. Volunteer to serve at your membership class.   Think about it.  Everyone at the class is taking a next step…the perfect time to join a small group.
  6. Volunteer to serve as an usher or greeter.  You’ll see a lot of the same people.  Easy to be friendly and invite them to your group.
  7. Volunteer to serve at the small group kiosk in your lobby.  You’ll have first crack at the people looking for a group!  How cool is that!
  8. Volunteer to serve with…(see a pattern developing? almost any volunteer opportunity will put you in contact with unconnected people).
  9. Make sure your group is absolutely, positively, up-to-date in the Small Group Finder.
  10. What ideas do you have?  Take a moment and add your tips in the comment section below!

You’ll find my all my skill training articles right here.

Image by UK Ministry of Defense

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6 Comments

  1. Juno Smalley on March 28, 2010 at 9:30 pm

    Volunteer to serve on the wedding or funeral team. You usually have some repeated contacts with potentially unconnected people.



  2. Mark Howell on March 29, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    Great idea Juno!

    mark



  3. Thom Emery on February 3, 2013 at 7:22 am

    Volunteer to serve on the Sunday Service Prayer team
    Those that “come to receive prayer” have made a huge step forward
    Connecting with people in need is one of the best times



  4. markchowell on February 3, 2013 at 7:56 am

    That’s a great idea, Thom! Thanks for jumping in here!

    mark



  5. Christopher L. Scott on September 2, 2016 at 9:17 pm

    Solid tips! I like the idea of attending all the New Member’s classes.



  6. markchowell on September 3, 2016 at 10:50 am

    Glad you found my post helpful!

    mark