Small Group Ministry Roadblock #3: Indecision about the Best Next Step

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Last week we began a detailed look at what I believe are the top 5 small group ministry roadblocks; the things that stand in the way of a truly thriving small group ministry. We began with a look at roadblock #1: a doubtful or conflicted senior pastor and continued with roadblock #2: a bloated belong and become menu. See also, 10 Powerful Benefits of a Thriving Small Group Ministry.

Today I want to dive in to a 3rd roadblock: indecision about the best next step. Why is this a roadblock? How is it a roadblock? Read on.

If you're paying attention, you can see that indecision about the best next step is related to roadblock #2 (a bloated belong and become menu). Yes...they are related, but they're not the same and you need to know about and fix both of them in order to building a thriving small group ministry.

Here's what I mean by indecision about the best next step:

  • When an unconnected person can't tell what they need to do next (or are confused in any way about what's next) they get stuck.
  • The more options there are on the menu, the more likely an unconnected person is to be indecisive and do nothing (this is the problem with a bloated menu).
  • The most common reason we hesitate to clearly point out the best next step because we don't want to diminish the value of any of the available options (because they are led by people that we don't want to disappoint).
  • Sometimes we can't clearly point out the best next step because we don't know what it is.
  • Other times we can't clearly point out the best next step because while we know what it should be...we don't have it on our menu yet.

Solution: Get comfortable with the idea that there is best next step for unconnected people. Maintaining that multiple options are preferable is counter to the evidence. Multiple choices and no clear guidance lead to indecision.

Get comfortable with the idea that there is best next step for unconnected people. Maintaining that multiple options are preferable is counter to the evidence. Multiple choices and no clear guidance lead to indecision. Click To Tweet

See also, How to Make Next Steps Easier to Choose and Design Your Connection Strategy with Unconnected People in Mind.

Solution: Take the time to thoughtfully evaluate the potential next steps you currently offer. Is there a best next step on your current menu? If there is, have an honest conversation with the leaders of the various options. You might be tempted to avoid this conversation, but it is in the best interests of everyone concerned to begin the conversation.

Solution: If you don't currently offer the best next step, start working to develop it. It's worth your time and energy. Remember, unconnected people are always one tough thing away from never being at your church again.

If you don't currently offer the best next step, start working to develop it. It's worth your time and energy. Remember, unconnected people are always one tough thing away from never being at your church again. Click To Tweet

See also, What's Your Urgency Level for Connecting People?

Easy to do? No, definitely not. Every one of these solutions will be tough sledding. But...if you want to build a thriving small group ministry, you've got to remove the roadblocks that hinder success.

You can find Roadblock #4, A Myopic Understanding of the Culture right here.

What do you think?  Want to argue?  You can click here to jump into the conversation.

Image by Matt Wiebe

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