Taking Advantage of Special Days to Launch Groups

As I’ve mentioned previously, there are several key seasons when launching groups makes the most sense.  End of September, first of October is a great time to help new arrivals connect using the HOST strategy.  End of January, first part of February is a great time to help New Year’s resolution and turn-over-a-new-leaf people take a spiritual next step.  Right after Easter is another pretty good time to run a small group connection or launch new groups.

Special days like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day also present a good opportunity to promote an upcoming opportunity to get connected or take a next step.  Here’s how it works:

1. Calendar a small group connection two weeks after Mother’s Day.
2. Order a curriculum that will appeal to women or couples.  The curriculum you choose determines the way you pitch the connection.
3. Develop a sign-up form/insert to be used on Mother’s Day.
4. Have your pastor refer to the connection in the sermon on Mother’s Day.  “Ladies, there are few things more important than developing relationships with other women who are growing closer to Christ.”  I’ve written a detailed article on how to make this kind of ask right here.
5. Include the insert a second time the week after Mother’s Day and have your pastor refer to it again.
6. Include a blurb in the bulletin on the day of the connection and refer to it in the announcements (“whether you signed up for the connection or not, we want to invite you to take this important step in getting connected”).
7. Run the connection!

Pretty simple stuff really.  Choosing the right curriculum might be the most important piece.  A 6 week study that really appeals to a high felt need goes a long way to help people take a baby step and get connected.  From there, who knows!  At least you’re helping a few take an important next step.