Span of Care
“Span of care” is a term used to describe the number of people being cared for by someone. In Prepare Your Church for the Future Carl George proposed that while everyone needs to be cared for by someone, no one ought to be taking care of more than about ten. Looking at Exodus 18:13-25, George…
Read MoreLeadership Structure
“How can I take care of my small group leaders?” Ever asked that one? You’re not alone! There are at least two main schools of thought on this subject as I write. Neither solution is problem-free. But since there is no problem-free, it’s simply a matter of choosing the set of problems/issues you’d rather have. …
Read MoreSecrets of a Successful Small Group Launch
Want the scoop on how to launch small groups? Who doesn’t! After all, groups do more than provide the “optimal environment for life-change.” They also provide a very effective delivery system for ministry and mission. So then the question might be, “How can you get groups going in a way that has the best chance…
Read MoreGive Your Group a Great Start in 2008
Ready to think about helping your small group have a better experience in 2008? It’s that time again! Time for all good groups to get going! And get going on the right foot. There are several important keys to getting off to a great start in the new year. First, if you didn’t already set…
Read MoreThe Power of a Small Group Agreement
Ever play on a winning team? Participate in a group that really came together and was somehow better together than any sum of the individuals ought to have been? There’s something about that, isn’t there? The whole concept of stacking hands and agreeing that in order to be the best we’re going to have to…
Read MoreCreating Community
Looking for a way to think about how to design your small group ministry? That might be the most helpful thing about Creating Community: Five Keys to Building a Small Group Culture. Although it’s a short book (190 pages), it contains some very important keys to building a small group culture in your church. Most…
Read MoreChoosing Small Group Bible Study Material
You’re ready to get your group going…or you’re finishing the study you’re in right now…and you’re trying to figure out what to do next. We’re all here eventually. Now what? Let me give you a few suggestions. First, don’t take a vote! Especially when your group is new (within the first 6 months) taking a…
Read MoreEssential Ingredients
In today’s post, Craig Groeschel points us to the fact that people stay at small churches for two reasons: they feel needed and known. Also, people leave large churches (in spite of all the reasons that attract them) for two reasons: they don’t feel needed or known. Hmmmmm. Here’s a drawing I often use to…
Read MoreExponential Outreach
Does who you invite to host a small group make a difference? Clearly. I’ve included a diagram that I hope will help you think through the question. Take a look: Here’s how to read it: First, the circle represents your Easter or Christmas Eve attendance. Most places that is the best attended service all year.…
Read MoreHow Often Should We Meet?
I get asked this question a lot. And it’s a good question. People ask it out of a genuine interest in doing the right thing. Mostly it’s asked by leaders or hosts of newer groups. But it’s also sometimes asked by group members who are hoping for a particular answer. My answer is always the…
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