4 Foundational Questions for Small Group Ministries
There are several foundational questions that must be asked and answered in order to determine what your small group ministry will look like. Think every small group ministry has the same end in mind? You might be surprised. Alan Kay pointed out that “Point of view (or perspective) is worth 80 IQ points.”
Point of view (or perspective) is worth 80 IQ points. —Alan Kay Share on X
Spending sufficient time wrestling these questions to the ground will help clarify many things before you even get started. Or at least, before you build the next layer. See also, Avoid These Four Realities at Your Own Peril.
The way these questions are answered should play a role in how your ministry is designed. And the design of your ministry absolutely determines the results you should anticipate. See also, 7 Signs You Have a Bad Design for Small Group Ministry.
1. What need(s) do people have that might best be met by a small group?
Which of these needs would be seen as most pressing? Which of these needs could be met in the same small group? While there may be some overlap in your answers and mine, your answers should define your direction.
Foundational Question: What need(s) do people have that might best be met by a small group? Share on X
2. What will have to be true about the small groups in your ministry for men and women to be willing to try one?
This is a critical question to ask. It isn't a 5 minute discussion. Spend adequate time here and the gold that you discover will help you with a whole list of important decisions.
Foundational Question: What will have to be true about the small groups in your ministry for men and women to be willing to try one? Share on X
3. What are the required characteristics of small group leaders who can cultivate the experience you want your small groups to have?
Required is an important word in this question. Aspects of the experience you want your small groups to have can be cultivated other ways (i.e., curriculum choices, training and coaching, etc.). Some of what is required will be driven (or not driven) by the leaders you choose.
Foundational Question: What are the required characteristics of small group leaders who can cultivate the experience you want your small groups to have? Share on X
4. What will have to be true about your leadership pathway to produce a sufficient number of leaders who have (or develop) the characteristics you have determined are required?
A "sufficient number" is determined by a number of factors. I can't determine the number for you. I can remind you that the number of people whose needs you to hope to meet (see the first question) will play a significant role in determining what a sufficient number is.
Foundational Question: What will have to be true about your leadership pathway to produce a sufficient number of leaders who have (or develop) the characteristics you have determined are required? Share on X
I love a good question! You can find additional great questions in The First 7 Questions I Ask When Evaluating a Small Group Ministry and Supercharge Your Ministry Impact with These 5 Questions.