Is It Time for a Small Group Ministry Checkup?
Most of us have probably had days when we've woken up feeling a little off. There's that feeling that something is not quite right, but we wouldn't say we feel sick...just not quite right.
You know the feeling?
Now, sometimes that feeling just goes away. Maybe after a glass of orange juice or a cup of coffee.
Sometimes the feeling that something is not quite right turns into something more, but still not serious. Like a summer cold or an upset stomach from eating too much popcorn and junk food while binge watching Breaking Bad.
And occasionally that feeling that something is not quite right turns into something a little more serious. Or even a lot more serious.
When it comes to the way we feel, we know when it's moved beyond feeling a little off.
When it comes to our health, most of us know when it's time for a visit to the doctor. Most of us.
Can you tell when your small group ministry is a little off?
Can you tell when your small group ministry is a little off?
How do you know? What are the symptoms?
5 signs of a healthy small group ministry
In an earlier article I suggested that the 5 signs of a healthy small group ministry were:
- An increasing total number of groups.
- An increasing total number of adults in groups.
- An increasing percentage connected.
- A decreasing average age of groups.
- An increasing percentage of group leaders actively connecting with a coach.
Can you tell when your small group ministry is more than a little off?
So...how can you tell if your small group ministry is more than a little off? And how can you tell if it's a little thing (like a summer cold) or a serious problem (like cancer or an immune disorder)?
I think your ability to recognize the difference between a little off and something more serious is mostly about knowing what healthy feels like. See also, 5 Symptoms of a Healthy Small Group Ministry.
But I also think your ability to recognize when your small group ministry is more than a little off has to do with clearly seeing the preferred future and discerning whether you're there yet. Or on the way there. Or heading in the wrong direction. See also, What Is Your Small Group Ministry Designed to Do? and Start with the End in Mind.
Your ability to recognize when your small group ministry is more than a little off has to do with clearly seeing the preferred future and discerning whether you're there yet. Share on X
Can you tell? Do you know what you're looking for?
Sometimes, the truth is we've forgotten what it feels like to feel right. That moment when someone says, "I think you need to go to the doctor." Maybe even the moment when they insist and tell you to "get in the car and I'll take you."
But what about your small group ministry? Can you tell when it's more than a little off? Do you need a friend to tell you it's time to go to the doctor?
Don't put it off! If your small group ministry feels more than a little off, get the help you need.
Can I help you?
Can I help you? Maybe scheduling a simple coaching call would be the start of getting healthy. Find out how to schedule a coaching call right here.
Further help:
If you're more of a self-help problem-solver, you might find one of my most popular online video courses helpful. How to Diagnose Your Small Group Ministry is a 4 session course that supplies everything you need to give your ministry a thorough diagnosis. You can find out more right here.
Further Reading:
- Evaluate Your Small Group Ministry with My Signature 10 Point Checklist
- 5 Symptoms of a Healthy Small Group Ministry
- Small Group Vitaly Signs
- How Are You Evaluating Your Small Group Ministry?
Image by William Brawley