Subscribe to the NetworkContinuing to Message Small Groups
Did some thinking this about small groups, and thought about developing a simple care plan for all three of these groups. I think each one needs a unique message, long after the fall launch:
Students in a small group – they are showing up to small group which is great but need to message to truly make the most of it. They need to feel the importance of the night and that their leader has prepared something to help them grow and be encouraged in their walk. They need to be encouraged to open up, join in the discussion and soften their heart for God to do something great in community.
Students that tried a small group but quit attending - there’s a ton of reasons someone doesn’t click in a particular small group, not the least of which is lack of genuine interest. But it would be a mistake to let a student try 1 or 2 nights and not encourage them to give it another shot with a different group once they do drop out. We need to discover who made it into the system but then fell through the cracks. A dedicated pursuit of the dropouts would a) show them you care, and b) give someone a second chance at taking the next step spiritually.
Students that have yet to experience a small group – these are students that attend the weekend service but have yet to make the jump to a small group. They need some answers to their investigation. They are asking stuff like – what is a small group like, when does it get over, why should it be important to me, who will be there, what if I don’t like it and why am I assigned to hang out with this old dude?
There’s plenty of messaging that needs to be done on a regular basis. To fire and forget small groups would be a huge mistake.
JG
