You can sense it in the gathering and see it on the people. There is no life, the same few individuals attend, and it’s the same stories. The small group has gotten stuck. Don't worry, this happens to the best of leaders. The great news is that there are simple solutions to address this problem. Here are some practical suggestions that will help get your group unstuck:
1. Reevaluate time and location.
A common reason why people can't make group is because of a change in schedule. A meeting time that worked in one season might not work in another. If there is a trend of inconsistencies in attendance, it might be an opportunity to reevaluate the meeting day and time with members. Another possibility is that members have gotten bored with the current meeting location. A simple change in scenery can bring new excitement to the group.
2. Connect outside of group.
One of the motivations for a small group is discipleship through relationship. We grow in God by being in relationship with one another. If people are only connecting once a week in group, it might be a sign of a lack in relational depth. This provides an excellent opportunity to do something outside of group to spark a connection. Consider having a movie night, a BBQ, or something fun for group members as well as those they are reaching.
Another reason a person stops attending group may be because of a personal struggle that they are facing. They could be discouraged or ashamed, which causes them to withdraw from the group. This is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with them over lunch or coffee. A personal touch of care, support, and prayer could be just what they need.
3. Confront difficult people.
Often times, people stop attending group because of a difficult person within the group. This includes someone who dominates the discussion, is constantly negative, or even soliciting members for business. As leaders, we need to cultivate safe environments for connection. If we notice this happening in our group, we need to confront this individual about their behavior lovingly.
4. Recast vision.
Vision leaks. Over time, people forget the heart and motivation behind small groups. As leaders, we need to remind about why we meet as a group—to be disciples and to make disciples. Everyone naturally drifts inward, and fresh vision could be what is needed to inject life into group members.
5. Pray and pursue.
As leaders, we need to always keep the mission alive by continuously praying for lost people at each meeting. We also need to be making time to pursue them in our schedules consistently. This behavior is caught, not just taught. As leaders, we need to model and lead our members to live the actions that we want them to embody.
Discussion Questions:
· What is one word that would best describe your small group and why?
· Share with one another best practices that have helped in the past.
· What is something that you can immediately apply from this discussion to bring life to your small group?
Prayer:
· Pray for groups to get unstuck and back on mission.
· Pray for those far from God and for those who have drifted to return.
Communications:
Main Campus Parking
Our heart is for people far from God, and we want to be a church that is easy for guests to attend. One issue that we consistently face is the lack of parking in our main campus parking lot. We are asking leaders and those who are able to consider parking at Mary Savio or Buzz’s to free up parking in the main lot for guests and visitors. Let's park far so that people far from God can come near.
Jeff Kemp Youth Blitz – Friday, August 16 at 7pm in our Main Campus
Calling out all parents and youth to hear from 11-year NFL quarterback Jeff Kemp. He will share his story to encourage and inspire young people towards the purposes of God.
Elevate Night – Tuesday, August 20 at 7pm in our Main Campus
Get a behind the scenes look of weekend production at Pearlside. This is an opportunity to discover and join the different creative teams that collaborate within our church.