Starting a new small group can seem intimidating, but with these practical and biblical steps, you can have your new group up and running in just a few short weeks. Here’s how.
Why Small Groups Matter
Small groups meet an important need in the life of a church and its people. Every person needs a community where they can be known, and where they can learn from other believers how to live out their faith in biblical and practical ways. It has been said that community happens in circles, not in rows. Whether you are starting a small group because you felt God’s prompting, or because another leader asked you to step up, a few timeless practices will help you launch successfully.
After spending the past thirty years as a youth pastor, church planter, lead pastor, and the national director of a men’s ministry, I’ve had the joy of launching—and helping others launch—hundreds of small groups. The first place every small group leader should begin is by determining your “why.”
Your reason for starting a group should be simple: to help fulfill Jesus’ commission that his disciples should make disciples.
With the organization that I lead, IMPACT Players, we like to say that our Cohorts (small groups for men) are our “disciple-making engine.”
Question: What is the first word in the Great Commission?
Answer: Go!
Small groups are the engine that makes our discipleship go.
Five Questions for Any and All Small Group Leaders
No matter what kind of small group you may be leading, there are five essential questions that you must answer if you want to get your small group off the ground.
- Who is leading this small group?
I recommend that every small group have a leader and a coleader. Not only does a coleader lighten your load, but it also sets your small group up for future growth (compare 2 Timothy 2:2). - What study/curriculum are you going to use?
Some small groups go through a book of the Bible, others study a popular Christian book, and many use a strategic curriculum. Knowing the goals and spiritual maturity of your group will help you decide where to start. - Where will you meet?
Will you meet at a church, in a home, or perhaps in a “third space” such as a coffee shop, boardroom, restaurant, or park? Where you meet can have a big impact on the culture and temperature of your small group. - What day and time will you meet?
Finding the “perfect time” for everyone is very difficult in today’s busy world. First, establish what will work within your own schedule, and then survey a few potential members to see what might best fit the group. - Who will be in your group?
In some churches, participants are assigned to groups, but most often, forming a small group requires a process of invitation. If you’re starting a small group from scratch, try using the Gospel Circles exercise below.
The Gospel Circles Exercise
When most of us begin thinking about our social connections, we often leave off important contexts where new relationships are ripe for the gospel. We all have circles of relational connection and influence that God has placed us in to better reach those around us. Try this exercise:
- Write down all the social and relational circles in your life. For example, your neighborhood, workplace, gym, and school would all be relational circles.
- Draw and label each circle on a blank piece of paper and write down the names of every relationship you have in that circle.
- Highlight those who may not yet have a relationship with Christ.
- Star or circle the names you want to invite into your small group.
If you have a coleader for your group, do this exercise together. Each person should strive to list 50–60 names across their circles.
Invite Others
Once you have completed the Gospel Circles exercise, it is time to begin inviting people to join your small group.
As Wayne Gretzky famously said, ”You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
If you never invite someone, it’s like you are saying “no” for them.
The apostle Paul wrote, “I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Your job is to plant (invite) and water (encourage); but God is the one who will make your group grow. Be faithful to invite as many people as you can, and trust that God will determine whom he wants to join your group.
Five Tips for an Effective Small Group
1. Establish Group Expectations.
At the first meeting, take time to establish group norms that everyone agrees to follow. This will help create a safe and supportive learning environment for spiritual growth.
These expectations might include:
- Respecting other perspectives
- Avoiding dominating the conversation
- Practicing active listening
- Putting away your cell phone during the study
With the men that I lead, we often talk about “Audacious Authenticity.” We want participants to know that this is a group where they can remove their masks and drop their impostor syndrome. But that also requires a commitment to “Elite Trust” within the group, so that everyone knows that what’s shared in the group is confidential.
2. Listen and Respond.
Make sure to listen to participants and respond to their comments in a respectful and supportive manner. When participants know that their voice is valued, they will speak up more freely.
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions.
Ask open-ended questions that encourage deeper thought and personal reflection. Embrace the silence and be prepared to wait a few seconds for people to formulate their thoughts. If group members are struggling, consider rephrasing the question in a fresh way.
4. Be Respectful.
Respect each participant’s opinions and experiences and create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Keep the Momentum
The final component of a great small group launch is consistent follow up, regular communication and member care.
Send a brief weekly message reminding your group what you studied, what’s coming up next, and how to apply the lessons they are learning to their daily lives. Provide a way to share prayer requests, celebrate praises, and support one another’s needs. Intentionally encourage those members who shared in meaningful ways.
Take time to welcome newcomers into your small group by allowing each person to briefly introduce themselves. Often, new members need to belong before they believe.
Remember, you are not just launching a small group, you are making disciples and fulfilling the great commission. Give it a shot, give it your best, and give the results and the glory to God.
