Small groups (pastoral input solicited)

[Poimen]

I am considering implementing small groups at this point into the life of Christway. I think I know my core pretty well, and they seem to have adjusted well to my leadership. Still, we are a church in transition, and in many ways still a plant. But I think small groups could be a benifit at this time.

We could probably start about 5-7 small groups right now using basic family divisions within the congregation.

I'm looking for input, suggestions, feedback, etc.


Thanks

[dbserv]

I have seen a number of small group models set up and in operation - helped with several of them.

From the old COGOP ABM "bands" to family groups, to age groups, to day of the week groups (Sunday night group, Saturday night group, Wednesday night group), etc.


In fact, here at our church, our pastoral staff have attempted several of these various models over the years.


What works for us, may not work in other places or churches. But, here is what we have found works best for us. We do still have some old time Nazarene folks who like the ABM style of group (I thought it was a "unique" model that COGOP invented ), but they only attract folks over 60 who grew up with that model.



Our small groups are set up according to interests. If there are 2 people with the same interest, they are encouraged to start a small group and invite neighbors or others who are interested in the same thing.


Our small groups are encouraged to stay on the small size of around 12-15 people. We feel this encourages:

1. More closeness and intimacy for connection purposes.
2. More confidentiality for sharing our failures and shortcomings.
3. More accountability - definite necessity for our size congregation.
4. Easier for us Lay Pastors to stay in touch with so we know the needs and can communicate them to the paid pastoral staff, as needed.


When a group gets over 15, we ask that one of the group members branches out with another group - like cells grow and divide - so the body can continue to grow and multiply.


Our small groups operate on a 13 week semester basis. We attempt to start a new study, book, program, etc. in each group every 13 weeks. The model we use is to study together for 12 weeks and then do a "social" event on week 13 - pot luck; attend a concert, play, etc.; go on a sightseeing trip, etc.


Our small groups include (but are DEFINITELY NOT limited to): choir, audio/visual ministry, stamping (they make cards for the pastors to use for visitors and for visitation (hospitals, etc.), cooking, motorcycles (our largest group meeting away from the campus - about 150 folks), various books - we usually have anywhere from 25-50 different books being studied on any given week (except right now because most of our groups are studying The God Questions to coincide with the sermons), learning guitar, computer training, grounds maintenance, facility maintenance (yeah, there are 2 separate groups), Coffee Shop ministry, DVD/CD ministry, nursery care for the local AA and NA groups, hunting, fishing, 4x4, paint ball (hey Rambo), Mexico Missions, Africa Missions, Portugal Missions, High School, Junior High, Prime Timers (over age 50), Rescue Mission, praise band, etc. and etc.


Hope this is helpful even though I'm only a "Lay Pastor".

[Poimen]

Hope this is helpful even though I'm only a "Lay Pastor".

Indeed it is. Besides what is a lay pastor? Aren't all pastors laity as well? Are you called and gifted to shepherd and teach? Are you fulfilling that function? So am I.

[dbserv]

Our paid pastoral staff members don't use the term "lay pastors" even though the Nazarene denomination still does in some areas. "Lay pastors" are those whom God has placed in leadership and gifted to minister but who don't get paid a salary to do so. I remember using that terminology in COGOP in the 60's and 70's as well.



I guess I use that term because to me it's more meaningful than "small group leader" because I DO feel God called to pastor (shepherd) and teach (though NOT to "preach" ).

[Poimen]

Wow, not much input outside of DB.

Hmmm...
Maybe small groups are not as vibrant and resourceful as they are advertised to be?


I am thnking of starting something that is a cross between abm and subday school kinda, but it's primary function will be relational, systematic evangelism and disclepship.

I am thinng of using a family/friend network model as a basis fro each group. Letting various couples of family units already existing in the congregation build their own network via the small group ministry (utilizing their own inherent sphere of influence), and host meetings and activities for the group.

We may even start off using the church facilties for meetings, giving each group their own room and then maybe have a corporate fellowship, meet and greet type snack time to follow.

I'm thinking meet regularly once or twice a month.

Any input to offer? Especially from those expereinced in this kind of thing.

[Pastor Gary]

Wow, not much input outside of DB.

Hmmm...
Maybe small groups are not as vibrant and resourceful as they are advertised to be?

No. They work. Usually. I, however, have had a series of failed attempts to establish successful small groups ministries, and believe me I have read all the books, and sat under the best teachers.

We may even start off using the church facilties for meetings, giving each group their own room and then maybe have a corporate fellowship, meet and greet type snack time to follow.

If that works for you, be sure to let us know. I have always felt that a major growth strategy of small groups was to meet outside the church, in homes, but as I said, I have no track record by which to argue.

[jinjer]

I'm not a pastor but was involved as a cell group leader. Keep in mind we were in a very large church. We had our small groups set up in two ways, one by geographical locations and by interests. No one was assigned, they chose to go to which ever group they felt they fit. It sometimes took a while to get a group started. I liked this model much better than the traditional ABM where families, individuals were assigned to groups. It makes it awkward when that group is not working for them.

Just my .02.

Jinjer

[scooter]

Sounds like too many groups to start with.

If I were you I'd try three at the most.

[Poimen]

If that works for you, be sure to let us know. I have always felt that a major growth strategy of small groups was to meet outside the church, in homes, but as I said, I have no track record by which to argue.

I here ya. My concern is the more traditional feeling about services among my congregants. They like Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon, and Wednesday night services.

The best time for us to try to implement this would be during Sunday afternoons. Plus that gives me access to help anyone at any time if needed until they are comfortable with this ministry model.

If it does well, we will soon out grow avaible space at the facilties and will have to look for more creative arrangments (and likely home based services) to accommodate attendees.

[Poimen]

Sounds like too many groups to start with.

If I were you I'd try three at the most.

My intial thought was that by letting each family group/couple have/host their own small group meeting they could utilize their network of family members and friends as their target groups.

If we did 3 groups, how would we implement that? Should I include everyone in a group? Just a few hosts to start with, and let them build their own group -- while we have a regluar service up stairs with the other congregants?

[scooter]

Sounds like too many groups to start with.

If I were you I'd try three at the most.

My intial thought was that by letting each family group/couple have/host their own small group meeting they could utilize their network of family members and friends as their target groups.

If we did 3 groups, how would we implement that? Should I include everyone in a group? Just a few hosts to start with, and let them build their own group -- while we have a regluar service up stairs with the other congregants?

Response: Sorry I thought you were talking about something else.

We do our small groups on Friday nights.

I didn't/don't understand you proposal.

[jinjer]

As a leader, we expressed interest in starting a group in our home that focused on our geographical area. We then focused on those in the church that lived close to our home but did not attend a cell group. It was usually up to the leader to grow their group. Sometimes there would be another couple that would help in growing a group along with the leader.

As for time, we had the traditional cell groups once a month on a Sunday Evening in homes.

My .02 as a leader, not a pastor.

Jinjer

[Poimen]

Jinjer,

Your input is appreciated, and welcomed as well.
In fact, everyone's is.
I just especially wanted to hear it from a Pastor's perspective.

[Full Quiver]

We had a small groups leader/host meeting tonight. This monthly meeting is for the leaders of the groups to garner info from one another, share perspectives, and get direction from our coordinator.

It takes group leaders to have successful groups and group leaders should be called in that area of ministry. Not everyone is a small group leader. If you appoint the wrong person or the wrong person volunteers then you wind up with a failed group. A failed group will discourage your members and other groups.

Advice #1
Make sure your leaders are called to said ministry. If only two are called then only start with two groups.

[Poimen]

Response: Sorry I thought you were talking about something else.

We do our small groups on Friday nights.

I didn't/don't understand you proposal.

Well, I'm interested in hearing about what you are doing, how, and why?

My thoughts are to use the small group model for an evangelstic tool, rather than a pastoral tool. I don't want band leaders, I want group hosts.

I basically want to use the basic concept of small groups to aid my congregation in doing what Andrew did and what Phillip did. Go back to other family and friends and bring them to introduce to Jesus. I just want to use the small group model as the platform for that. That's my intial inspiration anyhow.

I'm thinking do that at least one Sunday night a month to start. As it grows, if it grows, we may branch out into more "doing faith and life togther" type stuff.

But like I said, I'd love to hear about your experiences, purpose and function for small groups, how you do them, why you chose the model you use, etc.