Developing Small Groups Keeping things moving & growing National Leaders Conference February 2011

Why are small groups so vital? It’s where we multiply disciples. It’s where we mobilise disciples. It’s where we grow a church not just gather a crowd.

Why are small groups so vital? They are the place where we look for: Relationship Pastoral care Training Discipling Growth of people Growth of the church

Healthy things do grow Growth is organic and spiritual... A reminder: I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 1 Cor 3:6 But we do need to be intentional in our planning. What are the key things to promote good healthy growth?

Know what you are aiming for...a real meeting with God and a real meeting with each other. People want relationship. People are hungry for the presence and power of Jesus. Don’t fall back to default.

Know what you are aiming for Always have a bigger picture in mind. What is healthy? Aim for 70% involvement. Have a big fringe. Resist group introspection and keep a growing edge.

This is the big challenge! To keep the big picture in our minds. To keep the individual in our minds. There is a tension here.... We don’t duck it – we embrace it. Pastoral Structural

Take your small groups’ temperature Resistance to multiplication and change. Inward focussed Newcomers find it hard to stick. Ministry isn’t being released. Leaders parenting not pastoring. Everything grinds to a halt!

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Jn12:24 Have a growth and multiplication culture

Have a growth and multiplication culture Don’t settle for maintenance culture. Nurture the expectation that every group can grow and reproduce. Excited people are the ingredients for growth. Who are you training? What do you hope for in 6 months? Multiplication prevents burnout of leaders.

Have a growth and multiplication culture Encourage groups to give away their best - God always to fills the gaps. Be real about the cost & risk – but also about the reward. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

Always be looking for leaders Work with teams to train people on the job. Ask God to show you the potential in people. Take some risks. Don’t look for people like you are now!

Who are we looking for? Guided by faith not fear. Don’t worry what others think. Have a mission not maintenance mentality. Set goals, be creative, take risks. Have an outward focus. Willing to pay the cost – giving up their homes and their time. Teachable – willing to be a lifelong learner.

Grow your structure as you expand Structure is vital for healthy growth. Don’t be nervous of structure. God can still work! Well planned structure stays hidden. A too small structure inhibits growth.

Grow your structure as you expand Our structure is people – flexible but strong. Develop leaders. Establish lines of communication. Keep pastoral loads manageable.

Our pastoral structure

Offer many training opportunities Don’t expect everyone to get it straight away. Initial training – whole day Personal induction Encourage leaders Listen to their needs Refresher evenings – to recast the vision

Don’t be afraid to evaluate Collect statistics. Evaluate data. Be self reflective.