Can a Small Group be too small?

A few weeks ago I experienced it.  Our normal 8 to 10 didn't show up and the five of us who were there really felt it.  Our group dynamic shifted from our normal happy-go-lucky relational experience, to what felt like nervousness.  The clock ticked passed our start time and so we began...like a car driving on a low tire, we started into our night.  But then a funny thing happened, more of our group members arrived, spirits lifted and we gained momentum.  And then another member came in!  All of the sudden the group dynamic shifted again and I could tell that we had finally reached "critical mass".

Here's a truth we as leaders don't like to face, there is such a thing as too small when it comes to small groups and unless your Life Group has been specifically designed for just a few, you may suffer the negative impacts of being too small.  Let's compare and contrast the dynamics of smaller and larger groups.  

1. The smaller the group, the harder you will work at discussion. You know that "pregnant pause" that comes after you have dropped a great question for your group to interact with?  Well, here's the truth... the smaller the group, the longer the pause.  Groups with 8 + people will enjoy an easier flow of conversation. Even if you can get a smaller group to talk the conversation well can run dry easily.  In contrast, the larger group discussion, with multiple minds and hearts engaged, will likely flow easily and in such a way that the leader will only need nudge and direct the flow of the conversation.  Leaders of larger groups will simply keep the conversation moving by interjecting new questions into the steam of conversation.  Smaller groups tend to get through all their content and discussion quickly and experience less interesting and less-than-engaging conversations simply because there are fewer people and therefore fewer thoughts and experiences to draw from. Larger groups use up their time with a rich and relational dialog that often has to be drawn to a close by a time-conscious leader.

2.  Larger groups enjoy the benefit of personality balance.  Let's be honest, there's often someone in every group that is E.G.R.  (extra grace required).  In a smaller small group, this person stands out.  Over time, group members begin to see the gathering as an endurance test.  If the group were larger, this person (and others who are like him/her) won't have near the same affect on the group dynamic.  A larger number will help absorb the awkwardness these people can sometimes inadvertently introduce.

3.  The more the merrier!  When a group is too small there is a less than joyful feeling in the air (especially if people know the leader had hoped for more to be in attendance).  The truth is, not everyone who said "yes" to coming will actually come.  It is also true that even the most committed person will likely not make it to every gathering.  So, having 20 people say "yes" to coming and then ending up with 10 - 12 who actually show up is a win that will keep you out of the too small danger zone.  (for more on inviting people to your group click here!)

Eight+ Would Be Great!
I have observed and found it true that Life Group leaders who lead 8+ sized groups are the happiest leaders.  They generally feel satisfied with pouring out their energy for that amount of people.  They feel good when they can open and direct a good flowing conversation.  These leaders will be happy to lead again.  Leaders who lead groups that are too small often end a season exhausted and are hesitant to lead again.

What do you think?  What size of group would you be happy to lead?  Let's chat.

Are there other pros or cons that you can share?