Can a Small Group Be Too Big? | dealing with the large – small group scenario

Because interest-based groups are often open groups (meaning new comers are welcome) there is always the potential for the group to grow!  With that comes the potential for the small group to get too big.  At first, it can be exciting to be a big small group.  Bigness can bring excitement and energy.  However, space for comfortable interacting and relating can become limited and the quality of conversation can be compromised.

Some models of small group ministry (Cell Groups) would advocate dividing the group (like the cells in the body grow and divide) and creating an entirely new group.  This division strategy can be good for dealing with growth but it is not always the best or most appropriate response to growth.  At times,  group members are even resistant and adverse to this kind of change. So, before you count off your group members by 1's, 2's and 3's and divide them into separate gatherings, consider these internal division methods first.

1)  Celebrate your success!  Start by getting your group members together to celebrate the fact that you have grown!  Never make growth out to be a negative thing.  Growth is always positive but it does create new opportunities and challenges that can become a negative if the growth dynamic is not addressed. 

2)  Communicate the challenges.  Talk to the group about all of the challenges you face now that your number is greater. 

3)  Brainstorm solutions.  Invite the group to brainstorm solutions to the challenges associated with your growing group.  Working together in this way will help group members thoroughly understand the growth and development issues and embrace any changes or adjustments that might be needed. 

Two common issues groups face when growh happens are 1. Not enough space and 2. Decrease in the quality of conversation due to the face that not everyone gets a chance to or feels comfortable speaking in the larger group.

If not enough space is your group's challenge, consider hosting your small group in a larger venue such as a subdivision clubhouse or a room at the church.

If your challenge is quality of conversation, consider ways you can break your large group into smaller groups.  You may have everyone altogether for fellowship, announcements and learning, but divide into a few smaller groups for discussion and prayer.

Example of a Large-Small Group Situation:  The Alpha course is a good example of a large-small group situation.  Group members all share in a relational meal time at the start of the gathering.  Next they receive announcements and then sing a song or two. After this they watch a teaching video and from there they break out into smaller groups for discussion.  This is a great format for this type of life group.  Guests get to meet a number of other guests but are only want to discuss the teaching with a few.  Consider how a format like this may help solve large-small group situation.

What are your ideas for dealing with the large – small group scenario?