GRO(group)UP TOGETHER : group within a group strategy

One way to build small groups in your church is to host a large group experience with small groups included.  The goal would be to create and experience the energy and benefits of a large group dynamic, as well as, the relational dynamics of a small group all at once.  The objective would be to host a large group experience where multiple small groups exist within... to facilitate an All-Together / Separate large group-small group Life Group!  Here's how:

1. Start by choosing a series that multiple people and group types might be interested to experience such as; a book of the bible series, a common topic such as parenting, marriage, or spiritual growth.

2. Next, invite key people to build table groups within the large group setting. Table groups can be organized around age of the participants, life situations such as parents of teens, parents of younger children, single life, or blended family life, or even empty-nesters.

3. Be sure to choose a person (or couple) who will serve as a host or directors over the course of the evening or series.  Be sure to select people who are hospitable and who speak well in front of your crowd.  These hosts can give announcements, introduce video / teaching segments, release table groups for a dessert or food buffet, and keep the table groups on an appropriate timeline so that the groups end on time.

Three special benefits or advantages of Groups within a group (Large group / small group events):

1. Positive Energy.  Have you ever noticed how a crowd can draw a crowd?  When a crowd assembles people take notice and want to be a part of what's happening.  No one wants to miss out!  People enjoy being a part of something big.  In contrast, when a group is too small it can actually cause people to feel like they are wasting their time to continue to meet.  Groups within a group strategy brings the kind of positive energy that people crave.

2. Shared Resources.  Video cirriculum can be expensive!  Viewing the same video teaching before (or while) you break into small groups is a great way to save a lot of money.  It would be very costly to provide teaching dvd's for many groups.

3. Unity Through Experience:  Table groups will most certainly have their own personality and experience as they go through the study but there will forever be a special bond among all who attend.  The entire group will leave the Life Group experience with a special affinity toward others who shared the study with them.  There will likely be a few ideas, illustrations, or phrases from the series that will "stick" and be referenced or used among the people who took part in the series.


What are the pro's and con's of the Large Group - Small Group strategy?

Would you rather attend a single small group or a small group that is within a large group?  Why?