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?

Measuring Success: 4 Key factors to consider when gauging the success of your group

How do you measure success as a small group leader?  Most small group leaders have neither defined, nor determined how success should be gauged and measured.  Many are satisfied if someone shows up! While people showing up can certainly be viewed as a level of success, there are a number of other gauge worthy goals a small group leader should work toward. Here are four measurable factors for leaders to consider when gauging small group success.

1) Names and numbers:
The truth is, poor attendance to your small group should be an indication that something's not right.  You will need to take an honest look at your way of inviting and marketing your group.  If you started with a good number of group attenders but have dwindled down to only a few, then you may need to re-think your approach to programming and facilitating your group.  Beyond that, a lack of follow-up and care for group members will also have a direct affect on group attendance.  Be aware that the number one factor related to achieving good and consistent group attendance is your personal invitation and follow up just before the group begins, but also after the group has begun meeting.  

Because our church has strategic goals related to helping people connect in small groups, we ask our life group leaders to not only report the number of people who are attending their group, but to also share the names of each individual who attends.  Having the names of each group member allows us to measure the real number of people who are connecting in small groups.  Tracking attendance by name helps us understand if one person is attending more than one group.  When we only track numbers without names, we run the risk of having several people inflate the overall number of people we believe are attending small groups.   

2) Stories of relational connection:
Numbers don't lie but they are also not the whole story when it comes to knowing if you're successful as a small group leader.  Though there may be a good number of people attending your small group, another measure of success you should consider would be, "Are there any stories of relational connection from your group?" As a life group leader you are not simply concerned with seeing people understand Biblical content, you're goal is also to help people relate, connect, and move closer to one another in Christian friendship.

3) Stories of transformation:

The third measure of success is, "Can you share any stories of transformation?"  In other words, has there been any movement in anyone's life spiritually?  Are people picking up spiritual habits?  Has anyone shared how their attitude, actions or behaviors have begun to change?  Has anyone taken new steps toward involvement in the church or serving others?  Are there new commitments being made?  Are there any stories of healing, repentance, forgiveness, and faith?

4) Growth of leadership:

The final measure of success to consider is, "How have I grown as a leader and have I been able to identify other emerging leaders within the group?"  What have you learned about leading and serving others?  What areas of leadership have you identified as your strengths that you can continue to build and become even more skilled at?   What areas of leadership are you not as strong and therefore may need to identify helpers and co-leaders who can assist you by carrying out certain tasks related to the formation and function of your group.  Who among your group members is a person you have identified as a potential leader?  What steps will you take toward involving them and inviting them to explore their opportunities to serve the church in leadership?

What other ways do you measure success as a small group leader?