JUST PUDGE

As I was saying Tuesday, the dynamics of a small group can be challenging. In more ways than just what we talked about Tuesday. However, what if there is more we can do to help with this, than just on Sundays?

What if the thing that leads to better group dynamics isn’t just what we do on Sunday, but beyond Sunday? For example, consider a combination of the following…

• SIZE…if a small group is too large, it’s unmanageable. There is a delicate balance between how many kids/students should be in a group. The general rule of thumb is, the older the kid/student the larger a group can be and not suffer; the younger, the smaller. Groups larger than 10 people, lose their impact fast.
• CONSISTENT…many times the hardest part of a small group is part where no one knows anyone. It can take away from authenticity and continued community. However, if each group has the same kids/students & the leader each week, that goes away.
• SPECIFIC…kids/students need to be in groups that related to them before the discussion ever begins. This means our groups have to be age specific and (as they get older) gender specific (with a gender specific leader). The authentic discussion and open community is more likely to develop when the groups members are ‘like’ each other.
• MODEL…many small group leaders are confused on what real community looks like because it’s not modeled for them. They need a leader over them that leads a group of them and models the desired community with them outside of Sundays. Yes, there will be some who are harder to pull in just like some kids/students in their groups are challenging to engage, but that creates a perfect model to learn through for everyone doesn’t it?

In the end, the goal of small groups isn’t just to create and get through them on Sundays…theres more!

The goal is to gradually, more and more, pushing towards small groups of consistent community where kids/students/volunteers share more than just 30 minutes together on Sunday…they share a connection to each other.

It’s about creating community that lasts & that sets up a launching pad for them to be able to get Jesus on their level and how He applies to them where they are right now, more than they ever could if that community had not been there.

As Rick Warren said last week at Radicalis, “groups are the laboratory for discipleship…” We aren’t just leading groups, our aim is to set up communities that become a laboratory for discipleship for kids/students & even the volunteers that make ministry happen!

All that to say, I am no where close to having this “down pat” yet! Nor do I have the secrets to making it happen. It’s hard & it takes constant work, overtime, to take even a few steps forward. But it’s worth the journey!

Just what I’m learning…