How to develop and sustain small groups in your church.
A) What to call small groups?
Fellowship, home, cell, small. It doesn‟t really matter – it‟s what works for you and your
church. In this document I will refer to them as „fellowship groups‟.
B) Why small groups?
Biblical pattern – Jesus chose 12 disciples, the early church met in homes; at various times
in church history small groups have been important e.g. Wesley. It seems that in our day
there has been an upsurge in small groups.
They are effective for fellowship and create a sense of belonging. People join churches for
many reasons but they stay mainly because of relationships – small groups are the key to
this in a growing church. They are also a place of nurture, discipleship and growth, where
people can ask questions and develop their gifts of leading, teaching, praying, pastoral
care, etc.
Growing/large churches almost universally find this to be a key to continued and sustained
growth. BUT they can also be a place of stultification and even rebellion and they need to
be developed and handled well.
C) How to develop small groups.
1) Look at what you’ve got.
a) Lent groups (but there is a hidden danger here of making small groups seem as if
they are „hard‟ and a „punishment‟ which is then counter-productive to developing
ongoing small groups). Advent Groups.
b) Confirmation Classes. People often enjoy these and might be willing to do more.
c) Nurture Courses. These are excellent for introducing new people to the Christian
faith but the biggest problem is that there is often nothing to feed them into once the
course has ended.
d) Task groups. Various church groups such as choir, cleaning teams etc. can also be
places of belonging and fellowship. Sometimes the addition of a bible thought and
prayer can develop them into much more.
In reality, it can be hard to get existing members into a fellowship group pattern as they
do not see the need. You can expend a lot of energy and cause a lot of aggravation by
trying to force existing members in to groups – it is better to start somewhere else and
then let others hear and see how good they are and „want‟ to join one.
2) Grow a small group pattern for your church through nurture courses. Find a
course which works for you (see separate table – Appendix 1). Encourage new people
into these courses and ask some of your spiritually alive and mature existing members
to help in this. As the nurture group nears the end of the course, suggest the possibility
of it continuing and become a fellowship group (you have your leaders already there).
Grow them one at a time. In one church I was in we didn‟t have mature existing
members to do this and so the nurture groups who wanted to carry on had to find their
own leader from within the group – in almost every case, they did!
Once you have three or four groups you also have the option at the end of the nurture
course of feeding members into existing groups. This can be helpful if there are not
enough to form a new group and it also helps to revitalise existing groups.
Some churches find it too big a leap to go from their nurture course into a fellowship
group. At the end of the nurture course members are encouraged to join their „Beta‟
group which looks at basic discipleship teaching. After a year they can then feed into
existing groups or start a new group. (For suggested Beta materials, see Appendix 2)
3) Invest heavily in the leaders. The success and health of a group will almost always
depend on the leader(s). It is no good expecting fellowship groups to develop and
flourish if the Vicar never meets with the leaders. I recommend that you meet at last
once a term to share how it is going, input good practice and share vision. Encourage
openness and honesty as it‟s a really tough job – leaders can help each other. If you
have a centralised pattern of teaching, then this is where you can share the ideas and
the scheme. It is also where you can share the vision and direction of the church as the
groups become a key part of the communication structure. Invest in the leaders as
much as you can! It will pay rich dividends – in reality they will, in return, pastor and
care for a significant number of people and save the minister an enormous amount of
time and effort and energy – so it‟s time well spent.
4) Leaders or coordinators. The group leader does not always lead and teach. Some of
the best groups are where the „coordinator‟ encourages everyone to take part in some
way. If the leader always does the teaching then a dependency grows which can be
unhealthy. There are a lot of materials around these days (see Appendix 3 which
means several people in the group can take part in leading sessions.
However, you do need one key person who is the coordinator between the Vicar and
the group for communication and accountability. It is always good to have a deputy so if
the leader is ill or unavailable or moves, the group can continue. The deputy leader
may, in time, go on to lead a group of their own.
Never ask for volunteers to lead groups! Always make sure you pick the people with the
most suitable attributes: high capacity people because they can be relied on, people
who are good at holding peoples' interest and people with a good sense of humour. At
the same time it is important that leaders are skilled at facilitating discussion, generally
with a light touch, but also knowing when to intervene to bring things back on track.
5) Frequency of meeting. Ideally groups should meet weekly. Through this, bonding and
fellowship develop. Groups which meet less frequently tend to take longer to bond
together and members more easily drift away. However, there is a danger of stagnation
in a weekly meeting and so churches develop their group structures in varying ways to
combat this.
Some churches have a monthly „joint fellowship‟ where all the fellowship groups come
together. This gives an opportunity for experimenting in worship style, deeper teaching
and prayer, as well as giving the group leader or host a week where they can take in
and do not need to prepare.
Some churches meet bi-weekly and in-between have clusters of groups meeting
together. This creates a variety and dynamism which can be very helpful. An example
of this is a church where „community groups‟ (25 people) meet fortnightly and „life
groups‟ (8-10 people) meet the alternative weeks. Another term for this used in some
churches is a „pastorate‟ for the larger group. See
http://www.htb.org.uk/pastorates/vision-pastorates for more details.
D) Ongoing Issues.
1) Content of the teaching. A key question in many churches is whether the groups
devise their own teaching /subject syllabus or whether this is driven centrally by the
church leaders. I used to allow my groups to devise their own syllabus but occasionally
asked them to follow a centralised pattern of teaching. There were some groups who
needed constant help and advice and others who resented it when asked to follow a
central pattern. Allow for the diversity if you can. I used to have a store of resources
people could borrow and was always willing to give advice. There are numerous
resources around but many are costly. Why not work together as local churches? Find
out what works in churches similar to yours and share good resources.
2) Sub-group structures. In larger churches sustaining multiple groups can be hard work.
I found coordinating 20+ groups almost a full time job. In addition to knowing who was
attending where, at any given moment three groups were struggling and three were
developing! Sub leaders are the key – leaders who will monitor and support 3 or 4
groups – visit regularly, look after the leader. Again, not all groups will want this. It‟s the
same principle as when you start groups in the first place, grow this pattern with new
groups. And some leaders will love it anyway. You will also have some people who
have had enough of being a group leader but will relish the opportunity to be a leader of
leaders – and may do it very well.
3) Sacking and restructuring. This is normally done because the leadership feel that the
groups are stagnating or rebelling. Beware, the groups develop a wonderful loyalty. But
groups have a life-cycle and after three years may be rather tired and need a change.
Either the group needs to end and re-form or there needs to be significant change in
the group to keep it alive either by a new leader or the injection of new members.
Beware of groups which stagnate and euthanasia is preferable to senility in small
groups.
4) Multiplying groups. Some groups grow naturally by current members inviting new
ones. This is particularly the case if the host has a real gift of hospitality. Groups do not
like to multiply (split!) as the members grow to love each other and have a commitment
together. But if the group continues to grow its size will be self-defeating and it is
necessary to sit down with the group and talk about options. To do a 50/50 split rarely
works in my experience. It often works better to take a smallish number from the group
to form the core of a new group which others can join – the larger group also has room
for growth. The two groups often keep an association and meet for socials. In the longer
term after another multiplication there may be 3 or 4 groups with a common source
which can form a pastorate (see above).
E) Problems and remedies.
Problem
Suggestions
Heresies develop (this
never happens in
sermons, of course!)
a. some churches have set programme of teaching for all to follow.
There are a multitude of good resources and programmes.
b. Regular reporting back and meeting with leaders. Relationship.
c. Keep your ears open.
Splits and factions –
leaders who want
power
a. Relationship and regular report-back – meeting with leaders and
senior leader. Accountability.
b. Overall vision of church.
c. Keep your ears open.
Lack of leaders
a. Develop „deputy leaders‟ in groups – when they show signs of
frustration with their leader it‟s often a sign that they are ready for
their own group.
b. Regular training to which new people are invited.
c. Don‟t look for the wrong qualities. Good people skills and group
skills are more important than theological/biblical knowledge.
Maintenance of the
structures
a. Have someone who can administer the groups, keeping an eye on
who is going where (or not going).
b. Develop sub-leaders – see above.
c. It is worth the time invested for the time saved elsewhere and the
potential for growth.
F) Conclusion
The time and energy you give to small groups will reap dividends. In view of that, if you want
advice or help with your small groups, do contact the Mission Dept as we see this as a vital area of
church growth and therefore are more than willing to give advice and help.
Appendix 1: Nurture Courses
Course
Tradition /
style
Number of
sessions
DVD
Meal
Weekend /
Awayday
Alpha
Evangelical
charismatic
Evangelical
10
Yes
Yes
6
No
Conservative
Evangelical
Anglican
Modern
Spirituality
Catholic
Catholic
10
Evangelical
Evangelical
Christianity
Explained
Christianity
Explored
Emmaus
Essence
Evangelium
Knowing God
Better
Start!
The Y Course
Yes
Photocopiable
work
sheets
No
Minimum
cost for 12
participants
and 1 leader
£160
No
No
Yes
£9.00
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
£94
15
6
No
CD
No
No
No
No
Yes
N/A
25
7
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
£22.50
Free
download
£120.40
£34.90
6
8
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
£39.95
£28 (if Course
Book for each
participant,
£86)
For the latest up-to-date list go to:
http://www.lichfield.anglican.org/chadnet/DynamicContent/Documents/Nurture%20Courses%20A4.pdf
Appendix 2: Beta Materials:
A Life Worth Living. Alpha Study of the book of Philippians in 9 sessions with DVD, Leaders Guide
and Study Guide.
Scenes of Life by John Robertshaw. 20 biblically-based sessions on life-related topics.
http://www.clcbookshops.com/scenes-of-life-bible-studies-on-life-issues_prd33075.html
Discipleship Explored. Follow up to Christianity Explored. http://www.christianityexplored.org/de/
Believe. 6 sessions on the Creed developed by the Roman Catholic church.
http://www.faithcafe.org/
Emmaus Series: http://www.chpublishing.co.uk/category.asp?id=22601
Challenging Lifestyle. Book, DVD and members book. http://www.eden.co.uk/
"The Life You've Always Wanted", by John Ortberg, DVD with six sessions on spiritual disciplines
for ordinary people. http://www.eden.co.uk/
“The Road to maturity” by Mary Pytches. DVD with 4 sessions.
http://www.essentialchristian.com/index.php
And many more in Appendix 3.
Appendix 3: Resources for small groups.
a. Leading Small groups:
There are various books available. Two I have been recommended are:
How to Lead Small Groups by Neil McBride. Wesley Owen. £4.99
Leading Life-Changing Small Groups by Bill Donahue (Zondervan) £10.99
50 Small Group Worship Ideas by Stuart Townend. £8.99 from Wesley Owen.
Willow Creek web site on small groups: http://www.willowcreek.org.uk/ministries_small_groups.php
b. Small group Resources:
There are a huge number of resources available. The websites of Eden, Good Book Company, etc
have them listed. Here are some possibilities:
http://www.eden.co.uk/
http://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/
The Lifebuilder series have been used by many of my small groups. They contain between 8 and
twelve sessions for £3.99. It is not necessary for each person to have a copy.
Another good series is the Spring Harvest one. They have lots of Home Group Bible Study
Workbooks (most are £2.99) They can be found on:
http://store.springharvest.org/index.php?cPath=5_21
New Community Bible Study Series.
Geared for Growth Bible Studies. A huge range at £2.99 each.
http://www.gearedforgrowth.co.uk/biblestudiesnt.php
Nooma DVDs by Rob Bell. Ideal discussion starters.
Navigator Bible Study series:
Life Change Series:
Studies in Christian Living
c. The Diocese of Chester has an excellent list of resources available at:
http://www.chester.anglican.org/page_mission.asp?Page=160
d. London Institute for Contemporary Christianity have produced an excellent summary
of Discipleship resources:
Foundations 21
Online modular study programme, offering flexibility and a choice of four learning
styles. Emphasis is on the spiritual journey and the chance to mature rather than
gaining academic achievement. Supported by on-line study groups and a personal
mentor, users decide how much to study before completing each assignment. F21 has
been developed to help the growing number of people who wish to learn in their own
time, prefer a multi-media environment, and are comfortable with virtual
conversations. As with every course, fruitful endeavour requires serious engagement
with God and with the material.
4Life
A book of 40 short studies for individuals and 4 meetings with a sponsor. This is not
intended for homegroups but for individuals. Don't be put off by the simplicity of the
product. A framework of accessible material allows space for prayer and reflection,
challenges our values, and offers practical tools to assist spiritual growth. No
opportunity to hide behind others - it is up to you to grapple with the material.
Perhaps you could then become a sponsor to help someone else on their journey
through 4Life.
Living Faith
This course could provide a good foundation in Biblical Studies including some
doctrine. There are ten units of teaching on DVD by the Bishop of Durham, Tom
Wright, a short study guide providing background to each topic, and discussion
materials for use in small groups. This is quite solid material, though academic in
its style, and would help to put faith into a wider context.
Distance Discipleship
A virtual classroom for computer fans. This is fun, very user-friendly, and in places
very simple. But it is also long (84 modules) and very demanding in
terms of deadlines and practical homework. Course registration
ensures that the user is part of an on-line study group, but the site
also offers a more relaxed option to do this as a guest without
signing-on officially.
Purpose Driven Life
Popular book, to be used daily over a 40-day period. Short chapters offer thematic
teaching followed by material for reflection. Rick Warren aims to
explain the meaning and purpose of life, both decisively and
succinctly. The book may challenge the seeker or remind the longterm believer. It can be used by individuals, small groups or
congregations. For whole-church use there is a 40-day campaign
option, with appropriate media resources.
On The Way
A short, simple, creative, lo-tech, jargon-free course for small
groups. It's good for those who have some links but only a little
knowledge of the Christian faith. It's anchored around a central colour
image ‘The Road’, symbolising the journey of faith, and this is used
for response and prayer. On The Way requires less reading or clever
thinking and more willingness to share, question, and be open about
the journey and search that we share together.
DNA
A dynamic gap-year programme with a difference since it engages both
the student and their church in discipleship. It combines teaching,
practical service, and personal development. This is a joint venture
between Pioneer and local fellowships of any denomination. Full
commitment is required from individual participants and their host
church, but it results in growth, challenges and opportunities for both
parties. The title DNA says it all: who we are drives what we do and how we mature.
Emmaus
A substantial library of resources for small groups. Many people are
more familiar with an Emmaus journey rather than a Damascus Road
experience. This material supports a faith journey, offering teaching
and liturgy for specific landmarks on the way. The modules are
extremely flexible. They provide a comprehensive approach to
spiritual formation, including a popular nurture course.
Glad You Asked
An innovative seeker course with excellent apologetic content that can help
people at all stages of faith. It offers a fast-paced exploration of life’s big
questions followed by an imaginative presentation of Jesus’ life. The style is
contemporary and interactive, offering bite-sized presentations on DVD and big
open questions to be thrashed out by a small group.
CaFE (Catholic Faith Exploration)
A library of excellent resources that challenge Catholics to make sense
of their faith, to share the gospel with other people, and to make a
difference in the world. The short courses take place within a relaxed
café-style environment, either at a central parish venue or in home
groups. Teaching sessions on video also employ a variety of media to
accompany personal reflection and provoke discussion. Small groups are
formed gradually, some of which may become home groups at a later stage.
A Life Worth Living
If you loved Alpha then this is the course for you. But you don't need to be an
Alpha recruit to engage with this inspiring 9-week study of Philippians. It's the
official post-Alpha course, offering the familiar format of meal, speaker or video,
and discussion groups, with quality material and excellent application.
SEAN (Study by Extension for All Nations)
Originally written by missionaries in South America to provide Biblical
teaching and discipleship of new believers, SEAN (pronounced say-an)
is now used worldwide. Learning is through personal preparation
followed by small group meetings. The most unusual feature is the
very simplistic method of repetition using fill-in-the-blanks in a
workbook. Its apparent popularity lies in its clear presentation of
Biblical knowledge and it accessibility to anyone who can read.
Churches run the course in partnership with SEAN. In short, SEAN is a
great leveller - theological concepts are presented simply and clearly.
TIDE (Training In Discipleship and Evangelism)
Very accessible 12-session course combining video teaching and flexible
material for small groups. High challenge to put into practice the teaching of
Jesus. Heart-searching and inspiring, with the kind of questions that make it
hard to complete the course without being significantly changed.
An Ordinary Day with Jesus
A very practical, refreshing and engaging short course for large or
small groups, with whole-life application. Written by John Ortberg and
Ruth Haley Barton. By reconsidering our activities throughout the day,
however routine, we're challenged to form some new habits and gain a
new perspective so that we live extraordinary days with Jesus.
2:7
A modular course oriented around the aims of Colossians 2:7. Lasting two
years, the material slowly develops skills in the disciplines of bible study
and prayer. Personal study and scripture memorisation are highly valued.
Requires commitment and the approach is somewhat prescriptive, but the
foundations built have helped many.