Build a More Effective Small Group and Discipleship Culture
In a recent article, Barna cited the “4 Barriers to Discipleship Community in Churches” discovered in their survey. Those participating in the survey were churchgoers who were not involved in a small group. Those top four barriers (among ten identified) are, 1) lack of time, 2) lack of commitment, 3) lack of comfort, and 4) lack of awareness.
Do any of these barriers sound familiar to you? Does your church encounter some of the same barriers? How are you working to overcome these barriers or others your church is facing? While a church is never able to overcome all barriers, there are some key strategies to consider. Here are a few thoughts to consider as your church leaders work on removing these barriers in your church:
Start new groups often. It is difficult for a new person to assimilate into a well-established group. Even friendly established small groups have history, relationships, and shared experiences that a new person would not have.
Allow potential new groups and its members to determine their meeting times and locations. Place flexibility into the hands of the participants.
Offer short-term small group opportunities for people to dip their toes into a small group experience. People are more willing to commit to a four, six, or eight session small group rather than an on-going group as a first step.
Tie in discipleship next steps into each sermon. Connecting the teaching into practical steps to live it out is essential.
Create a culture that small-group participation is a given part of discipleship. Too often churches offer small groups as an “optional extra” rather than creating a culture where it is an essential part of a growing disciple.
Have a discipleship pathway that helps people determine where they are in their discipleship journey, what their next steps can be, and what it means and looks like in their journey of becoming more and more Christ-like.
Help small group members connect relationship-building with small group experiences. Small groups are not only for learning and growing, but also having others journey alongside them.
Assist potential new group members in identifying small groups as a method to manage their everyday concerns, struggles, issues, pains, and situations. People are more likely to commit to activities that address their life issues. Ask them to identify their concerns, struggles, etc. first and then help them bridge the gap to a small group and resources to address them. Don’t assume what would be valuable to them. Ask!
Some small group participants appreciate starting in a small group around a shared infinity rather than a deep study. This could be a shared affinity for sports, crafts, hobbies, cooking, stage of life, traveling, etc.
Help new groups focus on building relationships first and foremost. It is much more important to create an atmosphere where people get to know each other, they feel included and comfortable, and a sense of belonging is created for everyone.
Which of these ten strategies resonates with you and your church? Which ones might spark more interest, commitment, and awareness in your church’s small group participation? Choose one or two from the list above to try in your church. To build a healthy small group culture, continually evaluate what is working and what is creating barriers. Course correct as needed.
