Darryl’s small group is getting ready to birth. Darryl’s apprentice will be launching out to begin and lead the new group. Darryl and the apprentice have prepared the group well and asked group members to pray about what group they want to join once the group births. The day has come when members share what they felt led to do. It turns out all members of the group have felt led to join the newly birthed group led by Darryl’s apprentice leaving Darryl and his wife as the only members of the remaining group. Darryl was expecting to have at least a couple of families to form the core of the remaining group so this development has taken him by surprise.
What should Darryl do now? What would you do if you were in this dilemma?
YOUR RESPONSES
They didn't really branch and they either need to go back as a group and discuss it and get some advice from their small group coordinator. The purpose of Darryl's group may have determined why they all went with the other guy.
Dave, First Church of God
Rejoice that the group members feel lead (& secure) in following the apprentice's leadership. Have a party for the group to celebrate. Incorporate some major prayer time at the party to "send off" the App & his group. And ask the group to pray for Darrell & his wife as well - as they prepare themselves to accept the next group of people God places in their realm of leadership. It's a God-adventure for everyone in the founding group! Enjoy the birth and new "unknown" doors that God is opening for Darryl and for the apprentice and group!
Carol Houston, BTCommunity Church
If all the couples truly show a felt leading to move to another group, he could honor that, and begin another group on his own. Depending on how difficult the existing churchs' draw pool is to draw from, he could enlist the help of another couple in the old group to help with finding others to birth the new group.
It seems silly that all members would ask to leave right in front of each other, so I think Darryl has some weighing to do: Other than the obvious "hows my breath been?", it appears he and his wife should take a look at thier leadership style, and determine if a tuneup is in order.
Usually when a group that is doing well together splits, the tendency is to want to stay with the original group, mostly because of comfort level with the most familiar. I know I should be saying that we should fight the urge to ask ourself "so what is wrong with me?", however it does appear something is amiss in this case.
Thanks,
This was interesting, so I just had to put my 2 cents in...
Ryan George, Eagle Brook in White Bear Lake, MN
Pray and thank God for an opportunity for Darryl and his wife to step back and take a look at what they did right equipping a new leader and a close group. Pray God will put people in their lives; who have never thought of being in a small group, are new members, who might need a new concept of a small group.
Judy, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
Apparently Darryl has done an excellent job of preparing for this group birth. Get ready for the next season in your life, Darryl. Use this time to rest and refuel through prayer. Meet with your Pastor to talk through your feelings. Above all, do not harbor resentment or offense. That will only hinder what God has in mind for your future. In the meantime, offer to assist the new leader in any way you can. Perhaps you are a "builder of groups" and that is your calling.
Jan , Central Christian, Henderson, NV
He should do the exact thing he was asking his apprentice to do. Given his experience he should be even better prepared to begin from scratch. This situation could prove to be very inviting for new couples in the church. They can now be part of a group where everyone is new. They won't have to worry about all the history the other couples have together and will most likely feel more comfortable with those in the same situation.
On another note, I think that Darryl and the apprentice leader would have been better served to have both identified another couple (if possible) that would then be their apprentice leaders. Thus, both groups would begin with two couples and have a good beginning point.
Brian McGown, Faithbridge
