Your church has been on a spiritual roll with the 40 Days of Purpose campaign. Everyone's excited, but you're actually worried: What will happen to these wonderful small groups once 40 Days is over?
No need to fret. Whether you just finished the 40 Days of Purpose or another fall campaign in which you launched new small groups, with these tips, you can sustain and strengthen your small groups from Day 41 onward.
1. Ask Your Leaders, "What's Next?"
Contact your small group leaders to thank them for their participation and ask some quick questions. Through a phone conversation or email, get the "Four P's" of Feedback:
Praise: How can they thank God for what happened in their group? Let them share stories of how God has been changing lives. When they relive that excitement, they will become energized about leading another small group.
Problem: What one problem did they encounter? Perhaps the curriculum choice, a difficult person, or group dynamics proved challenging. Whatever the problem, let them talk and feel supported by you.
Plans: What is your group doing next? If they don't have a plan, share with them what other groups are doing and discuss what would best fit their group.
Prayer: Any prayer requests? In that moment, pray for it. To show your earnest concern, follow up with an e-mail in which you write out a prayer for them.
2. Celebrate.
Rally all the new and existing leaders for a time of honor, strategy, praise, and vision. The best place to have a celebration is in a key lay leader's home, though you can do it at church after a Sunday service. You and other key staff should be there.
This is a time to hear leaders' stories and celebrate how God's been working. It's another opportunity to thank leaders, as well. One great way to do this is by sharing "insider news" regarding upcoming sermon topics or some of the next steps the church is taking. When the senior pastor or small groups pastor shares this news, it's even more meaningful. It brings leaders into the fold and makes them feel included.
Many churches forget to celebrate, so hosts celebrate hosts—rather than church leaders celebrating the hosts. Leadership needs to say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
3. Prayerfully Identify a New Small Group Champion.
After overseeing the 40 Days campaign, it's likely that the director or champion is tired and on the edge of burnout—and for good reason. Recruit and develop a new leader who will ensure that your small group ministry energy and motivation is sustained.
How do you know what type of person you're looking for? The person should have five qualities: 1. Loyal to the senior pastor; 2. Part of the small groups community; 3. The gift and experience of leadership; 4. Character that is above reproach, and 5. A growing "lock," or a deepening relationship, with God.
When you pray to the Lord of Harvest to send you workers, also pray for the right small group champion to lead you forward. When this person agrees to help you bridge 40 Days to the future, send your other champion on vacation so they'll return ready to lead again.
4. Plan Your Work, and Work Your Plan.
This is where you ask, "Hey, Lord, where do you want us to go?" And then obediently go where he leads.
After taking a "spiritual pulse" of your Small Group Ministry by using the feedback from your staff, host meetings, and celebration, come up with a six-week to six-month tentative calendar. If you don't think through the next six weeks, you risk losing a lot of momentum. It's like planting a new tree in your backyard—you have to put a stake next to it for at least six months so that it will eventually thrive. The calendar is the stake.
If you're ending the 40 Days campaign near the holidays, make sure you consider those breaks. The holidays have the potential to break up 50 percent of your groups, unless you carefully manage the process. Consider shorter curriculum during holiday times or preaching on 40 Days of Purpose-related themes to keep people connected with and enthused about small groups.
Read the next newsletter and learn about 6 more great ways to sustain your small group after 40 Days is over.
