Conduct an annual check-up to determine your small group's health. Evaluate your group's dynamics by using the "five senses checklist" to discover if you are growing together as a community, progressing along the road to spiritual maturity, and increasing in ministry effectiveness.
Eyes—Small groups look to God's Word and each other in order to catch a better glimpse of Jesus. Do you peer into God's Word? How do you see the scriptures being lived-out in group member's lives? Are you modeling spiritual maturity for each other? How can you see Jesus better because of your small group involvement?
Nose—Can you sense issues beneath the surface? Group members might portray a happy and upbeat facade to mask deeper issues. As a group becomes closely knit, it should grow in its ability to sense what is going on in its member's lives. Can group members ask each other, "How's it really going?"
Mouth—Healthy small groups allow members to share life experiences, opinions, and convictions. Are group members at ease sharing with each other? Can people comfortably pray out-loud? Are relationships developed outside the bounds of your meetings where people talk about their lives one-to-one?
Ears—God gave us two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak. How are your collective listening skills? Can people share without interruptions? Do you listen to people's stories without thinking about another you wish to tell?
Touch—How "in-touch" are you? Many people go through an entire week without being touched. Singles, in particular, report a desire to be appropriately touched more often. A small group can provide safe and loving touch to its members through handshakes, pats on the back, laying-on of hands in prayer, and good old-fashioned bear hugs. Do you lend a hand to needy people in your church or community? Healthy small groups do not just reach in to love each other, but they also reach out to meet other's needs.
