IS IT TIME FOR A SHIFT IN LEADERSHIP?
Has the leader grown tired of leading? Was the leader ever effective as a small group leader, and should consider another ministry area? Is more training needed for the current leader? Does the leader need to recruit a co-leader, to share the load and to prepare for future leadership of additional groups? Is it time for someone else in the group to "step up to the plate" and lead?
IS THE STUDY MATERIAL MEETING A NEED?
Is the study guide too basic for the spiritual life of the group members? Is it too challenging? It is time to get back to just the Bible? Or to try a topical approach instead of verse by verse?
IS IT TIME TO INVITE?
If numbers are small, is it time to challenge each person in the group to bring one new friend? Is it time to ask the church's small group director to send new people to the group? Is there a need for the "fresh air" brought by new group members?
IS THERE A POLARIZING PERSONALITY IN THE MIX?
Is there a person who dominates the discussion who is driving away group members? Is there someone who needs emotional or spiritual support beyond what the leader or other members can provide? Has a good enough relationship been built with this person that it's time to "do lunch" and discuss their situation?
DOES THE GROUP NEED "A NEW OUTFIT?"
Does the group need to change meeting locations — perhaps the same meeting in the same living room for too long has allowed the group to get "sleepy"? How about meeting in a different home? Multiple homes? A restaurant? Someone's office after hours?
DO WE NEED TO GET OUT AND SERVE?
Does the group need to be stretched by getting out of that living room and serving somewhere in the Name of Christ? Does an elderly church member need leaves raked? Does the local rescue mission need a group to conduct a chapel service?
IS IT TIME FOR A NEW APPROACH?
Is there a need to spend more evenings in prayer and less in study? Or more events just to have fun together? Or less fun events together, and more serious Bible study? Is it a good time to introduce some exercises to help group members become more intimate with one another?
HAS ENOUGH TIME PASSED?
If the group is new and got off to a slow start, is there a need to persevere for a while and see what God's will and timing are? Is the idea of quitting being considered to soon?
IS IT TIME TO BREAK UP THIS PARTY?
Are there too many people to really call this a "small group"? Is it time to send a few members off to begin another group, so others can enjoy this rich small group experience? Is it time to become a "supergroup" and break up into smaller groups within our meeting?
IS IT TIME TO DIE?
Is it time to acknowledge that every small group that has ever existed eventually comes to an end? Is it time to rejoice together for all God has done with this group, have a final celebration together, and the individual members of the group move on to their next small group experience?
