When I first became involved in small group ministry, there were two options for how small groups finish: multiply or die.
Years ago, we told groups they had to split or divide within a given time period, usually one or two years. Many of our groups resisted, and even revolted, so we got rid of the negative terms split and divide and began using more constructive terms like multiply or birth. Changing the words did not make much difference, however. Over the years, I have tried to give small groups numerous options for how they multiply, thinking that might help them to choose to reproduce. Still, groups balked at the notion of multiplication. (Am I alone in this?) I have done lots of vision casting, goal setting, and arm-twisting. I have prodded, rewarded, celebrated, shamed, urged, and manipulated, but none of these tactics have really worked.
I still believe in reproduction and multiplication. However, one thing I have learned and relearned many times over the years is one very simple principle:
Emphasize discipleship of individuals over multiplication of groups.
Here are a few sub-points:
- Build an atmosphere in your groups where people can and do grow in their relationship with Christ.
- Within that atmosphere, give them opportunities to serve together outside themselves.
- Give individuals increasing amounts of ownership of the group.
- Provide everyone with chances to serve one another inside the group using the spiritual gifts each one has.
- Share the leadership of the group generously and liberally.
The atmosphere you as a shepherd-leader build will determine your ability to multiply the group.
With this in mind, I have developed a process for our groups at Northeast Christian Church based on several small group life-cycle models. See a pdf of this document here.
This process is based on the work of many writers and small group specialists, such as Lyman Coleman (the "flying wedge"), Ken Blanchard (from The One Minute Manager Builds High Performing Teams), David Limiero (see his article on SmallGroups.com, "From First Date to Potential Mate: Understanding the Life Cycle of Your Small Group."), and others.
The process and how the leader shepherds the group throughout the stages, adapting his or her leadership style for each stage, helps build the right atmosphere for eventual "commissioning."
Note that we are providing three different commissioning choices for our groups:
- They can do "traditional" multiplication, which they can accomplish in many different ways. For instance, they may send out one person or a couple to start a new group.
- They can become what we call an "X-Focused" Group. That means the purpose of their group changes to becoming externally focused. Their primary purpose becomes to carry out a ministry that serves our community or world. They may still meet in community and do Bible study and pray together, but their reason for existence is now to serve. During previous stages, they have been involved in different serving opportunities; now they take on their own ministry.
- They can become a "Leadership Group." This means that they have come to a place in their group where everyone is leading somewhere in the church. They may be leading another adult Life Group, or a middle school or high school group, or a serving ministry, but they still gather as a group to support one another in their leadership. Many of our long-term groups are choosing this option, and we are celebrating their accomplishments.
When I share this model with our current leaders, and especially when I get to the "Commissioning" stage, they breathe a collective sigh of relief! They say they feel better that we are no longer forcing them into one mold and that they have choices for their next step as a group.
So far (and it is still early!), this is working for us. It is not a particular program or methodology, but a simple process that helps people grow spiritually, gives them opportunities to use their gifts in serving and servant leadership, and provides choices rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
