Downsizing is a scary word when it means losing jobs. It's scary in the church, too, if it means losing members. On the other hand, it's a good thing to break large groups into smaller groups. People are more likely to freely express themselves to a few people than to a large number of people.
The magic number for most effective small groups seems to be twelve. Perhaps that is why Jesus chose twelve disciples. Nevertheless, the goal can be difficult to achieve.
No one wants to leave. One of our Sunday morning groups in North Hills Church in Phoenix has grown from thirty to sixty-five in the last few years. Another group has grown from about twenty to more than thirty. New groups are formed all the time in hopes of downsizing the groups. People from those groups do join special interest groups that meet through the week, but they seldom leave the large groups.
Since we want to keep legalism out of the church, it seems best to allow the large groups to remain. No one would want to be told, "You will now need to attend such-and-such group."
A dynamic leader who can bring small-group techniques into a large group can be the key to success. Larry Kelchner is a master of injecting humor into the session with sixty-five people. As people join in the fun, they are more likely to continue to be open during a serious discussion.
If people have the option of joining a small group but choose to remain in the large group, they need to be free to exercise their freedom.
Offer creative curriculum. A subject designed to spark interest may induce members to switch to a life group. Issues that get right down to where people live may appeal to the need for practical help.
Those who battle addictions are looking for help through the church. A leader who has overcome addiction to drugs or alcohol may draw others into a group, where they will receive support from the leader as well as from others who are currently struggling.
Parenting, marriage, divorce, or dieting are good subjects to be covered from a practical, as well as from a biblical, viewpoint. Our church even offers a group that deals with gambling.
People with an evangelistic fervor might form a group to counteract the ungodly influence of the written media. Members bring offensive articles from newspapers or magazines to the group. Either in the group or at home, individuals write courteous letters to the editor pointing out the biblical perspective. Publication of a letter is reason to celebrate the exposure of the Christian voice to the world.
The Amy Foundation promotes getting the Bible into the public's hands and provides guidelines for group participation. Contact: www.amyfound.org or P. O. Box 16091; Lansing MI 48901.
Lack of space. When the problem involves space, it's hard to create new groups. Less than a year ago North Hills Church built a new sanctuary with additional space for Christian education. The gymnasium where we formerly worshiped has become available, but we still don't have space to create new groups.
One option, of course, is to schedule groups at different times throughout the week. Cell groups in homes are a good way to accomplish variety. One Sunday-morning group at North Hills meets in a nearby restaurant.
Assimilating strategies can be challenging, but you can create a program that will meet the needs of the people with practicality, creativity, and enthusiasm.
