Contrary to what many Christians seem to think, the Bible is not against the notion of planning. Consider that God gave Moses very specific "plans" for the building of the tabernacle (Exodus 25-30). We know also that Nehemiah carefully planned before rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. And, clearly, Jesus gave his followers an orderly geographical plan to follow in taking the Good News of salvation to the world (Acts 1:8). Add to these incidents dozens of other similar biblical incidents, and it's clear that great works of God typically involve prayerful human preparation. Planning is not "unspiritual," nor does it "quench the Spirit." We need to remember that the same Holy Spirit we are hoping will "work" in lives at our meetings is the same Spirit who can help us structure IN ADVANCE the kinds of meetings where he will be able to work most powerfully!
When it comes to small group planning, many leaders seem to prefer to "fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants." Oftentimes this "wing it" approach is nothing more than disorganization and/or laziness disguised as "waiting on the Lord." Unfortunately, such a lack of planning almost always shows. Other small group leaders over-plan, obsessively fretting over every conceivable meeting detail and trying—it almost seems—to dictate the movement of the Holy Spirit. Neither approach is wise or God-honoring. The people we are serving deserve better, and God deserves our best, which means giving careful, prayerful consideration to what will take place each time our group gathers.
Here are 10 questions to keep in mind as you anticipate your next group meeting or activity:
1. Am I walking with God?
God uses clean instruments to do his best work (2 Timothy 2:20, 21). Those leaders who are spiritually distracted, divided or even "dirty" will have a hard time hearing from heaven. Echoing the psalmist David, ask God to search your heart and mind and see if there is any offensive way in you, and to lead you (and your group!) in the way everlasting (139:23, 24). Unconfessed sin is a barrier to close fellowship with God; however, to paraphrase Frederick Buechner, confessed sin becomes a bridge back to God (1 John 1:9).
2. What's our "big picture" goal?
It sounds obvious, and maybe even trite, but the overall objective of your small group ministry needs to be crystal clear at the forefront of your mind as you plan each meeting and event. Write your small group goal—e.g. "to build Great Communities of faith that live by the Great Commandment as they live out the Great Commission" or "to develop lifelong followers of Jesus Christ"—across the top of your planning sheet or legal pad. That is the standard by which every group activity must be measured. Ask: Does this [proposed agenda or activity] in some way help us accomplish that [our overall objective]?
3. Have I solicited input from my apprentice/leadership core?
Your helper or apprentice or host couple needs to be a vital part of the meeting/event planning process. Don't just inform him/her of the plan a few minutes before the meeting! Solicit his/her feedback and ideas days in advance! This is time-consuming, yet it provides an excellent opportunity for one-on-one time, praying together for group member needs, as well as vision-casting. This is the best kind of hands-on ministry training. Don't forget your coach is also an excellent resource.
4. Is the meeting "user friendly" for visitors/seekers?
Here is where you must contemplate that tricky balance between ministering to the needs of believing group members and also being sensitive to, say, that "New Agey" co-worker or Hindu international student who visits the group. If we are inviting new folks and even seekers to our meetings, and if we expect them to show up, we need to build in some opportunities for them to get acquainted with others and to feel at home in our midst. We will also want to make sure that without "talking down" to visitors, we explain certain Christian terms or biblical references. Nobody likes feeling on the outside of a discussion among "insiders."
5. What's the make-up of my group?
Let's say you've got an outgoing group dominated by extroverted, "life of the party" type people. Perhaps that meeting idea—the one with long periods of programmed silence—is not such a great idea. Or you realize your group is made up mostly of painfully shy folks who don't really know each other yet. In that case you might want to reconsider the "Let's all share our life stories" segment.
The point is you have to have a firm sense of the "personality" of your members, and for the group dynamic when you're all together. You have to be sensitive to "bottom-line" Bob who gets frustrated quickly if he can't see the goal or objective of an activity. You also have to take into account "peacemaker" Pam who gets upset easily if she senses the discussion is getting a bit too argumentative.
Remember each person has different expectations. One person will go home disappointed if the share/prayer time is cut short. Another cares only about substantive Bible study (ideally with lots of Greek and Hebrew words!). A third will play dumb games, watch a bad missionary video, endure just about anything, just so long as there is good coffee and something sweet to eat.
You can't please everyone (nor should you try). But if you'll take a few minutes to view your proposed agenda through the eyes of various, diverse group members, you'll be more likely to scratch where folks are itching. Oh, and one more thing: Be assured some of your "can't miss!" planned activities will bomb miserably. God likes to keep his servants humble!
6. Are we in a rut?
It would be a mistake to do something wildly divergent each and every week. It's also unwise to embrace an unvarying meeting format for months on end. Mix things up. Throw in a surprise every now and then. Show a video clip. Worship a bit. Experiment with different methods of corporate prayer. Alter your meeting location. (See the article "55 Ways to Spice Up Your Next Small Group Meeting.") The fact is, static, stale agendas are a leading cause of stagnant groups. Groups that have to flex (even a little bit) on a regular basis are more willing to face bigger changes (like embracing new members and giving birth to new groups).
7. Do I have a "plan B?"
It's always wise to have a back-up plan. Weather conditions, group member illnesses, etc. can throw a proverbial wrench in the works. Have something "in the can" to fall back on just in case.
8. Have I worked at eliminating "surprises?"
Read the chapter (ideally, twice!). Work through the questions in the study guide. Double-check the accuracy of the map. Make sure the park pavilion really does have a working barbecue pit. Familiarize yourself with the video (no matter how many assurances you got that the content was "totally appropriate"). Get the visiting missionary or guest "teacher" to give you a brief preview of his/her presentation.
Why such fuss? There's nothing worse than having a whole meeting torpedoed by technological glitches, bad theology or confusion over time and place.
9. Is this a one-man/woman show or is everyone involved?
If the same one or two people's names appear beside each meeting agenda item, then you don't have a group meeting; you have a performance or, worse, a lecture. Spread the workload (and blessing load!) around. Get lots of group members involved. The reason is obvious: Participants become boosters; spectators become critics.
NOTE: This will require lots of careful communication. You want to avoid scenes like this:
She (hissing under her breath): Why didn't you TELL me I was leading the music tonight?!
He (annoyed, growling): Hello!?!? You ALWAYS lead the music on the first Monday of each month!
10. Am I open to God doing something totally unexpected?
When it comes right down to it, "your" small group is not your group. This is God's ministry, and he retains the right to do as he sees fit. Plan carefully and prayerfully … but then hold your agenda in an open hand. Your planned discussion of Hebrews 6 will still be good next week. But this may be your best (and only!) opportunity to minister to that unexpected visitor whose husband just left her. Give God "permission" to take your meeting and your group in a wholly unexpected direction if that is what you sense is best.
Coming up with great agendas for small group meetings and events isn't an exact science; it's an art form and a spiritual exercise. It's thinking strategically with an attitude of holy submission … all with the goal of seeing God work and change lives forever. Like everything else, you'll get better at it the more you do it. And your meetings will get better too.
