How to Start a New Group

Sometimes people ask, "How do we actually start a new group?"  This past week I had several ask me that very question, some from here at NPC, some from other churches who are starting to use small groups in their church.  Whoever you are, and whatever your place in life, the core to starting a small group is intentionality.  Intentionality involves purpose and commitment on the part of of the leader(s) who is/are interested in beginning a group. 

People who have a passion to lead a new group will often over-think the process of a small group, a leader will begin to try to answer so many questions before even starting, that he or she may feel overcome with the amount of details or logistics that can go into establishing a small group.  This results in a paralysis that prevents the theoretical group from even meeting once! :)

Here are some misconceptions about small groups and their leaders:

1. We need to have a really healthy home life before we can welcome anyone into our home.  We need to finish the basement, clean up that unruly closet, add some landscaping, get our own devotional patterns in order, etc.
2. We can't lead, we are too busy, life is too full, we cannot imagine adding one more thing to our plates!
3. We are going to be stuck with hosting all the time, and leading all the studies, we are not ready to take on all that extra stuff!
4. We are not ready spiritually to coordinate a small group, we are such young Christians and are not ready to take on the responsibility for a small group.
5. We need to be mature Christians who can answer all of the hard questions people might ask about life and the Bible.

There are many more misconceptions that might be addressed, some are slight derivations from these, but there is a freedom and joy in leading a small group, or help coordinating the small group which surpasses all these hesitations!

So, how can you start a small group?

1. Pray for God's opportunities to be known to you, in the relationships around you, in the church, in your own heart, that you'd be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in this matter.
2. Redefine "small group leader" in your mind.  Leaders are often coordinators and hosts that can host a couple initial meetings, make a few calls to organize food and outings, and work with Nate to provide good resources for learning in the small group environment.  Small group leaders don't have to know everything about life and the Bible to step in an begin caring for others.
3. Find another couple or individual to help you lead the group, who will help send emails, contact participants, and to encourage you in the endeavor.  It is more fun and the load lighter when shared with another.
4. Invite a few families from the current membership class or discovery class to your home for an afternoon lunch or dinner.  Have each family bring something to share at the meal.
5. Follow-up with those who came to your house to see if another family can host a gathering at their home
6. Ask Nate for some ideas for how to continue meeting together and for get-to-know you ideas (more will be posted here soon!).

There are so many more ideas to share, hopefully these words are helpful in giving ideas and courage to some who are considering starting a new group here in the body of Christ.  More will be posted soon, buy perhaps this is enough to help some commit to reaching new people and connecting them in significant life-giving, God-honoring relationships.  -Nate Conrad, Pastor of Discipleship