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HOW TO START A SMALL GROUP

by Elizabeth Jordahl 03 Jul 2024

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. - Eph. 4:2

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

        I have been a part of a lot of small groups over the years, both in a leadership capacity and as a participant. It helps that I have worked at a church for over ten years. Throughout that time, what I have learned is that small groups are a great way to build and sustain community. It gives your group a purpose. Your small group could be just for a season, or just for one purpose, or it could be the start of lifelong relationships.

There is something absolutely beautiful and life-giving about bringing people alongside you and journeying together. In a small group you can study, build your faith, and support each other. Yet it isn’t always something that comes easily or shows up in your life. Sometimes, you feel the call to start your own! Or maybe you are just curious about what it might take to start a small group. Whatever brings you here, welcome! I can’t wait to break down how to start a small group and help you along the way. If you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out! I’d love to use my experience to continue the blessing of small groups.

WHAT EVEN IS A SMALL GROUP?

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” – Audrey Hepburn

        The original idea of a small group comes from Jesus and his discipleship. Jesus gathered twelve specific men, as well as lots of other followers, who lived life together. They traveled, asked questions, listened to Jesus’ teaching, witnessed miracles, and served the people they met. It’s part of the cornerstone of the modern-day church. It is also something that sounds so beautiful! A community of like-minded individuals who are building something that will benefit and bless so many others.

There is a lot of history behind the term “small group”… in-home churches in England, John Wesley starting small groups across the country, and lots of other awesome stories that are truly worth exploring if you are interested! For our purposes, I’d like to focus on what small groups look like now.

In modern-day Christianity, the term “small group” is really just a way to explain any group that meets together. Some of them meet at the same-day and same-time and same-place for decades. They read different books, they serve their community, and they live life together. Others meet for a specified time, while they read through one study together. While others are more focused on the phase of life they might be in, like parenting, college, or other seasons.

The good news is that with the broadness of the term, you can build a small group that most fits your hopes for this time. Then you can trust God with the rest! Are you ready to get started? Let’s go!

STEPS TO STARTING A SMALL GROUP

“In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.” – Marianne Williamson

Use the steps that most work for you!

  1. Choose the purpose of your small group.

Are you meeting to discuss a specific topic or book? Are you going to invite people who are in a similar life phase as you? Will it be for a set period of time or just until you decide to finish?

  1. Find a day, time and location.

It’s going to be way easier for you to set this ahead of time! So choose what works best for you.

  1. Start inviting!

This is really the fun part. It’s time to start inviting people to join you! Pray about it, dream about it, and ponder this idea deeply. My guess is that you will instinctively know who or how to invite people to your small group. 

  1. Planning time.

If you haven’t already, choose the format and topic of your study. You can also set up some fun snacks or make sweet little gifts for all the people who are joining you! A basic plan for your first study might be:

  • Opening and chatting time
  • Snacks and ice breakers
  • Introduce the study you want to do
  • Watch the video or read the passage
  • Discuss, ask questions and talk
  • End with prayer and making plans for your next small group
  1. Continue on!

The hardest part of starting a small group is just continuing. It means that you are committing some time and energy for each meeting. You are working to support and get to know all the people in your group. So plan for it! Ask people to help you with the various tasks, look for other people who might be open to join. Be willing to adjust your plans as needed and stay open to what might be next for your small group!

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. - 1 Cor. 1:10

IT’S TIME TO GET STARTED

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

        The beauty of starting a small group is that it can grow and adjust as time continues! Something that you start today can bless you and so many others in many ways. So, get started and then continue on. Here are even more ideas for you! 

Ideas for things your small group can do:

  • Volunteer for a service project together.
  • Do an arts and crafts night.
  • Make dinner together (don’t forget desserts!).
  • Host an event for your community and get to know each other’s families.
  • Choose a Bible study together by each bringing some fun choices.
  • Look for other groups in your church or community and do something together!
  • Try having your small group at a restaurant or coffee shop sometime, just to change things up.
  • Ask your group for more ideas!

ENJOY YOUR SMALL GROUP

“Instead of drifting along like a leaf in a river, understand who you are and how you come across to people and what kind of an impact you have on the people around you and the community around you and the world, so that when you go out, you can feel you have made a positive difference.” – Jane Fonda

        This blog post is just the starting point! Start your small group, enjoy creating a community. You never know what will happen!

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