That's a great topic, Jan. In my own church, we've often remarked on the same phenomenon. What are the similarities between those groups and what we more typically think of as a small group? And what are the important differences? And what can each type learn from the other?
It's Your Page
So it looks like I've got about 2 months of writing left for the Network. My last blog will come at the end of March ending a fifteen month stint as the guide of the Network Small Groups page.
So here's what I really want to do for the next couple of months. Although I felt that I was able to cover many topics that I have found very pertinent to starting, developing and sustaining small group ministry in the church, I would like to know if I've missed something. Perhaps you've been coming to this page on a weekly or monthly basis and thought, "That's just not scratching where I itch." and moved on to something else. Perhaps you've come to this site time and time again hoping to find that one article that would descend upon you like and epiphany solving all of your churches small groups concerns only to find it not posted.
So here's your chance to ask or suggest a topic to cover that you would find helpful to your church's small group ministry. Just post your suggestions or questions below and I'll do my best to cover your topic within the next couple of months…..
….. After all, this is your page.
akd.
Comments
Tim Postuma on Tue, 01/31/2012 - 3:21pm
Allen Kleine Deters on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 9:28am
Good one. I know there are a lot of churches out there with such groups or churches that started many groups under the formerly supported small group model of Principle Based Small Groups. In that model anything could be a small group as long as there were a few people involved.
Fronse Pellebon Smith on Fri, 02/03/2012 - 1:33pm
Each church has a fellowship or welcoming committee I think?
When people are welcomed weekly, the committee should focus on identifying members and visitors areas of interest and actually keep a running list of where folks might want to serve or be involved. Especially with new members and visitors this 'first impression' makes a tremendous difference psychologically and is living our call to be a welcoming church.
The sooner people can be involved at the small group level the more 'at home' they will feel.
I do think small groups are at the heart of successful church life -- I'm wondering about how already existing groups can and do function as small groups even though they weren't established with that in mind, a church choir, for instance. What do you think?