Small Groups

Small Group Multiplication?

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I would like to hear the thoughts of those who are a part of small group ministry on what they think about multiplication.  There seems to be this tension between staying in a group and multiplying them.  I hear some say that they won't break up their group because they have grown a strong and deep friendships so they feel safe and can share more intimately.  Then I hear about how multiplying can destroy the age-old problem of cliques, naturally invite new people into Bible study, and increase the number of those who are involved. 

I would like to hear thoughts from those who have been a part of small group ministry and have done more research than myself.

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Craig Van Hill

Posted On

June 26, 2013

Updated On

March 21, 2019
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Tim Postuma on June 27, 2013

Great question and topic, Craig. I've been thinking about this too, and eager to hear from others about it.

It seems like a core question is - what's the purpose(s) of a small group? If it's to support each other through the ups and downs of life, that would lend itself to long-standing groups and deep relationships. But if the purpose is to welcome and enfold new members and new Christians, then multiplications seems critical. 

In my own small group experience, we're trying to doing both. And it does lead to some real discernment every year when we talk about plans for the next year, who will be continuing, whether to split, whether to invite new members, etc.

I don't have an answer, unfortunately, but my observation is that the question is really one of 'what's our small group about?'. 

Other experiences and observations?

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Sam Huizenga on June 27, 2013

Hi Craig,

Great question! From my experience there are many different answers!

I have been writing some blogs about how leading a small group discipleship ministry is like gardening. I think it also applies to multiplication. Think about how plants multiply. There is not a one-size-fits all approach. I have some hostas in my flower beds. I can rip those apart just about any time during the growing season and they survive. Other plants start with seed, cuttings or bulbs. Some plants you have to cut back. Other plants need great care and encouragement to multiply.

All of these ideas translate to small groups. Some groups are hardy, easy to split. They understand the vision, have leadership skills, etc - like hostas. Others need great encouragement. Some groups send off one or two member to start a group - like a cutting. Some groups of new people start with a seed vision and launch a new group.

I have also learned that multiplication requires leadership (or gardeners). It is not going to happen without someone praying, casting vision, encouraging and equipping leadership.

What do you think?

 

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Nicole Wikkerink on June 4, 2014

Our church is using a book by Larry Osborne, "Sticky Chirch", as it's basic small group format. Larry does suggest the mentoring of new leaders, so there is some splitting in a sense. But he also has a chapter in his book on why the grow and split model does not work (in North America) well. I highly recommend his book. He hits the nail on the head with so many issues I wasn't sure about. 

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