Running a small group in your church can be a fulfilling and transformative experience for both you and the members of your group. It’s important to approach this responsibility with care and intentionality to ensure that your group is a welcoming and supportive environment for all members. Here are some best practices for running a successful church small group:
Pray for your group.
Prayer is essential for any small group, as it helps to build a foundation of trust and unity. Start each meeting with a time of prayer, and pray for each member of the group throughout the week.
Create a welcoming atmosphere.
Make sure that your group is a safe and welcoming environment for all members. Encourage open and honest communication, and ensure that everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions.
Develop a clear purpose and focus.
It’s important to have a clear purpose and focus for your group, whether it’s studying a particular book of the Bible, discussing spiritual topics, or supporting each other through prayer and fellowship.
Prepare well for each meeting.
Whether you’re leading a structured lesson or facilitating a discussion, make sure you’re well-prepared for each meeting. This includes reading the material ahead of time, anticipating potential discussion topics, and creating an agenda for the meeting.
Encourage participation.
Encourage all members to participate in the group, whether through sharing their thoughts and experiences or volunteering to lead a meeting or discussion.
Foster accountability.
Accountability is an important aspect of any small group, as it helps to ensure that members are growing in their faith and actively living out their beliefs. Encourage members to set goals for themselves and hold each other accountable for following through on those goals.
Connect with other groups and church leadership.
It’s important to stay connected with other small groups in your church, as well as church leadership. This can help to foster a sense of community and ensure that your group is aligned with the larger mission and vision of the church.
