Pay Attention to Details

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Why the little things make a big difference in your group experience.

Joel Comiskey | posted 10/27/2008

Topics:	Fellowship, Food, Fun, Guests, Meeting, New groups, New leader, Preparation
Filters:	Facilitator, Group Leader, Host, Lead, New leader
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Luke 10:38-42
Date Added:	October 27, 2008

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I once heard a professor share some wise counsel with a group of preachers: "On Sunday morning, before you ascend to the holy pulpit to preach God's inerrant Word before a waiting, hungry congregation, take a moment to make sure that your pants' zipper isn't down." He knew the main point would be missed if the details were left undone.

Details matter. They matter to God, and they matter to your people. So here are some areas to keep an eye on as you prepare for your cell-group meeting.

Home Atmosphere

We get accustomed to the smells in our homes, but visitors sense them immediately. Pets, things children spill in odd places, heavy perfumes, the evening dinner, and even room deodorizers can irritate noses. You know all about your home. You like its smell. But others might not be so enthusiastic. Think about their noses.

If you have young kids, be sure to dispose of the dirty diapers before the meeting starts or take the hamper of laundry to the washing room. God wants us to be one in Christ, but don't purposely test the oneness of your cell members by allowing strange smells to flood the room. Also, make sure to clean the guest bathroom before the cell group begins. Is there toilet paper, soap, a towel?

Temperature

The temperature in the home increases as more people are packed into a room. Members can become agitated and uncomfortable for the lack of fresh, cool air. If your people must wear heavy coats in your house, although you're in the heat of summer, you probably need to adjust the temperature. The main thing is that you're sensitive to the needs of those in the room. One expert advised that 67 degrees is an ideal temperature for home groups. Common sense is probably a better temperature gauge.

Seating Arrangement

Arrange the seating so each person can see every other person in the group. A circle is the best choice. As the leader, place your chair so that it's on the same level as the rest of those in the group—neither at the focal point nor in the background.

If your house is spacious, it's best to move the chairs into a close circle, thus occupying only a portion of the room. Large rooms may be excellent for large groups, but they kill discussion in small groups. When people are spread far apart (as is the case in large houses), it's harder to openly share thoughts and feelings.

Lighting

The lighting should be bright enough for everyone to read but low enough to feel cozy. If it's too dark, people will have a harder time following the worship sheets and other handouts. You may feel this is unimportant, but details do matter. It's the little things that often make the difference.

Materials

Provide materials for everyone. They'll thank you for it. I've been in small groups where there were only a few song sheets. I shared a song sheet with the person next to me, whom I didn't know. I found myself concentrating more on holding the music steady than on worshiping Jesus. Spend the extra money and make sure everyone has his or her own copy.

Refreshments

Refreshment time isn't something tacked on to small-group ministry. It's a vital part of it. The refreshment time is often the best moment to ask personal questions, enter deeper communion, or even reap the harvest. Some cell groups provide chips and dip during the icebreaker time and after the final prayer. If you can financially afford both, great. If you have to choose, serve refreshments afterwards.

After the meeting, we sometimes serve the people while they're still seated. Most of the time, we stand around the dining room table. This gives the most freedom for people to move around, talk freely, and visit individually. On rare occasions, we'll sit down as a group at the dining room table. Eating refreshments normally lasts about 15 minutes. Afterwards, people will drift out at their own pace. It's the cell leader who sets the tone. If the cell leader is open to it, the people may stay for more than an hour. If the cell leader needs a cut off time, the people will know it. Personally, I think that one hour of talking and sharing is sufficient.

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Anonymous

November 25, 2008 11:41pm

I know I'm very sensitive to this, but I don't like the phrase "you and your wife". It sounds like you're assuming that your readers are all men, or that leaders of cell groups are all men. I'm a woman, and in small groups, I'm usually the one taking the lead, not my husband. I've actually led Bible studies where he was only a member, not the co-leader. In an article encouraging attention to detail, you should be especially aware of your audience.

Renee Newton(Registered User)

November 13, 2008 4:20pm

Good practical suggestions from someone who's been there. Thanks!

Clare

October 30, 2008 7:41am

Good article for newcomers.Spiritual preparation is the most important detail of course and that God can use imperfect people and homes for His purposes should not be forgotten in all our efforts to serve Him.

Paul

October 29, 2008 4:03pm

Excellent details!!

Sharon

October 29, 2008 3:17pm

Thank You--although very basic--it is easy to forget that details do matter. Someone new at this would appreciate this information. Another point would be concerning pets--it is good to check with people before they attend concerning allergies if there are pets in the home.