How to Give Away Your Small Group

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A new strategy for trauma-free multiplication

by Joe Windham | posted 10/12/2009

Topics:	Birthing groups, Division of groups, Growing, Multiplication, New groups, Recruiting leaders, Splitting groups
Filters:	Coach, Group Leader, Pastor, Start
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Luke 10:2
Date Added:	October 12, 2009

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Many people in the small-group world have searched for a way to multiply groups without causing a lot of relational trauma and fear. I don't have a universal answer, of course, but the best way I've found to do this is by training up an assistant leader and then giving away the small group to them.

The Idea

My wife and I have done this numerous times as leaders of married couples groups. From our very first meeting, we let our new small group know our belief that, over time (usually six months to a year), God is going to raise one of them up to take over the leadership of the group. We emphasize that we're not in a hurry to make this change, but we do believe it will happen over time. Because when something is healthy, it naturally grows. After planting this visional seed, we make sure to water it often with prayer, encouragement, and support.

At a recent Vision Night for our church's small-groups ministry, I shared this approach to multiplication with all of our group leaders. It was very well received, and afterward we had all the group leaders in attendance write down the names of any potential leaders from their group on a 3 x 5 card. We directed them to put these cards in their Bibles and begin praying over them. We also had each leader come forward and write the names down on large flip pads so that our coaches and staff could spend some time praying over them, as well.

Since that night, we have had numerous leaders let us know that they are already preparing to give their group away and start something new. And each of our small-group coaches are now tracking where their leaders are in the process of giving their groups away, and how they can help them do so effectively.

Another positive aspect of the "give away your group" strategy is that it teaches a group to have a missional sense of purpose. Not only do groups meet weekly to do study and fellowship, but they're to pray weekly over who God is going to raise up next. We also encourage each group to pray for their original leaders as they branch out to start a new group. In fact, many of our groups have a special "sending out" night where they pray for the leaders as they launch out to start their new group. It's an exciting time of celebration.

I believe the reason this approach is so successful is because group leaders intuitively fear the trauma that traditional multiplication causes—and are relieved to have a less stressful and damaging method of growth. Another reason this strategy works so well is because it's easy. The new group leader already has relationships with everyone in the group, which means the group can just continue on as normal. When any leader receives the simple steps I've listed below, they actually believe it to be something they can do.

The Strategy

Here are the basic steps involved in the "give away your group" method of multiplication:

Share the vision with your small group. Let the group know you are praying that God will raise up someone within the group to take over its leadership in the future. Let them know you're not in a hurry, but you believe God has a plan for growth.
Pray for and identify potential leaders. Pray regularly that God would reveal people in your group who have the potential for leadership, and try to identify at least one person or couple in your group that has what it takes to lead the small group effectively.
Look for the Five C's as confirmation. Those C's are: Character, Competence, Chemistry, Consistency, and Caring. You want a replacement for your group who is on time, who has great character, who you get along with, who is a great listener, and who is caring, and who demonstrates a shepherding heart.

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user reviews

Average User Rating:

Anonymous

November 01, 2009 7:54pm

Don't know about this one...I think it would be rather hard for me to part with my group. Maybe that means I'm a little too clickish. I also wonder if the group would stay together if I left...but at the same time I don't want to be the reason they are there. Our group has been together for many years. Different folks come in and out throughout the years. Its like in some ways we are a comfort blanket for each other. And a safe place when the world attacks and folks start thinking about their relationship to God again.

Abigail Taylor

October 21, 2009 5:38pm

Hi friends, this is real powerful strategies to evangelize. I had the experience of cell-groups, where I was an assistant. Once a month the Lead pastor of the church met with the Leaders and assistant Leaders for motivation, discussions, prayer. We have had more people hear the Word of God this way than meeting in the church building each Wednesday night. I would like to know how the couple started out, in forming the group who has been non-churched. What method was used. Thank you very much.

Eusebio Yu(Registered User)

October 15, 2009 2:43am

Great tip! We're also trying this out in our church.

Bill Harrel, Sierra Vista, AZ

October 12, 2009 5:56pm

I have used this approach with great success and encouraged others in our small group ministry to do the same. I add a few things. First, this system can also be used if your group meets at the church on Sunday morning. Second: I always allow the new person to teach while I am present so I can assess their skill level and determine where they need additional mentoring. I do this before I let them know what I am up to...this way if they just don’t measure up to being a teacher right now, I know before I ask them to become a permanent leader. Third, I encourage the existing group to not follow me when I start the new group, unless the existing group is actually launching the new group and a few are going out with me. You want to make certain that the existing group does not abandon the new leader.