Churches all over the nation are recognizing a need to get small groups going in their congregations. As people sense a desire for deeper relationships within the body of Christ, interest in the movement is rising. But getting small groups started in a church and keeping the groups healthy are two completely different jobs.
As head of Touch Outreach Ministry, my job is to look at churches that have ...
The holidays are a great time to boost your group's sense of community.
by Erin Brownback
For a small group, it's always a good idea to celebrate Christmas in a warm and memorable way. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Meet on a Sunday afternoon, or at a time when you can enjoy each other's company for longer than usual. Have everyone bring food, and allow yourselves to feast on goodies all day long. See if there is a Christmas pageant or play your group could attend in the evening. You may also want to invite your group members' spouses or family.
Let this simple tool bless you with more time for the things that matter most.
by Erin Brownback
Do you need completely effortless cooking ideas for your small group of guys who are tired of eating pizza, or for that couples Bible study that meets an hour after you get home from work? Consider crock pot cooking.
A crock pot is a countertop electrical appliance that makes one-pot meals. Because this low temperature slow cooker takes hours to make a meal and requires no supervision, you can dump ...
Practical suggestions for equipping your kitchen to serve
by Erin Brownback
OK, you're hosting a small group. You've got a date, a time, guests, and food. But your kitchen isn't equipped with enough dishes to serve everyone. What are your options?
Paper. Paper or Styrofoam dishes are convenient and relatively cheap. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be thrown away, making cleanup simple and easy. For a little more money, party stores carry attractive and themed patterns, making the dishes more inviting. The down side to taking the paper route includes the dishes' lack of sturdiness, the abundance of trash they make, and that the cost can add up over time.
Launch new groups using these creative projects and activities.
by Erin Brownback
People bond over projects. Doing something with our hands loosens our mouths to talk about things we wouldn't say to someone who was looking us in the eye. Some people do it while working on cars. Some people do it while washing dishes. Even going for a walk side-by-side makes talking about our deep places a lot easier than a face-to-face conversation with no buffer of activity.
A practical form for collecting and organizing group members' basic information
by Erin Brownback
One reason for meeting in small groups is so that group members can really get to know one another on a deeper level. This is a subtle process that takes time, but it can start with a straightforward understanding of the basics. Below is an Information Sheet that you can copy and use to find out a little more about each person in your group.
A shared interest, hobby, or practice can bring a deeper connection to your group.
by Erin Brownback
People are drawn together by a shared sense of identity. That identity can be based in almost anything—a science-fiction TV show, a nationality, a shared crises, a hobby, a love of Starbucks, or a desire to save the whales.
For my small group, it was tea. Being greeted with a kettle of hot water and several flavors from which to choose was welcoming and soothing to our somewhat harried souls. ...
Do you have a system for celebrating your group members every year?
by Erin Brownback
Too often birthdays are just one more item to squeeze into our already overflowing bag of to-dos and things to remember. I have several friends who make a vow each year to get better at celebrating others, but unless we have a plan our intentions will fall by the wayside as the year goes on. So here are a few simple tactics to help you communicate love and importance to the members of your small group—at ...
Everybody needs an easy, crowd-pleasing meal on hand for when hungry visitors stop by. This soup costs little, takes only a few minutes to make, and is a favorite among even non-tomato soup eaters because it tastes just like pizza. And these ingredients are easily kept on hand at all times.
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