4. Turbo Groups
A “Turbo Group” is basically a small group of potential group leaders. Its purpose is two-fold: skill development and relationship-building. Once the turbo group is completed, each member launches out to become a leader or co-leader of a new group. It’s usually a short-term group that works through a carefully selected study and blends in their own leadership training, rotating the role of facilitation to each group member. For a helpful resource on how to do this, see “Effective Turbo Groups.”
5. Sermon Discussion Guides
This strategy involves a person or team creating questions and action steps based on weekend messages. For example, see www.smallgroup.com and read Sticky Church by Larry Osborne. Some churches incorporate “big idea” / summary paragraphs or even “bonus” content delivered via video each week. (For an example, see www.life.church/talkitover/) By making this resource accessible to everyone, people get a glimpse of small group life and can be inspired to step out and lead themselves. This approach oftentimes engages people who have been apprehensive about getting involved in your group life because the material is easier to grab onto and use to circle up with people they already know.
6. Shared Interest Connection Events
People who share an interest are naturally drawn to each other and genuinely interested in what the other has to say. Furthermore, people are more inclined to invest their time organizing and leading something they have an interest in doing themselves so this is a great way to identify latent leaders in your midst. Research and look for clusters of interest based on recreational activities, season of life like parenting young kids, movies / books generating spiritual conversations in our culture, or even spiritual giftings in your church. Then host gatherings that are interactive in nature and would be attractive to the affinity-based people groups, culminating with an invitation to be involved in a short-term group experience that continues with the theme of the event.
7. Service Projects
Deep down, people want to be a part of something that’s bigger than themselves and make a positive impact on the world. Mission creates the ultimate experience in relationship-building and leadership development so offer opportunities for small groups to serve together in a variety of ways (homelessness / hunger / poverty; physical help – seniors / yardwork; schools / mentoring; young and old; environmental; crisis response). Outreach bonds people together, builds up believers, and can empower small group leaders.
