3. Outdoor Settings Are Ideal for Intergenerational Inclusion
One often overlooked benefit of meeting outside is the freedom it gives families. Young children can play in the yard while adults engage in discussion. Teens can hang out nearby without feeling “forced” to sit in a circle. This setting invites participation at different levels and makes it easier for entire families to attend together.
Small groups often struggle to accommodate diverse life stages, but meeting outside softens those tensions. Parents feel more at ease. Kids get a taste of community. And everyone benefits from seeing faith practiced in a more integrated, everyday way.
RELATED: Summer Church Activities
4. Being Outdoors Makes Your Group More Visible and Approachable
When your small group meets on a back deck, around a fire pit, or in a neighborhood park, you naturally become more visible to those around you. And that’s a good thing. A curious neighbor might wander over. A passing jogger may recognize a familiar face. This casual exposure gently reinforces the idea that church isn’t confined to a building—and neither is spiritual community.
In fact, many small groups have found that outdoor meetings lead to spontaneous conversations with unchurched friends or neighbors. They ask questions like, “What are you guys doing?” or “Is this some kind of Bible study?” These interactions create natural opportunities for invitation and evangelism—without pressure or awkwardness.
If your small group has a heart for outreach, hosting gatherings outside can serve as a soft front door to those who might never walk into a sanctuary. It’s church in the neighborhood, right where people live.
5. Creativity and Flexibility Grow in Open Air
A small group outside allows for a wider range of activities and expressions. Want to incorporate worship? Try acoustic guitar under the stars. Need a night of fun and fellowship? Grill some burgers and share testimonies around the fire pit. Planning a service project? Clean up a local park together and then sit down for prayer and discussion.
The outdoor format fosters a creativity that’s sometimes lost indoors. It breaks the monotony and sparks new ideas. Even logistical issues—like spacing out chairs or shifting for weather—can turn into shared problem-solving moments that build group unity.
Take the First Step
If you’re considering trying a small group outside, start simple. Pick a pleasant evening. Let people know to bring a chair, bug spray, and maybe a light jacket. Choose a short passage of Scripture. Invite conversation and prayer. See what happens. You might just find that moving outside brings new life, depth, and joy to your group.
In the end, it’s not about location—it’s about connection. But sometimes, a new location helps foster a stronger connection. And when your backyard becomes sacred space, the impact on your small group could be far greater than you ever expected.
