How do you keep track of everyone? One of the churches I worked for in the 80’s was the largest church in America at that time. That pastor built his church on 3×5 cards and shoeboxes. When we were switching over to computers and frustrations began to set in, I will never forget him saying, “I built this church on 3×5 cards and shoeboxes and we can go back to that if needed.” The point is, you can do it without computers, but in today’s era, there are so many programs that can help you keep track of your leaders and their people. We track people/group development, not attendance. It is very important to figure out what you want to track before you start to track.
If I am thinking about adding a small group infrastructure, what should be my first step? Know your desired results and keep the end in mind. If your people don’t know what they are trying to tangibly produce, then your infrastructure has no guideline or base for success. Once you know what you want, you can decide what you want to track and how you want to develop groups. Recruiting can then take place, because you know what to recruit for.
Infrastructure may not be the most exciting piece of your small group ministry, but it is what sustains your ministry. Don’t overlook it. It is always far easier to grow groups than sustain them.
