I’ve written quite a bit about small group pastors. I’ve shared their most important contribution and what they need to know on day one. I’ve talked about their most common rookie mistakes and biggest problems.
What I haven’t written about is what a small group pastor needs to be preoccupied with, obsessed with, in order to succeed in their role. With an obvious reference to Patrick Lencioni’s fabulous book, here are the four obsessions:
Obsessed with connecting unconnected people. Others may share this obsession, but if you’re going to build a thriving small group ministry it will be because there is an obsession with connecting unconnected people. Far beyond any kind of vague awareness of their loneliness or sense that they are just a face in the crowd, this obsession is rooted in two certainties:
1. Unconnected people are always one tough thing away from never being at your church again.
2. The optimal environment for life-change is a small group.
Your obsession with connecting unconnected people should lead you to develop deep knowledge of the real numbers of unconnected people in your crowd as well as deep empathy for their predicament. This knowledge and empathy will open your eyes to the needs and interests of unconnected people. See also, What’s Your Urgency Level for Connecting Unconnected People? and 5 Things You Need to Know About Connecting Unconnected People.
Obsessed with eliminating obstacles that keep new groups from forming. If you truly want to build a thriving small group ministry, you will be obsessed with removing obstacles that keep new groups from forming.
• You’ll see your menu of next steps differently and work to streamline and declutter. See also, Small Group Ministry Roadblock #2: A Bloated Belong and Become Menu.
• You’ll see your communication (website, bulletin, announcements, etc.) in a whole new light and constantly seek better clarity. See also, A Smörgåsbord of Destinations vs Sequential and Tailored Next Steps.
