Do New Things With New People
Rather than forcing them into the existing model, discover what will work for them. Men don’t join groups for the same reasons as women. Younger generations are motivated differently than older generations. Some folks will join because they ought to. Others will see what’s in it for them. Still others will see a chance to make a difference together. And, some will think the whole thing is lame. That’s OK.
One Size Does Not Fit All
When I arrived at Brookwood Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina, about 30 percent of the adults were in groups. It was a solid foundation. We had on-campus groups, off-campus groups, Beth Moore Bible study groups and the Holy Smokers, who focus on Bible and barbecue. We launched lots of new groups through church-wide campaigns. We connected hundreds of new folks to groups. We gained another 30 percent in groups. Sixty percent ain’t bad.
But, as I became better acquainted with the congregation, I discovered that some in the Bible belt really were intimidated by the Bible. They didn’t join a small group because they were afraid they would have nothing to contribute to the discussion. Whoa. In California, we just asked folks to do a study with their friends. They did it. But, this was a whole other deal.
We created large groups for men, women, young couples, business people, law enforcement and senior adults. These are what Carl George calls “fishing ponds.” Large groups where people can move from the crowd of a 2,500 seat auditorium to a living room of 10-12 people.
We offered a solid recreation ministry for adults and children. We created a system of classes called BrookwoodU where people could get to know each other in a class on cooking, digital photography, leadership, Microsoft Word, sign language and even Hermeneutics. (Many friendships were forged in their hermeneutical fox holes.)
I didn’t join the staff of a megachurch to start classes or to send seniors to Branson, Missouri. But, those not connected into groups didn’t necessarily care about what I wanted. What did they need?
After four years, we reached 78 percent connected in small groups, large groups and BrookwoodU. We didn’t get to 100 percent, but maybe next year.
You wouldn’t transition small groups to a Sunday School model. Build on what’s working. Then, figure out what you can add to that. And, for the pastor on the webcast, I wish you well.
