Small Groups for Vital Congregations

A presentation for Leadership UMC 2016-17

by the Joyful Servants

Patricia Bell Judy Campbell Bill Ford Rich Hartshorn Luis Hernandez Alonzo McCord Mary Ragland John Sellars

Objective: To give a framework for designing and growing age-level and mixed-age-group small groups and programs as a part of a fruitful & vital congregation.

Agenda

History Critical Beginning Steps

Group Creation & Dynamics Nurturing & Sustaining

Harvest Varieties

Questions?

History When Where How

"Oh let no man think his labor of love is lost because the fruit does not immediately appear."- John Wesley

Critical Beginning Steps Set GoalsQuantifiableAchievable

Decide Group PurposeOutreach / Mission / Task-oriented Study Care / Self-help / Fellowship Transformative / Spiritual Growth

Recruit Qualified Leader(s) Humble Servant(s) Good People Skills

Group Creation & Dynamics

● Decide When to Start● Get Group Members

● Campaign● Invitation

● Set Group Ground Rules● Timeframe of Group● Open or closed?● Confidentiality● Scheduled Meeting Breaks?

● Create Culture for Success● Pastor Talks it Up in Sermons● Leadership Support & Involvement

Nurturing & Sustaining Consult the Specialist: Scripture Cross-pollination Required You are a team

Adequate Water & Sunlight Needed Prayer Bible Study

Prune & Fertilize Carefully Fruitful & Loving Training

Check for Disease / PestsAssessments are Crucial

Harvest

Type of Small Group

Type of Small Group

Type of Small Group

Type of Small Group Type of Small Group Type of Small Group

Type of Small Group

Varieties

Examples

LUMC 2016-17Joyful Servants

Questions?