If you are not familiar
with the term ‘small group’ this is just as it
says a small group of people with a desire to share time,
prayer, bible study, and fellowship with others. A small
group and be made up of any number of people from 2 to
whatever is comfortable and you can have small groups
that are made up of only couples, only single people,
people with children or people with no children, or even
a variety of members different ages, backgrounds, and
situations.
Hosting a small group meeting can be very rewarding. You
are inviting people into your home to share. It's very
important for any small group to share prayers, personal
needs or praise and some sort of bible study or growth.
By opening up your home to others you not only gain the
personal satisfaction of doing for others (providing a
place to meet) but also letting others see a part of your
life they may not see at church.
Make sure that everyone in your small group is invited
and let everyone know they are welcome to bring a friend.
E-mails, phone calls, or postcards are all great ways to
let everyone know when, where, and a topic if there is
going to be one for the meeting.
It's great if you can call everyone a day or two before
to get an idea how many will be coming. If you feel you
may be under pressure time wise to do this you can always
seek out someone else in the group to help you with this.
You should never feel ‘stressed’ over having a
meeting at your home and feel close enough with other
members to ask for help if needed.
If someone can not make it to the meeting make sure you
find out why and add them to your prayer list. Illnesses,
family commitments, traveling or any other of a long list
may be why they can't attend but it's important when the
group meets they pray for those not there as well.
You will want to decide if you are going to provide
refreshments. Don't feel you have to put on a 7 course
meal. You may want to simply have punch and cookies. A
few others in the group can help with this. Or you may
want to share a whole meal with your small group.
Pot-luck is a terrific way to take the burden off from
one person and everyone feel a part of the meal.
Casserole, salad (or veggies), deserts, drinks, and don't
forget plates, cups (glasses), and utensils (paper and
plastic are great time savers and one person can provide
these).
Once you have an idea of how many will be attending your
meeting arrange for seating. If you’re short of
chairs don't be afraid to ask others in the small group
if they have any folding chairs. It's always better to
plan for more so if someone brings a guest unexpectedly
that person is not made to feel uncomfortable when there
is no place for them to sit.
Depending on how your small group is set up you may want
to pick a topic of discussion or study. It's very helpful
to everyone in the group if they know ahead of time what
the topic will be, some may want to do a little bible
study ahead of time. This makes discussion run much
smoother and encourages more involvement by everyone.
If your group is going to study from a handout or
worksheet make sure you have enough for everyone (just
like with chairs a few extra never hurts) or ask someone
else in the group to provide copies, just make sure you
give them an idea of how many will be needed.
Needless to say the day of the small group meeting you
will want to pick up your house (or down right clean it).
If you’re strapped for time or energy don't be
afraid to ask someone to help you - first choice would
naturally be someone in the small group but if not be
sure to invite the person who helps to also attend the
meeting.
Welcome people to your home and enjoy a glorious time of
prayer, bible study, fellowship and sharing. More than
likely everyone will thank you for inviting them into
your home. Don’t forget to thank them for coming!
More Tips:
*Our small group has grown to 16 members and only 3 don't
have email so those 3 always get calls ahead. Those with
email share a lot in between meetings also!
*A small group is very much an extended family. There
have been times a couple in our group was short on money
and it never fails someone in the group will say,
"Don't worry about bringing anything we have it
covered. Just bring yourself and your bible." Know
what is going on with others in your group and do what
you can to make this an enjoyable time not a strain.
*A small group is NOT a private club. It can be a great
way to witness to others without being pushy. Others
outside the group should always be welcomed, made to feel
comfortable, included in the group, and invited to come
back. This is how a small group grows!
*Again with knowing what is going on within your group be
sure if there is someone who may not be able to attend
because of transportation problems do your best to help
them out by finding a ride. Don’t feel like you have
to be the one – check with others in the group who
may be passing right by the stranded member’s house.
