The Signature of Small Group Ministry Mediocrity
“Small groups just don’t work here,” they said. When I asked them what they meant they described a history of flipping from one small group strategy to another, year after year, caught up in the enthusiasm of this conference or that new book.
Sound familiar? Can you identify?
The looming challenge for many is that the big issue isn’t resistance to change. Instead, the biggest issue is chronic inconsistency (flipping from one strategy to another).
“The signature of mediocrity is not an unwillingness to change; the signature of mediocrity is chronic inconsistency.” Jim Collins, Great by Choice
When I’m asked for help in choosing a small group system or strategy, I’ve always found it important to first wrestle with three guiding questions:
- What will success look like?
- Is the win you’ve identified attainable given the current assumptions about things like membership requirements for leaders, attention span of senior leadership, and your congregation’s willingness to prioritize group life?
- Who will be your customer?
Want do you think? Want to argue? Jump into the conversation. 
Mark Howell serves as Pastor of Discipleship Communities at Canyon Ridge Christian Church in Las Vegas, NV. He founded SmallGroupResources.net, offering consulting and coaching services to help churches across North America launch, build and sustain healthy small group ministries. He spent four years on the consulting staff at Lifetogether and often contributes to ministry periodicals such as the Pastor's Ministry Toolbox and ChurchCentral.com.
More from Mark Howell or visit Mark at www.MarkHowellLive.com/about/
Print version- New on ChurchLeaders.com
- Related Articles
5 Kinds of Questions to Use in Every Group Lesson
As you write questions for your Bible study, remember there are several types of questions.
The Gospel-Centered Small Group Leader
Ben Reed: "When it comes to talking about the marks of a true follower of Jesus, it’s no surprise that Paul starts out talking about love."
4 Questions You Must Ask About Your Small Group Ministry
Steve Gladen gives four important questions you need to ask to make sure your ministry stays the course you set for it.
Like ChurchLeaders.com!