Plateau

Discussion

Darryl's Dilemma

Darryl's group hasn't added any new members for over a year.

Topics:	Assimilation, Evangelism, Growth, numerical, Outreach, Recruiting members
Filters:	Apprentice, Group Leader, Member, Train
Purpose:	Evangelism
Date Added:	January 05, 2008

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Total Reader Responses: 0 (see below)

Darryl's small group has been meeting for a couple of years. For the past year, no new members have come into the group. The group hasn't grown that much either due to a death in the group and some people moving out of town, the group only has 6 members currently—not enough to do an effective birth yet. Darryl, along with the rest of the group, would like to grow the group more before multiplying. The trouble is that all group members have tapped out their current spheres of influence and they've asked everyone they know of in the larger church who is not already in a group, and still no one is saying they will come.

If you were Darryl, what would you do in this situation? How do you help the group to grow?

Your Responses

Darryl, Scheduling some of your meetings in a "fun place"…some place where people enjoy going. Perhaps a YMCA or a popular restaurant. Also, invite a special speaker in occasionally. A good approach is publicity from a meaningful project. For example, tutor someone to enable them to obtain a GED, or provide training that will help someone get a better job. Good luck and God bless Darryl!

Ben Morris, Batesville Christian Church

It's time to celebrate. Plan a party, bring pictures, invite former members to return, and ask a shepherd, coach, or pastor to come to the group and say a word of thanks for the ministry that has occurred in that group.

Multiplication isn't always about making two groups where there was one. Sometimes it's about ensuring that the individuals entrusted to us maintain the capacity to keep growing, rather than nurturing an inability to let go and move forward.

Trey, Higland Oaks Church, Dallas

Select two new small group studies that are new and fresh at their church. Hold an introductory session to introduce the material to the whole church without mention of the old group. Allow the "old" group to choose which small group study they would like to join. Sounds like the old "clique" is keeping away new members.

ACM, UMC