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Channing Memorial Church |
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Subject: Small Group Ministry and Growth
Issue: Small Group Ministry is an effective program for nourishing Shared Ministry in congregations of all sizes. Groups of 6-12 people covenant to meet bi-weekly for about 4 months to share life experiences and discuss important life issues from session topics provided by the minister. The groups also perform service projects as part of their commitment. Channing's SGM program has been an unparalleled success in fostering maturational and other types of growth in our congregation, as consistently reported by program participants and church leaders. The groups provide a safe and healthy environment for the development of fellowship, caregiving, and personal growth on an intimate scale which later permeates the congregation through the ongoing dissolution and renewal of groups.
Central to the success of the program is the co-facilitator concept, which provides for sharing leadership responsibilites, and which has been adopted by other church committees and activities. Also essential is a critical mass of participants who commit to meet regularly. It is in these two areas that the dynamics of church growth have the greatest impact.
The impact of growth on Small Group Ministry is assessed under 3 scenarios:
Reduced Growth: A return to 10 years ago: (50 active families - $50,000 annual budget):
- It would be challenging to find 6-12 people from such a small population who could meet regularly on the same day.
- Number of groups would likely shrink to 1 or 2.
- Dissolution and renewal of groups would not be practical.
- Group(s) would probably need to meet in perpetuity (not desirable to those participating today) and would likely become closed and set.
- No budget, no training needed.
- Small Group participation would likely dwindle (eventually die). Fellowship, caregiving, and personal growth needs of the congregation would have to be provided by other activities and programs.
No Growth: Current state maintained: (150 active families - $140,000 annual budget):
- We maintain ~4 groups, averaging 6-8 participants per group, meeting 3-4 different evenings/afternoons during the week.
- Small groups remain a good entry point for those new to the congregation.
- It remains difficult for those with young families to attend.
- Groups remain mostly covenant oriented - common bond is agreement to meet on a specific day.
- New Adult Enrichment or other church programs tend to reduce number of participants.
- Facilitators receive ongoing training and time with the minister.
- Facilitators tend to rotate in and out of groups.
- New facilitators are paired with experienced facilitators.
- Modest (if any) budget allows for some materials and training/conferences for facilitators to grow their skills.
Significant Growth: A vibrant, engaged congregation: (300 active families - $300,000 annual budget):
- Small groups become essential to providing social intimacy, sense of belonging, especially to new members of the congregation.
- With larger church population, estimate 10-15 groups, meeting almost every day of the week, some mornings and afternoons.
- With space available, many groups meet in church buildings.
- Childcare available, allowing young parents to participate.
- Small Group professional oversees, coordinates, and ministers to facilitators who lead the groups.
- Affinity groups, organized by common interest, are added to existing covenant groups.
- Facilitators receive regular training and new materials, attend and LEAD conferences on Small Group Ministry.
- Caregiving training and coordination is refined within the groups.
- Service projects are coordinated and focused.