David Foster has a great post called “Why Small Groups as a Program is an Utter Failure.†He makes some great points and the discussion in the comments is fascinating. Foster points out something I see a lot as I work with churches.

It seems that small groups are often merely programs unattached to the mission of the church. Staff is assigned to manage and coordinate small groups, but when I ask why, it seems that the answer is something like, “Small groups are good.â€

OK, but why? How are they contributing to the mission of the church? How are they integrated into what the ministry wants to accomplish? If your small groups are just an add on because you think you ought to have them, you’ll be disappointed.

Rather, think about your mission and where you want to be in five years. I ask pastors to describe their average church member now and in five years. (I know, there is no “average,†but it’s still a useful exercise). What do you want your average member to know? Do? Be? Where are they ministering and how do they react to challenges? Who do they interact with and what do they need to succeed with those people? Once you have a good idea of what your people need, where they need to grow, then you’ll know the role of small groups in your church.

Whatever you do, don’t just pattern your small groups after those you’ve read about. Design your groups to meet the unique needs of your congregation, ministry, and community. Then you’ll have groups that are truly effective.

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