The document discusses various strategies for developing and growing small groups within a church. It provides examples of different types of small groups, such as affinity groups based on common interests and covenant groups focused on Bible study. It also discusses strategies for getting more adults involved in small groups through church-wide initiatives that align small group curriculum with sermon themes. Additional tips include starting new groups through a small group booth or thematic short-term groups, and using community groups for pastoral care and outreach in a particular geographic region.

1. Small Groups are essential in a new church For pastoral care For creating authentic community For discipleship For localized outreach For ministry training There are churches that want to do all these at Worship… We call these…

3. One of the Best Way to get many of your adults in Small Groups is a “Church-Wide Initiative” - where the message theme and the - small group curriculum coincide - many of these churches have more adults in Small groups than attend Sunday One to check out is “Chazown” by LifeChurch.tv This is a series that helps your people understand their unique vision for life and ministry. Go to www.open.lifechurch.tv and type in Chazown. There is also a book by that title by Craig Groeschel that can be used by the groups. This is the Life Development Plan for LifeChurch.tv

4. Another way to do small groups – different strokes for different folks: (4 Kinds of Groups: A.C.T.S .) A = Affinity Groups – for fellowship & fun C = Covenant Groups – Bible Study & growth T = Task Groups – for Ministry & mission S = Support Groups – Prayer & accountability

5. EG. Can your Ministry Teams all be “small groups?” Primary Focus for meetings is T = Ministry Secondary Foci make it a small group A = Affinity for fun & fellowship C = Appropriate Bible Study & training S = Prayer for each other & training This means your other groups major in their primary area, but also have the other 3 areas as secondary foci. How do you train and coordinate leaders?

6. Another way to offer small group options… NewSong, Irvine, CA offers six options. Each of their six types of groups has one area of emphasis, but combine two other functions to make it a small group ministry. NewSong Leadership Handbook www.newsong.net

10. Connection Have a strategy for… 1 st time guest (before, during & after the service) 2 nd time guest – invite to community group 3 rd & 4 th time guest – Pastor’s Dessert Key… How to turn attenders into members and partners in ministry and mission

11. Connection time after the service is important to helping people “stick!”

12. Connection and Life Transformation EG: C3 Have great coffee and snacks and a celebrative atmosphere.