Relationships: How to Grow Your Christian Home Group

Top 5 Tips For Leaders

"Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one."
—C.S. Lewis

"God's kingdom is like a pine nut that a farmer plants. It is quite small as seeds go, but in the course of years it grows into a huge pine tree, and eagles build nests in it."
(Matt 13:31-32 MSG)

1. Welcome Visitors Warmly

Each new person to your group is the key to its growth. Tell them how much you appreciate the effort it took to get into their car to come to your meeting—often to hang out with a group of strangers. Be sensitive to their needs; show them they are cared for and respected. Ask one of your regular members to provide tea and treats each week. After your meeting, follow-up with each visitor enthusiastically, but be pro-active not pushy!

2. Share Your Vision to Expand

Regularly remind existing members that your goal is to grow the group. Enlist their support by encouraging them to invite their friends. Let members know your desire is to take each one of them to the next level of maturity in Christ. Assure them that change is possible through disciplined Bible reading, prayer, Christian friendships, and outreach to unbelievers. Ask yourself, “Is this a group that I would like to belong to?” If not, why not?

3. Be Well-Prepared

When leaders are unprepared, people interpret that to mean, “we’re not a priority.” Do some serious homework to find the best study materials available among the vast number of choices today. Consider using guides from Beth Moore’s Living Proof Ministries. Or choose from the many topical study guides available online through Christianbook.com. If you are skilled and experienced, why not write your own Bible study on a subject that your members vote on? Or consider a 6-week book discussion on one of the a Christian classics.

4. Spend Outside Time With Members

When I was a youth leader the time we spent hanging out at games and in the high school lunchroom was called “contact work” (Young Life). We showed up on the students’ home turf just to be friendly, and they loved it. Do the same with your home group members. People need to know they are valued as individuals and not just a face in a crowded living room. If you can’t get together, pick up the phone or send e-cards. Draw them to your meetings with genuine love, rather than trying to entice or cajole them.

5. Pray For the Spirit’s Guidance

Let God be central in the life of your group. Open and close your meeting with prayer. Many people come to study groups straight from work, or from the heavy load of caring for children. They are often tired and in need of refreshment. Be prepared to bless the group both naturally and spiritually. Pray privately for an hour or so on the day of your meeting to create an atmosphere in which God can work. His Spirit will lead you as you open yourself up to serve your members.

More Good Stuff

For more information please see, “Principles to Make Your Small Group Grow” by Christian-Faith.com. Also, in case you missed it, here is my article "How to Lead a Bible Study." Lastly, here's my post "Reaching Unbelievers."

Video Clip

This cool video clip from GodTube is called, “It’s Time” (to make a difference) and promotes small group relationships.

"A popular theory, called ‘six degrees of separation,’ suggests that we are all connected to each other through five people we know. That’s a powerful idea for ministry. Starting with a group of only 12 people, Jesus Christ used their connections to others to change the world."—The Pocket Testament League

You Make Me Smile Award

I came by this little indulgence somewhat sneakily. It’s a freebee from Kimmy at Mission Kim Possible! She gave it anyone on her blogroll who wanted to grab it. I’d like to share some linky love with a few of my new blogging pals. Ladies, you make me smile!

a) Jennifer at Diary of 1
b) L Boogie at Blog For Life
c) The Beloved at Live a Life Worthy
d) Laura at My Quotidian Mysteries
e) Robin at PENSIEVE (An oldie but goldie!)

Up Next—News: Madeleine L’Engle (1918-2007)

Do you have any tips to add?
Could any of these be used to increase your blog’s readership?

Photo Credits: Moon Boots, Pensiero (Flickr)