Small group haters - Read this

I saw some comments recently in some blogs from some fairly prominent church leaders that said: "Any pastor that tells you they have more than 35% of their people in small groups is a liar." A lot of folks chimed in agreeing with them.

From the source of the comments, I would describe most of their churches as very focused on the weekend services and getting folks "in the door."

At the recent innovation3 conference my buddy Larry Osborne, totally unaware of those recent blog and twitters came up to tell me that North Coast had really hit a growth edge again. Up 1000 people since last year at the same time. (They added three new more venue opportunities this month) But more importantly, the small group launch had 86% of their people enrolled right now.

Now he knows that for the next few weeks that percentage will drop to get down to their "normal" 80%.

North Coast doesn't add venues (the weekend stuff) unless they can maintain 80% in their small groups.

They want to keep and grow people that God is bringing them.

Now, I am not putting down leaders that aren't small group oriented. Perhaps you have some great ways to continue to disciple,teach and grow your people. Great.

But before you start throwing out stats based on your own methods that are not working, why not look at some of those that are?

Fortunately - there is The Sticky Church Conference to help folks along.

http://stickychurch.com/conference
There is one on March 31 in Chicago area and May 11 in Atlanta area.

And do yourself a favor and get the book too.

Sticky Church

(Full disclosure: This is a Leadership Network Innovation Series book and Larry is a long-time friend)

Comments

[Lynn Clayton]

Concerning small groups. Our church averages 120-150 in worship attendance, less in Sunday morning Bible study. We have regular attendance of 100 in our Sunday evening small groups, not counting youth and children. I don't consider myself a liar! Would be glad for anyone to come check us out, although our numbers are not in the ball park of the "super church leaders." We have significant outreach and significant progress in folk's spiritual growth in our home group meetings. We are a new church and have found small groups a great assistance in our progress. Our home groups have helped us establish our "nitch." We have established our "home group ministry" to suit our needs. Shame on folks how condemn without facts.
Lynn Clayton
New Life Baptist Church
DeRidder, LA