September is here and small groups are just around the corner! Fall is always a great time for small groups and many people are looking forward to getting re-connected after summertime. Here are some ideas for launching your groups this Fall…
1. Taste of Small Groups – have some food, snacks, coffee available after service and invite everyone to stop by to meet the small group leaders.
2. Name Tags – give everyone a name tag on Sunday to help people meet and get to know one another
3. Fantasy Draft – Get a list of everyone in your congregation and didvide it up amongst your leaders to call, email, text, and invite them to join a small group
4. Make a Video – record a short video clip of each leader introducing themselves and their groups. Put them all together to play on Sunday and share them on Facebook during the week. You can also record a video testimony of someone who has been impacted by a small group.
5. Highlight New Groups – New groups reach new people! Introduce the new groups and leaders and encourage people to try them out. A new group is a great place for people to start since relationships aren’t already formed.
6. Small Group Stories – Instead of making an announcement tell a story! Invite someone to share their experience in small groups and how they have helped them grow in their faith.
7. Connect Card – Don’t forget to collect people’s information for follow up. You can use a paper connect card or try the connect card on our website and in our app.
8. Small Group Catalog – Make sure you have a listing of all of your groups, meeting times, and leader contact information. This give people the information they need to find a small group. You can also list this information online! Check out the templates below!
Download a Small Group Catalog template: English Spanish
9. Small Group Sunday – Create a small group setting during your service. Depending on your space, you can setup tables and chairs in a circles. Worship together, connect people with a group, allow for group discussion after the message, and pray together as a group. It’s like a mini small group during Sunday service!
10. Celebrate Small Groups – Small groups are more than a one time event. Think of September as a launch month where you can highlight groups, follow up with people, and celebrate as people connect. Plan a time to gather group leaders in October to pray and encourage one another, and share stories of what God is doing in their group.
Share your own ideas below!
Bonus: Download this PowerPoint template to create a slide for each group leader. Take their photo on Sunday, add their group info, and share away!