Where can you find new members for your group? Look for unconnected people, especially people you already have some relationship with. Here are some ideas that will help:

  • Look for people at the church who are already doing the same things you are.
    If your kids are in the Youth Group, make it a point to get to know other parents.  If your kids are younger, meet other parents as you check your kids in to Kid’s Church.
  • Look for people in the community who are already doing the same things you are.
    If you’re in a bunko group, on a softball team, do scrapbooking, or regularly watch your kids’ little league games, be on the lookout for people you are already hanging around with at some level.
  • Look around during worship.
    If you sit in the same area at the same service every week, notice the people around you each week. Get in the habit of meeting one or two new people every week. Write down their names and greet them by name each week.
  • Plan a social get-together.
    As a group, invite unconnected friends over to a potluck, cookout, picnic, etc.  Schedule these often, between series or during seasonal breaks. It provides an easy next step for people who aren’t sure about joining a group.
  • Volunteer to serve at the next Membership or Discover class.
    The people who come to this class are often looking for a next step. It’s a perfect time to join a group.
  • Volunteer to serve as an usher or greeter.
    You’ll see a lot of the same people week in and week out. As a greeter, its easy to be friendly and invite them to your group.
  • Volunteer to serve as…
    (See a pattern developing here?). Almost any volunteer opportunity will put you in contact with unconnected people.
  • Follow up on every inquiry.
    Make sure your group information is absolutely, positively, up-to-date on the Welcome Table. And when someone calls for information, don’t let the opportunity slip.
  • Brainstorm in your next group meeting.
    Take a few minutes to talk about who your group members know that would be a good fit in your group. Sometimes all you need is something to jog your memory.
  • Train your group to be invitational.
    Encourage them to follow through on these same steps. It’s not just up to the leader to invite. Make it part of the culture of the whole group to be outwardly focused and mindful of the people who aren’t there yet.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
  3. What motivates you to want to find new members for your group?
  4. What is the best idea for you from this list? Explain.
  5. What other ideas can you think of to find new people for a group?
  6. What are some practical steps you can take to get better acquainted with unconnected people at your church?
  7. How can members of a small group work together to find new group members?
  8. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

Ministry Tools:

 

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