This conversation takes place in countless homes every week:

Bill: Honey, are we going to small group again tonight?

Joan: I know it feels like a waste of time some weeks, but I feel like we need to stay committed.

Bill: I understand what you mean, but the lack of focus week after week drives me crazy. Do you think anyone has a clue what we are trying to accomplish there? Do you even think our group leader knows?

Joan: I’m sure it’s to love God and learn more about Jesus, right?

Bill: Yeah, yeah, yeah, but what are we specifically trying to accomplish? Is there a goal? I just hate spending time on something with no purpose or plan. I feel like we are just meeting for the sake of meeting.

Is it possible that people in your church are having a similar conversation? Have you had that conversation?

Someone once said that “failing to plan is planning to fail.” That is especially true when it comes to planning a church’s small group ministry. It is ridiculous to expect people to commit to something that has not been well organized, clearly defined, or purposefully planned.

There are dozens of decisions that must be made when planning small groups. Here are 15 to get you started:

  • Will our groups be open (outward focus), closed (inward focus), or a hybrid?
  • Do we have a stated purpose and goals for our groups?
  • Will we organize groups by geographic region, topical study, strategic assignment, or participant choice?
  • Will all groups study the same subject or different subjects?
  • Will group study be sermon based, workbook based, or other?
  • Do you have a community learning philosophy to shape your approach?
  • How often will your groups meet?
  • Which day will the groups meet?
  • Will all groups meet on the same day/time or different days/times?
  • Will groups be expected to participate in projects outside of the group meeting time?
  • How will leaders be trained, equipped, and supported?
  • How will new leaders be recruited, evaluated, and developed?
  • Do you have a multiplication strategy? If so, how will it be communicated to leaders and particpants?
  • Will groups be considered required for members, optional for members, or expected for members?
  • How will the groups fit into the discipleship and outreach strategy of the church?
  • Are you facilitating small groups because there is a stated need to be addressed, a purpose to achieve, or because it is a popular trend?