I recently had the privilege of hosting Chris Surratt during one of our Leadwell XP meetings. Chris is the Executive Pastor of Discipleship and Groups at Harvest Church in California. He served on churches in Tennessee and South Carolina prior to becoming the discipleship and small groups specialist for Lifeway. He is the author of multiple books, including Leading Small Groups, and co-hosts the Group Answers podcast.
During our conversation, Chris shared some insights on some of the inherent tensions that arise when expanding group ministries, and how skillfully navigating these tensions can unlock tremendous growth and impact. In this post, we will explore three fundamental tensions that every group ministry leader must navigate: the leadership bar, recruiting leaders, and open and closed groups. These tensions, when properly understood and managed, can revolutionize your approach to group ministry and pave the way for meaningful community, spiritual growth, and transformative relationships. Each tension is also accompanied by some key questions that will help you assess your current position and provide insights on how to expand your perspective by embracing aspects of the other side.
Tension #1: Higher and Lower Bar of Leadership
Chris emphasized the significance of finding the delicate balance when it comes to setting the bar for group leadership. On one hand, raising the bar too high will limit the number of potential leaders. Conversely, lowering the bar too much can compromise the quality of leadership within groups resulting in bad group experiences. Striking a healthy equilibrium requires us to redefine our criteria for leadership, considering the diverse stages of individuals' spiritual journeys. By providing adequate support, training, and development opportunities, we can empower aspiring leaders to step into their roles with confidence. This tension challenges us to set reasonable expectations while fostering an environment that nurtures growth and equips leaders for success.
To navigate this tension, consider: What is our current expectation for our leaders and how is impacting our group ministry? How can we strike a balance between setting reasonable expectations and nurturing growth? How can we redefine our criteria for leadership to accommodate our group strategy?
Tension #2: Pushes from the Front and Shoulder Tapping
Effectively recruiting group leaders necessitates adopting a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the evolving dynamics of church attendance. Chris emphasized the importance of employing multiple recruitment efforts, extending beyond a single push from the front. In today's fast-paced world, where regular church attendance is less than twice a month, it becomes crucial to engage individuals through various platforms and mediums. Additionally, the active involvement of senior pastors in recruitment carries significant influence. When senior leaders demonstrate personal commitment to group ministry, it inspires congregation members to follow suit. Equally significant is the power of shoulder tapping, where existing group leaders identify and invite potential leaders within their networks. This organic and relational approach strengthens connections, fosters commitment, and cultivates long-term leadership.
To navigate this tension, ask yourself: Which approach have we historically relied upon? How do we blend both approaches to maximize our recruitment efforts? How can we leverage the influence of senior leaders while encouraging organic and relational connections through shoulder tapping?
More on the third tension after information on how you can get connected with one of our Leadwell Cohorts launching this fall.
Fall Cohort Launches Filling Up!
Check out LeadWell Cohorts. In each experience, leaders gain unique insights from peer learning environments. The wisdom of well seasoned mentors and expert resources like Chris Surrat from multiple disciplines empower participants to tackle some of the most pressing issues and opportunities of our time. This collaborative community and regular curated leadership resource package helps leaders bust through their leadership lids and create plans for accelerated results.
2023 Cohorts are Filling Now!
September 2023
Senior Pastor (30s to early 40s)
Fall 2023
August 2023
Cohorts are by invitation only and are limited to 12 leaders and are filling up now. If you are interested in receiving an invitation email me at greg@ligongroup.com or schedule a call here.
Tension #3: Open and Closed Groups
Striking the right balance between open and closed groups lies at the core of fostering a thriving group ministry. Open groups, as advocated by Chris, provide incredible opportunities for mission and outreach, inviting individuals to bring their friends, neighbors, and co-workers into the fold. By adopting a missional mindset, these groups become catalysts for spreading the love of Christ beyond the confines of the church walls. However, it's equally crucial to recognize the need for closed groups. Certain contexts, such as accountability or support groups, require a closed structure to cultivate trust, vulnerability, and confidentiality. As you look to grow your small group ministry, you will need to find the equilibrium that ensures that both mission and deep connections are valued, allowing individuals to find a group that aligns with their specific needs and preferences.
To navigate this tension, reflect on the following questions: How can we create a comprehensive group ministry that embraces both the missional opportunities of open groups and the depth of connection found in closed groups? How can we ensure individuals find a group that aligns with their specific needs while still fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging?
By reflecting and embracing these tensions, we can expand our views, challenge our assumptions, and discover new possibilities for growth and impact in our group ministry.