Small Group Myths: Essentials

This week I'm continuing my series of "Small Group Myths"

Myth #3: The most important element for small groups to succeed is… Connecting Process, Leadership Training, Good Coaches…

So, what is the foundational element of a good group system? Or let's make the question easier, what are the various foundational elements? Some might say a good connecting process, or a good coaching system. Others may say it varies and depends on what your weakest area is.

I think it's all of them…and none of them.

They're all important. Every system is a vital system; otherwise it wouldn't be in your system. What matters most is that there is stability and consistency in your various small group systems. I can't think of any church that I would rate as doing small groups well that keeps on changing everything. Instead, the leaders and the churches experiencing the best level of health in their groups are STABLE! They've locked on to something and they're sticking with it. They're not looking for the latest small group trend (you know there are a lot of them!). Instead they're sticking to the basics and improving on what they have instead of throwing out the old plan and starting from scratch.

The Truth? The most important element for small groups to succeed is stability.

**These comments are from my personal learnings and not directed at any person or church's group strategy**

...to Myth #2

Comments

[Tim Burt]

Doug, I am enjoying your small group myth series and couldn't agree with you more on myth 3. Our first attempt at small groups (24 years ago- I'm a young guy and hope that doesn't freak you out) lasted three years because we copied and weren't true to developing for our culture. Then I created for our culture and have been expanding and refining ever since and consequently have an awesome small group system. Keep writing. You have good things to say. Bless you,
Tim Burt - Living Word Christian Center