Several years ago, a young, newly married couple at my church was leading and hosting a small group for the first time. A few weeks into the session, I called to check in, and they let me know they had to go to Walmart to buy more chairs! I always smile remembering that scenario. They “got it.” They understood that every person needs a place in a circle. Every person needs the opportunity to share, to ask questions, and to encourage others.
Welcoming new members into your established group can be a tad more challenging, but it is certainly doable. And, if your choices are including new members now or having them wait for another group to form, I would vote to help them now. Consider the following ways to make the transition comfortable for all.While notifying other group members earlier is better than later, even sending a quick text the day of your meeting will help your group members be aware and be on their best behavior.
You may even want to have group members share about each other. It’s an easy way to add a fun element.Connect the next day to see what they thought and if they have any questions.We all know the awkward feeling of being the only one who does not know what is being referenced. Even if there is not time to tell the whole story, acknowledging they are missing the context helps them know you are aware.As groups become established, ice breakers can fade to the background.
When brothers and sisters love one another well, it glorifies God and it even attracts unbelievers to the church. We see this in the early church of Acts, which made a habit of meeting together, eating together, and worshiping together. As a result, “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” . We want the body of Christ to grow, and warmly welcoming new group members is an essential step in that process.Laura Chapman leads the Groups and Connections Ministry at Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee, where she has served for thirteen years.
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