Again this week, I’d like to share an
observation I have made re: small group dynamics. Many people lament that their
large group lacks the depth of commitment they desire, while others are very
happy with their group’s depth, but wish it were larger. I have found that this
tension is quite proper and that it is not a problem to solve, rather it’s a
tension to be managed.
My
thoughts about managing this tension are quite simple. If you want a more
highly committed group, make it less convenient, and expect its numbers to be
smaller. If you want a larger group, make it more convenient and expect its
commitment level to be lesser. To expect a larger group to be greater in
commitment is usually unrealistic.
Larger
numbers / Lower commitment / More convenience, or Smaller numbers / Higher commitment / Less
convenience. You are free to choose.
For
around twenty years I led a small FCA group of high school student athletes
that met at 6:30 am in a local restaurant. The owner allowed us into the dining
room thirty minutes prior to the restaurant’s opening. Our group’s size varied
from 6-40 in attendance across those years and a few times the kids asked if we
could meet a little later. I always declined to move the time because the key
to the group’s high commitment level was that its inconvenience.
On
the other end of the scale, we have helped FCA huddle coaches to start and lead
small groups in public schools for twenty-two years. Most of them want to grow
the group as large as it can be. Given that goal, I normally counsel them to
design the group to be as convenient as possible in terms of time, location,
and day of the week to fit their intended participants. In addition, I counsel
them that, “If you feed them, they will come.” Hosting the FCA huddle meetings
during the lunch hour of a closed campus is about the perfect storm for a large
group. Given that many of those in attendance are thinking with their stomachs,
they came for the lunch, the commitment level is significantly lower than some
would like. This is normal and proper.
As
you consider the small groups you lead or those you would like to start, give
careful consideration to your goals for the group. Do you prefer larger numbers
or deeper commitment?
·
If
you are aiming for larger numbers in attendance, be sure to make it convenient,
fun, approachable, and understand that the group’s commitment level will stay
at the shallow end of the pool. Program your content to fit your group’s
commitment level.
·
If
you would like a higher commitment level among your participants, make it less
convenient in terms of timing and location, understand that you won’t likely
get a large number to attend, but be sure to deliver content matching the
desired commitment level. You can expect that they will follow you as deeply as
you dare swim. Never compromise on commitment or they will get bored and
disappear.
You can wisely manage the tension between group
size and commitment level, if you will design and lead the group with these
factors in mind. You are free to lead the group whichever way you perceive to
be best for their development in the Lord Jesus. In many cases, a leader will
develop two groups, one designed for the shallow end of the pool, the other
built for treading water at the deep end. The best answer may not be in an
either / or solution, but in a both / and design.
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