Mission Church, Lancaster PA, is built on the vision that they “are not a church with small groups but a church of Small Groups.” The new normal coming for churches is that small groups will be even more essential than before COVID-19. The church will need to become “a church of small groups.” Small groups will need to be foundational to the church.
When churches reopen there are several things that will make small groups essential.
1. Many states will have specific guidelines limiting the numbers allowed in meetings. Most likely it will be an extended time before we are able to re-gather in larger groups over 25 people. The maximum they are projecting is 25% capacity for the foreseeable future.
2. Some people will be fearful of being too close and in groups of large numbers.
3. There may even be a problem for some meetings in homes which do not allow adequate spacing for social distancing.
There are dangers when small groups become a major focus of the church.
1. They can become cliques.
2. Small Groups can become an entity unto themselves losing the connection to the church as a whole. Sometimes small groups can become more like a “house church.” The thinking can be that they are self-governing and not under the authority of the church leadership.
3. Selection of study materials can become a problem if there is no accountability of leaders. If leaders are either not careful or too influenced by members, the group’s choices could lead to using a study not consistent with the doctrine, philosophy, and/or vision of the church.
4. Finding and preparing leaders can be challenging. Appointing the wrong leaders can result in significant problems for the church.
5. Small groups can lead to division in the church.
On the positive side there are some basic steps that can help to overcome the dangers.
1. First there must be a clear structure for training and accountability of small group leaders. A few considerations:
§ Every small group leader could be overseen by one of the elders or pastoral staff.
§ There should be a regular reporting (attendance, critical needs, etc.) on all members to the church leadership.
§ Multiplying leaders works most effectively if groups have a co-leader or leader in training.
2. Studies are best when they are connected to the whole church. If it is possible, all small groups should consider being focused on the same subject and/or Scripture. This promotes unity within the church as a whole.
3. A good suggestion is for the Senior/Lead Pastor to produce a short message on which all the small groups could begin their study (either video or on the church website). If the church service is online, my suggestion is for the small groups to work off of the message. This idea would be especially valuable for times when regular service attendance is limited.
4. Another possibility is to continue to offer some small groups on a digital platform such as Zoom. Remember some people will still be hesitant to be in physical groups.
5. Another consideration for churches of approximately 100 people is to have multiple small groups on Sunday at different time slots. This might not be an option for churches with limited leadership.
Just a reminder, “where two or three come together in My Name I am with them.” When we gather in small or large groups we can be assured of the Lord’s presence. But, let’s remember the small group is not the Church but makes up the church. When the small group functions as part of the whole church it strengthens both the group and the church. Small groups that function apart from the church may make us feel good but fail to function biblically as a church.
In the next post, we will consider the effects of a new normal on the church being three dimensional with celebration, congregation, and cell.