How do I Get people to actually come to my LifeGroup? When it comes to leading my group of twenty-somethings each week, I often wish I had the catch-all, magic answer to this question. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple.
There is, however, one truth about people I think is very helpful in unpacking this topic. People have two basic needs in community: to understand their purpose, and to feel valued. If these two areas aren’t being addressed in your group, there’s probably going to be shaky attendance.
Here are three ways to become a group who meets these basic needs.
Why Should We Meet?
As the leader, make sure you can write down—in one sentence—the purpose of your small group. And not in an over-churchy statement that sounds good on paper but doesn’t resonate with the group. Be creative in wording your purpose in a way that both aligns with the mission of the gospel and emotionally connects with your group members.
Communicate Purpose and Value—Often
The importance of reminding individuals of their purpose in your group is often underestimated. People need to be consistently reminded their presence matters and they belong. If they’re starting to get sick of you saying it, they’re probably finally starting to hear you.
Consider yourself in charge of setting the tempo to keep you all in sync with one another. Like the drumbeat of a marching band, just one hit or reminder isn’t enough to keep everyone together. Without a steady beat, you’ll inevitably lose rhythm as a group. Make sure to be consistent in your communication of purpose.
Shepherd, Don’t Steer
At times, I’ve gotten confused with what it means to lead a group. I’ve offered information in place of participation. People don’t need you to inform them like some high-seated, wise dictator on how to live their lives. They need you to participate with them in their lives. Walk alongside them through the highs and lows. Be a shepherd, not a ship captain.
And People Will Come?
Some will; some won’t. But it’s not about numbers. It’s about consistency and quality. If you give me the choice, I’ll always take a group of four who meet often and walk in sync with purpose and value over a highly attended, but poorly unified group.
