Many churches decide to take a break from small groups during the summer, which is a perfectly legitimate thing to do. But if your structure allows for it, summer groups can be extremely effective for getting new people plugged in… especially if you do them creatively.
The summer weather gives you and your group leaders the opportunity to plan lots of fun groups that wouldn’t work during other semesters. You can do regular groups outside, sports-themed groups, or picnic groups. You can do just about anything that combines peoples’ desire to be out in the sun with their desire to meet new friends, learn more about God and have some fun.
As you start filling these summer groups, you’ll find that new people will often join just because they are interested in hiking or biking or whatever the group may decide to center around. That interest will get them connected so you can start the process of discipleship.
Since people have fluctuating schedules during the summer, we also like to set up a few open groups in the park. These are groups that require less dedication than a regular small group. They keep the people who can’t make a true summer commitment connected by giving them a group that they can pop into as they are available.
Plus, open groups are a perfect way to get brand-new attenders involved over the summer. Say a new person comes to church one Sunday and decides to attend a movie play group the next Friday night. Then, they learn about the open Bible study in the park on Tuesdays and decide to stop by. You aren’t asking them for a big commitment yet, but you are getting them connected and setting them up to become fully involved in the fall.
Learn how your church can maximize the opportunities of summer.
Sign up for your FREE Grow Your Church This Summer webinar here:
http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/index.php/free-stuff/grow-your-church-webinar
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