This fall my oldest began his senior year of high school. As we took the obligatory first-day-of-school picture, emotions began to rise as I realized this would be the last such photo of my son. As he left for school, I couldn’t help but be proud of how independent and strong he has become. As a senior, he needs less from me than he did entering his first day of school as a kindergartner so many years ago, back when I dropped him off at school instead of watching him drive himself.
This reality is true of our small groups as well. Like people, small groups have different seasons and stages of life and the younger a small group is, the more attention, care, direction, and resources it needs from us as leaders. As a group matures, it becomes more independent and strong.
Because of the experiential nature of Rooted and the 7 spiritual rhythms, groups that begin and launch through Rooted are off to a healthier and stronger start. Rooted is the best first group experience, but don’t underestimate how important the next stage of life is for a small group. The next small group session, post-Rooted, is fragile and crucial. A healthy new group has launched, and now it needs continued care before it is turned loose to drive on its own. The group needs attention, direction, and resources as much in this stage of life as their launch stage!
Here are some best practices to ensure long-term health and success for new small groups:
1. The best next step: Choose the next resource that every group uses, even if the eventual goal is for groups to use in-house, sermon-based questions or open market choices from the group leader.
My personal favorite first study post-Rooted for groups is The Story of God. This resource is daily devotion driven, gets people in Scripture, and feels familiar in style for a leader who has just facilitated the Rooted experience.
2. Know the who, what, when and where: Clearly communicate the logistics of the new small group before your Rooted celebration. Where will the group meet? Is the group moving from the church building to a living room after graduating from Rooted? When is the group meeting? What resources will they use?
3. Set the new leader up for success: If the Rooted facilitator is becoming a brand-new small group leader, set up a meeting between the Rooted celebration and the next small group session. At this meeting, clearly explain the difference between being a Rooted facilitator and small group leader, go over your leadership expectations for group leaders, and share what support they can expect from the church as they launch this brand-new group.
The “young” group needs care. If our team can help you care for your new groups, email coaching@experiencerooted.com for free coaching.
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By Chad Cronin, Rooted Network Coach