If you’re like me, you’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the values and characteristics you hope to see from a small group or from the one you’re a part of right now. It’s exciting to plan the focus and trajectory of a small group, but sometimes we put the proverbial “cart before the horse” before our group even starts.

It’s important to be as diligent in planning the start of your small group as it is focusing on its eventual character. But it’s possible to be deliberate in doing both. Here’s a possible time-line to consider:

1.) Pray about starting your small group; ask God to show you a core group of families or individuals to help from the beginning.

- Prayer is less about asking God to provide the people to start the group with than it is about asking Him to help you see the people He’s already provided. Most likely a core group is already around you, living nearby or working alongside you. God may surprise you by who’s willing and ready to help start a small group.

2.) Identify families or individuals that might be looking or are interested in starting a small group (having affinity with these people is helpful).

- Discipleship isn’t easy, and it’s particularly difficult if you’re trying to start a new group alone. It’s best to have a group of several other people who are committed to starting it along side you.

3.) Approach and specifically ask each family or individual to commit to helping for one year in the small group with the understanding that you’ll reassess after that time has elapsed.

- Somewhere along the path of starting a new small group will come disagreement and possibly discord. It’s important that the core group starts with an understanding that they’re committing to help start a healthy small group for a specific amount of time. Anyone can overlook minor disagreements for a time as long as they know there is a period of re-assessment coming where they can decide to change course thereafter.

4.) Receive verbal commitments from families or individuals.

- Just as you did, ask those you have approached about being a part of your core to pray regarding their involvement in starting a small group. However, set a specific time for hearing back from them on their commitment. This will show a purposeful start and commitment on your own part, which will set up a good foundation for future commitments.

5.) Meet several times to brainstorm what you (as a core) desire out of a small group, what the Bible outlines as necessary, and what that might look like. Begin talking about the need for the core to be involved in leadership within the small group (I recommend doing this over dinner in someone’s house).

- After receiving commitments from a core group, meet in an informal and relaxed environment to allow each person’s input into the direction and values of the small group. The likelihood of their ownership of this new small group will stem from the amount of input and involvement they have.

6.) Meet a few more times to solidify the vision of the small group and clarify leadership roles and expectations (this is also a good time to start talking about the starting of this small group with others who might be interested in joining the journey, but may be a little less spiritually developed than the core leaders).

- Clarity of purpose and focus is key to the success of any small group. If roles or purpose is unclear, then the character of the small group and discipleship development is likely to be watered-down as well. Start well by incorporating a commitment to missional-living and authenticity within your group.

7.) Hold one “preview gathering” where the small group core actually meets for the first time in the location you plan to meet at every time (fellowship, pray, share a short devotion that motivates the group leading into the next meeting).

- The chance to meet at least once prior to inviting others is important. This opportunity allows the core group to feel comfortable in their surroundings before welcoming others into the small group. It’s also a good time to lay out expectations on what each of the leadership are expected to do as the group starts meeting regularly.

8.) Send out invite emails and contact prospects to remind them about the launch.

- Reconnect with those people you and your core have invited to the small group. Remind them of the location and time the group plans to meet and let me know a little about what they can expect to experience when they come.

9.) Small group launch (have core invite friends, put out directional signs to the location, bring FOOD!)

- From the beginning it’s important to understand that this group is young and needs time to build relationships and connect with each other. There may be a wide range of different people who visit your group. Make sure plans are in place to welcome and incorporate others who are new to your group.

10) Reassess your small group’s growth at regular intervals. (Every quarter or six months would be a good time to take another look at your group and its development and focus.

- One step that many small groups neglect after a successful start is the need to continually assess the development and focus of their group. It’s easy to get through the business of starting a small group and forget to take a critical look back as well as planning for the future. Assessments don’t have to be stuffy survey-like assignments. Make it a fun discussion over a meal with your core families or singles in a creative environment.

Starting a small group off on the right foot is an easy thing to overlook. However, it’s also an important part of starting a group that has a firm foundation and built-in longevity.   The more people can learn what to expect from the small group, the more likely they’re going to catch the vision, buy in and stick around.

I’ve heard before that “a good understanding from the beginning makes for a long friendship.”