In my early years of serving as a small groups pastor I often would talk to a person interested in joining a small group, refer him to the small group facilitator, then would find out that no one showed up for the group. Thus, I developed these ten tips because several of our groups had ten people sign up to be part of a group, then when the group was ready to start only two people showed up the first night.

SERVE TOGETHER EITHER AT CHURCH OR IN THE COMMUNITY

A Special Bond

There is something about working and serving together that bonds people together. When you accomplish something as a team there is a connection that is made which can rarely be duplicated. Additionally, it provides some great social time so your group can get to know each other in a deeper way.

Present It As Something Everyone Can Do Together

When you talk to your group about serving together don’t say, “If you want to do this, come and help.”

Instead, present it as something that the whole group is doing together, “On Saturday we are going to plant some fresh flowers at the church in preparation for Easter. It should be something fun that we can do together.”

Present the service project as something that your group will be doing together and encourage everyone to go.

Ideas on Serving Together

Here are some basic ideas for you and your group to serve together, but there are many other ideas you might have on your own.

• Maybe you and your group can all serve as greeters together at one of the services at church.
• Perhaps your group might want to provide food for one of the services.
• At Easter we plant lots of new flowers at church and your group can do that. A
• nother idea is to organize a packing party for the Operation Christmas Child boxes in October or November.

So get your group excited and plan a service project together. Serving together will help your group connect and bond in a unique way.