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Why We Let Small-Group Leaders Choose Their Members
Why relational affinity leads to healthy small groups.
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But what about the people no one chooses? That can be a problem with this method. In some cases our staff has had to tell people they can't be placed immediately. The staff, however, has promised to continue to find a leader. At the same time, the prospects are encouraged to take advantage of other ministry opportunities at Willow Creek to develop relationships. It can be difficult to tell people that. However, we try to prepare our people by warning them in advance that it may take three to six months or longer to make the proper placement. Most are willing to be patient. After all, a small group has the potential to have a monumental impact. People will wait for the right group. Even with people who are just a bit eccentric, we often are able to find leaders who are equally eccentric, and the group works well. Long-term leadersWe want our small groups to succeed. That is why we are so careful about the placement procedure. We believe disciples will not be made unless the leader wants to spend time with the group members. When leaders are allowed to choose their own members, they will do a better job, feel more positive about the experience, and be more motivated to serve again. Management consultant Ken Blanchard says the usual organizational pyramid should be turned upside down, so that the upper leaders are serving those individuals who minister to the congregation, who in turn make the impact on the world around them. We feel that if we meet the needs of our small-group leaders, we'll meet the needs of others. If, on the other hand, we burn out our leaders with an unnatural ministry fit, no one will be served. No matter what support we provide our leaders, it's how fruitful they feel that determines whether they're motivated to keep serving. —Don Cousins |             |
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