small group or large group??? - open chair policy or not???

Grace · Full Member Joined: 24 May 2001 Posts: 90 Location: IL.

I started a womens small group in January. There are 7 of us all together. We are having a blast. This is a new believers group. Some have come to Christ thru the process of the study. Our problem is, when we mention it to our friends in passing, they all want to come! One week 3 of us mentioned it to 1 friend each, they all wanted to come! We all want to share our faith, but we all like the dynamics of our small group. The ability to open up and share, and the fact that we are just starting to feel comfortable. How can we have another group at the same time, or does anyone have any suggestions for this delimma??? I need help! thanks, In Christ, Grace

webacus · Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2002 2:37 pm Post subject:

WOW! What a "problem"! :rolleyes:

My hat's off to your group!

Personally, I'm a advocate of the "open chair", always inviting new people to the group. However, your case might be an exception.

I think the group needs to talk. Is there a group charter? You know, were things like group size, purpose, curriculum, duration discussed up front? Maybe the "core" members need to meet separate from the group and discuss.

If the intention was to have the intimacy of a small group, that may not be possible with a larger group. Sounds like that is where your frustration is coming from.

Of course a logical next tep as the group grows is to "birth" the group into another group(s). Is that a possibility? Do you have any aspiring leaders?

Maybe then you could have your group and a separate seeker or non-believer group. Could that work?

Don't discourage members from inviting their friends... That is such a good thing. I applaud their boldness and you as a leader MUST be doing something right! :inlove:

Othe ideas?

GIC · Full Member Joined: 02 Mar 2001 Posts: 102 Location: IL.

Thanks, I never thought about discussing those things before, there was no need. Now however, that is entirely a different story. I think I've come up with a solution though. the core group can meet at 8:30am. for some "together" time. At 9:30 the others come and the study starts. This way we can share about questions that come up from the study or concerns someone may have, then we can get together with our friends for the study. Smile

Thanks for listening. Growing In Christ as always!

webacus · Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2002 4:00 pm Post subject:

Great idea! :p

Davep · Veteran Joined: 02 Apr 2002 Posts: 463

As a group grows, the ability to discuss and handles issues is like someone trying to play chess with 15 people all at once. Suggestions, recommendations, ideas go flying all over the room, which leads to more discussions and disagreements and further questions.

Solution?
1. Break into small groups after the intial start of your meeting.
2. Each small group has more one-on-one time to discuss better.
3. More participation by the those who tend to be quiet in larger groups.
4. At the end of the meeting, the small groups return and discuss the highlights of each groups discussion.

Also christians are called to relational and to develop relationships with other believers. Discussion don't have to start and stop in meetings.

Call a friend, go to coffee, go to breakfast, talk about your faith, questions, thoughts outside.

JUDGES 18:28
"There was no one to rescue them because they lived a long way from Sidon and had no relationship with anyone else.

GIC · Full Member Joined: 02 Mar 2001 Posts: 102 Location: IL.

How big is a small group of women??? ???

SAM · Veteran Joined: 03 Mar 2001 Posts: 1990 Location: Chicago

GIC,
We all know how much conversation can take place in a women's group. If your group is growing beyond 6, then it really needs to be broken down into smaller discussion groups.
Dave's idea about the smaller discussion groups, then getting back together to cover main topics, is an excellent idea.

GIC · Full Member Joined: 02 Mar 2001 Posts: 102 Location: IL.

On Wed. I hosted 11 women. Some were sick. Next week I'll have 15! God is good. The study was excellent! Thanks you guys for the dialogue. I need it. Sometimes just to bounce things off others with a fresh perspective is so helpful. thanks again, GIC

webacus · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2002 9:31 pm Post subject:

GIC
What did you decide about the seekers in your group?
Did you find a solution?

SAM · Veteran Joined: 03 Mar 2001 Posts: 1990 Location: Chicago

Grace,

God, has been talking to me this year about starting a Women's Bible Study in my neighborhood. Once I get past my daughter's wedding in June, I'll have the ability to concentrate and prepare. It is something I cannot put on the back burner anymore, because He has really convicted me about this. I've thought about 2 times per month to start and on Saturday morning early - 8 or 9.

Has there been a certain study your group has covered to help people come to Christ? How did you form your group to start with? How and when do you meet? Have you prepared a charter and what does it look like?

I've thought about doing a really nice welcome letter and just going to everyone's door and letting them know I will be starting the group from my home. I do have some other Christian women in the neighborhood that I know could help me out.

danielle · Full Member Joined: 19 Apr 2002 Posts: 232

SAM:
If you subscribe to Today's Christian Woman magazine, the Mar/Apr issue had an article about this.

webacus · Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2002 7:58 pm Post subject:

Hi Ladies, sorry to interrupt. Wink

Danielle, when you mentioned Christian Woman Today, I just had to mention that there's a Growthtrac article on their site -- here. In fact, the topic (marriage preparation), might be relevant to your situation.

**********************

Danielle, I too give you kudos for the purity decision -- hang in there.

GIC · Full Member Joined: 02 Mar 2001 Posts: 102 Location: IL.

Sam, I started with the study "Friendship With God." It's the first book in the Walking With God series by Don Cousins and Judson Poling. It will give your members a clear understanding of who God is and how to love Him. I have done this study with 3 other groups. I find that it is a good tool to use to understand where everyone in the group is at spiritually. There are plenty of times that you can and will share the gospel message. There is no homework. You do the study in the group. About 1 1/2 hours. The homework is to get them reading the Bible and taking ownership of thier own walk with Christ! Not to be taught. I make it clear that I am a facilitator, not a teacher.
When I start a new group, I mention it to a few Christian friends. I get their commitment. Then I go to my non Christian friends. I invite about 15 who say they will come. I usually end up with about 8 or 9 women. Which turns out to be about 6 or 7 consistent women. I try to get with each individual member once or twice alone to talk about their walk with God and how I can help them.
I think the idea of a letter and knocking in doors is a great idea! There are so many spiritually hungry women out there just waiting for an invitation. Good luck!

SAM · Veteran Joined: 03 Mar 2001 Posts: 1990 Location: Chicago

Thanks GIC, that helps alot.
I will have to pick that up and read through it.
How do you keep things on track with everyone, because we all know we have the gift of gab.
When do you usually meet and for how long?

danielle · Full Member Joined: 19 Apr 2002 Posts: 232

Hi webacus:
Thanks for telling me about this site! Looks like I will have a new bookmark. I did read that article a while ago. Actually the magazine I subscribe to is Today's Christian Woman. This site is Christian Woman Today--very similar.

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