Realtors will tell you it’s all about “location, location, location.” In adult Sunday school classes and small groups, though, it’s all about “relationships, relationships, relationships.” Sure, having a teacher or small group leader who can present a decent Bible lesson is important, and organizing a class for outreach, in-reach and ministry is also a must. But if a newcomer to a group isn’t able to get “tied-on” to one or more of the class members within a few weeks, that person will cease coming to class. Why? Because people today are looking for more than just a friendly church. They’re looking for friends.
Many books and articles have been written about this need for “high touch” within our high tech society. In his book Sticky Church (Zondervan, 2008), Pastor Larry Osborne says, “The ultimate goal of a . . .small group is simply to velcro people to the two things they will need most when faced with a need-to-know or need-to-grow situation: the Bible and other Christians.” (pg. 43)
During these summer months, get with your Sunday school teachers and small group leaders and discuss this idea of relationship building and “velcro-ing” members to one another. Encourage your leaders to plan class activities where members can actually get to know one another, and help your teachers enlist group leaders for their groups who will help facilitate a richer sense of koinonia and fellowship within the group.
Serving Jesus with You,
Franklin Booth
BACE Smaller Churches Affinity Group Leader Associate Pastor, Ministry of Education First Baptist Church in Mira Mesa, San Diego, CA
