Life Stages of a Small Group

Small groups have a life-cycle: they begin, have a middle, and eventually, they end. Discerning what God is doing in each life stage of a small group and following God into that rhythm is crucial in establishing rhythms of community. This resource will help you know what to expect in each stage and how to prepare.

Beginning of a Small Group

At your first small group gathering, you are establishing the spiritual rhythms of your small group community. Plan regular times of check-in to see how those rhythms are doing for your group and adjust them as God leads.

Middle of a Small Group

So you've been meeting for a few weeks, grown closer in friendships, have been praying for the people in your relational networks and for each other, and have begun studying Scripture together. Here's what to pay attention to:

End of a Small Group

Small groups usually end due to circumstances like the end of a semester or academic year. They may end because the group agreed on a certain number of weeks you all would meet regularly. As you see the ending date approaching, here are some steps you can take to end well, and set you and your small group participants up for a new beginning to come:

This resource is part of a free online course in The Ministry Playbook, “Growing Authentic Community” which helps small group leaders establish healthy communities and rhythms. Learn more and take the course here.