Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #5 — Different Approaches For Success

Picture: Counsel #5 — Different Approaches For Success CCL 68.1

Cultures around the world have different values and may require different approaches for small group success. In Western cultures, having clear start and end dates for small groups can improve attendance. Running groups for a shorter period, like 8-12 weeks, promotes intentionality and attracts those hesitant about long-term commitments. After the group ends, members can freely explore other groups. CCL 68.2

In communal cultures, fixed cycles may not always be necessary, but restructuring groups periodically can help connect new participants and break up cliques. One church aligned their prayer meeting with the small group cycles, focusing on topics like Christian History or books of the Bible. A light supper before the groups began helped triple weekly attendance and ensured punctuality.^[94] CCL 68.3

"And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh." Ecclesiastes 12:12 CCL 68.4

“It is essential to labor with order, following an organized plan and a definite object. No one can properly instruct another unless he sees to it that the work to be done shall be taken hold of systematically and in order, so that it may be done at the proper time.” Ellen White in Letters and Manuscripts, Manuscript 24, 1887, par. 18 CCL 68.5

Reflect: Have you ever attended a church group or program that ran too long or ended too soon? What changes would have made it better? CCL 68.6