This is an exciting week for our small group ministry at SeaCoast Grace Church as most of our groups launch within the next couple of days! As our leaders put the final touches on our preparations, I wanted to encourage them to give one last push to invite others, as well as share some ideas on how they could promote their small group. Being that these ideas are pretty universal, I thought that maybe they could be helpful to you as well…
1. Invite Your Friends/Family – Pray and ask God to put on your heart the names of family and friends, who you think might benefit from being in your group. Shoot them an email, or make a call to personally invite them. When leaders extend an invitation, people feel pulled into a group, rather than pushed to join a group.
2. Post it on Facebook – Many of us have Facebook accounts, so post something on your profile, letting others know about your group! You may be surprised who might respond. In addition, consider creating a “Facebook Groups” page for your group to post pictures and stay in touch throughout the week. Also have the members of your group “check in” with Facebook before the group starts and tag everyone there! By doing this, you might create a buzz about your group that may trigger a few conversations during the week.
3. Work the Small Group Kiosk/Table – People are constantly stopping by the kiosk on the weekends to inquire about groups! By working the kiosk, you give them a chance to meet you in person and get a level of comfort with you before they jump in! This past weekend our Run for God leaders recruited several members by just helping sell curriculum.
4. Encourage Your Members to Invite Others – Encourage the members of your group to invite their family and friends. In addition, encourage them to post about the group on Facebook or to work the Small Group kiosk! You might even place an empty chair at each week’s meeting and pray that God would fill that empty chair by next week.
5. Update Your GroupFinder/Online Profile – By updating your groups profile information online and adding fun and creative pictures of your group, you say to prospective members, we’re a fun group and you should really consider joining us!