3 behaviors of a small group culture

1. 3 Behaviors
of a Small
Group Culture
@ejswanson
Next Gen Pastor
Woodside Bible Church
ejswanson.org
E.J. Swanson

2. NextGenMinistry.org
@ejswanson

3. Improve The Structure
Because, the quality of relationships
is linked to the quality of your
structure.

4. Habit #1
Organize to be organic
Improve The Structure
When you get in the habit of thinking steps not
programs, kids are more likely to end up where you
want them to be.

5. Improve The StructureHabit #2
Think steps not programs
Sometimes you have to stop doing something that
works if you want something more important to work
better.
When you get in the habit of thinking steps not
programs, kids are more likely to end up where you
want them to be.

6. Improve The StructureHabit #3
Move to the rhythm
When you make faith a part of the rhythms of life, it
becomes more fluid, more natural, and more every day.
Because when you get into the habit of moving to the
rhythm, you cooperate with what is already happening so
groups happen better.

7. Habit #1
Organize to be organic
Improve The Structure
Habit #2
¥ Think steps not programs
Habit #3
Move to the rhythm

8. Empower the Leader
Because the scope of your influence
is determined by the success of your
leaders.

9. Habit #4
Expect more not less
Empower the Leader
When you get in the habit of expecting more from your
small group leaders, your small group leaders will lead in
ways you never expected.

10. Empower the LeaderHabit #5
Play favorites
If you want your small group leaders to give kids a place to
belong, then maybe you should go first by giving SGLs a
place to belong
When you get in the habit of coaching SGLs by playing
favorites, you are doing for them what you are asking them
to do for a few.

11. Empower the Leader
Habit #6
Win before you begin
-When your best leaders recruit your best leaders
-Your SGLs are some of the biggest cheerleaders of your ministry.
-When recruiting leaders is a process, not an event
-When leaders practice leading before they lead
-When you create a place where leaders want to be

12. Habit #4
Expect more not less
Empower the Leader
Habit #5
¥ Play favorites
Habit #6
¥ Win before you begin

13. Create the Experience
Because the truth of your message is
amplified by the depth of your
relationships.

14. Habit #7
Have imaginary conversations
Create the Experience
You know that what you say in the moment can be said
better if you anticipate what you are going to say
(or not say)
If you want kids to know they belong when they are in
group, make sure they feel like belong before they get to
group

15. Create the ExperienceHabit #8
Control the climate
You don’t always see your environment the same way a
first time guest sees it.
If you want kids to know they belong when they are in
group, make sure they feel like belong before they get to
group

16. Create the Experience
Habit #9
Measure what seems un-measurable
A kid will feel known when someone knows them.
What if I can get the 1 time per month kid starts coming 2
times per month

17. Habit #7
Have imaginary conversations
Create the Experience
Habit #8
Control the climate
Habit #9
Measure what seems un-measurable

18. Suggested Resources
Lead Small App
Lead Small Weekly
Lead Small
Creating a Lead Small Culture

19. NextGenMinistry.org
@ejswanson