Active or Passive Church

Research shows that 90% of small groups are ineffective. But does it have to be that way? Many adults choose to avoid small groups because they are irrelevant and/or led by teachers who are unsure about what to do. 

I recently spoke with a pastor who told me that the small group ministry in his church was a deterrent to potential members. He said the classes were unwelcoming to guests and the teaching was stale and uninspiring. He wanted to know what he could do to reach his community with dynamic small group ministry. I was more than happy to talk!

Most churches today fall into one of two categories—active or passive. Active churches have dynamic small groups in which people are growing in their knowledge of God and growing in their relationships. Passive churches are, well, impressed with themselves! They admire their growth, facilities, and staff members. They worship worship and seem to have left behind the educational mandate to "make disciples."

Which one is your church? Your church might be growing, but passive. If so, you are struggling to meet your budget and enlist enough volunteers. Your church might be active, but small. If so, you probably are seeing a rapid growth in the depth of your membership. In five years, you will have a solid base of leadership and involvement.

If you want to fix your small group problem, you must first decide which type of church you will be.