Stop Promoting Church Small Groups Like This

Today, we're breaking down a completely Today, we're breaking down a completely different approach to getting more different approach to getting more different approach to getting more people in your church involved in small people in your church involved in small people in your church involved in small groups. We've got the actual data on groups. We've got the actual data on groups. We've got the actual data on where churches stand nationally, so that where churches stand nationally, so that where churches stand nationally, so that you can know where your church stands. you can know where your church stands. you can know where your church stands. We've got a specific exercise to We've got a specific exercise to We've got a specific exercise to identify the people in your church who identify the people in your church who identify the people in your church who are not yet connected to groups and how are not yet connected to groups and how are not yet connected to groups and how to change that. So, if your church has to change that. So, if your church has to change that. So, if your church has ever said, "We really need to get more ever said, "We really need to get more ever said, "We really need to get more people into groups." this episode is for people into groups." this episode is for people into groups." this episode is for you. you. you. Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Church Tools Show. We're here to help Church Tools Show. We're here to help Church Tools Show. We're here to help you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as always by my co-host. We call him the always by my co-host. We call him the always by my co-host. We call him the dinosaur daddy. It's Alexander Mills. dinosaur daddy. It's Alexander Mills. dinosaur daddy. It's Alexander Mills. Hello, hello. I was on a coaching call Hello, hello. I was on a coaching call Hello, hello. I was on a coaching call yesterday with a church of about 800, yesterday with a church of about 800, yesterday with a church of about 800, right? And I'm like, "Hey, right? And I'm like, "Hey, right? And I'm like, "Hey, we went over your reports for social. we went over your reports for social. we went over your reports for social. What do you want to tackle on the rest What do you want to tackle on the rest What do you want to tackle on the rest of this call?" And they're like, of this call?" And they're like, of this call?" And they're like, "How do we get more people enrolled in "How do we get more people enrolled in "How do we get more people enrolled in small groups?" small groups?" small groups?" And I was like, "Oh, yeah. Here we go. And I was like, "Oh, yeah. Here we go. And I was like, "Oh, yeah. Here we go. This is something different." This is something different." This is something different." >> That's exactly >> That's exactly >> That's exactly >> Let's tackle this together. >> Let's tackle this together. >> Let's tackle this together. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Because at the end of the day, this >> Because at the end of the day, this >> Because at the end of the day, this comes down to communications and comes down to communications and comes down to communications and promotions.

promotions. promotions. >> actually about small groups. >> actually about small groups. >> actually about small groups. >> Right. Like, presumably your small >> Right. Like, presumably your small >> Right. Like, presumably your small groups are awesome, right? If your small groups are awesome, right? If your small groups are awesome, right? If your small groups are terrible and every time groups are terrible and every time groups are terrible and every time someone goes there, someone goes there, someone goes there, it's the worst experience. it's the worst experience. it's the worst experience. >> a problem we can fix. >> a problem we can fix. >> a problem we can fix. >> Hey. Hey. That's not whatever we We >> Hey. Hey. That's not whatever we We >> Hey. Hey. That's not whatever we We never do that, right? Like, we're always never do that, right? Like, we're always never do that, right? Like, we're always helping more people discover your helping more people discover your helping more people discover your church. If they go over to your church church. If they go over to your church church. If they go over to your church and it sucks, and it sucks, and it sucks, >> that one's on you. >> that one's on you. >> that one's on you. >> That's That's not what we do. >> That's That's not what we do. >> That's That's not what we do. So, let's talk about how to improve So, let's talk about how to improve So, let's talk about how to improve this. And I do feel like I have a unique this. And I do feel like I have a unique this. And I do feel like I have a unique perspective on this because my church perspective on this because my church perspective on this because my church elevates groups to such a high priority. elevates groups to such a high priority. elevates groups to such a high priority. And we'll get into that. But, let's And we'll get into that. But, let's And we'll get into that. But, let's first talk, and I wanted to talk to this first talk, and I wanted to talk to this first talk, and I wanted to talk to this church about, like, what is church about, like, what is church about, like, what is the benchmark number for what's good and the benchmark number for what's good and the benchmark number for what's good and what's bad? what's bad? what's bad? >> Right. Like, what percentage of your >> Right. Like, what percentage of your >> Right. Like, what percentage of your congregation, if they were to be congregation, if they were to be congregation, if they were to be enrolled, would you be enrolled, would you be enrolled, would you be satisfied with? You would not be leading satisfied with? You would not be leading satisfied with? You would not be leading the the this call with this question. the the this call with this question. the the this call with this question. >> Right. And And I started of call by >> Right. And And I started of call by >> Right. And And I started of call by saying, they said, "We want small groups saying, they said, "We want small groups saying, they said, "We want small groups more people coming." I was like, "Okay, more people coming." I was like, "Okay, more people coming." I was like, "Okay, like where are you at right now?" And like where are you at right now?" And like where are you at right now?" And they said, "You know, roughly 20% of the they said, "You know, roughly 20% of the they said, "You know, roughly 20% of the people in our church of this like 800 people in our church of this like 800 people in our church of this like 800 come to small groups." And I said, come to small groups." And I said, come to small groups." And I said, "Okay."

"Okay." "Okay." And then we talked about some benchmark And then we talked about some benchmark And then we talked about some benchmark numbers. And these come from Lifeway. numbers. And these come from Lifeway. numbers. And these come from Lifeway. There are two Lifeway research studies There are two Lifeway research studies There are two Lifeway research studies that confirm roughly the same number. that confirm roughly the same number. that confirm roughly the same number. The first was from 2022 The first was from 2022 The first was from 2022 where Lifeway surveyed pastors, a where Lifeway surveyed pastors, a where Lifeway surveyed pastors, a thousand Protestant pastors, and found thousand Protestant pastors, and found thousand Protestant pastors, and found that 44% of weekly worship attendees that 44% of weekly worship attendees that 44% of weekly worship attendees participated in a small group, Sunday participated in a small group, Sunday participated in a small group, Sunday school, or similar group. school, or similar group. school, or similar group. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So, that's important. Lifeway kind of >> So, that's important. Lifeway kind of >> So, that's important. Lifeway kind of grouped these things together. If you're grouped these things together. If you're grouped these things together. If you're going to something that is outside of a going to something that is outside of a going to something that is outside of a Sunday service. Because growing up we Sunday service. Because growing up we Sunday service. Because growing up we didn't have small groups, the Baptist didn't have small groups, the Baptist didn't have small groups, the Baptist church that I attended growing up, we church that I attended growing up, we church that I attended growing up, we had Sunday school for adults and kids. had Sunday school for adults and kids. had Sunday school for adults and kids. And like the Sunday school for adults And like the Sunday school for adults And like the Sunday school for adults was like what you would think of when was like what you would think of when was like what you would think of when you think of small group. It's like you think of small group. It's like you think of small group. It's like almost Bible study, where we're all kind almost Bible study, where we're all kind almost Bible study, where we're all kind of talking together. of talking together. of talking together. So, 2024 comes along, Lifeway does a So, 2024 comes along, Lifeway does a So, 2024 comes along, Lifeway does a similar study, thousand Bible study similar study, thousand Bible study similar study, thousand Bible study group ministry leaders in Protestant and group ministry leaders in Protestant and group ministry leaders in Protestant and non-denominational churches, and it non-denominational churches, and it non-denominational churches, and it confirmed roughly that 44% average. Now, confirmed roughly that 44% average. Now, confirmed roughly that 44% average. Now, let's talk about that number. let's talk about that number. let's talk about that number. How do we How do we How do we tabulate data like this? 44% is based on tabulate data like this? 44% is based on tabulate data like this? 44% is based on self-reporting by pastors, by ministry self-reporting by pastors, by ministry self-reporting by pastors, by ministry leaders about their own leaders about their own leaders about their own church's participation. This is not church's participation. This is not church's participation. This is not independent measurement, and it's not independent measurement, and it's not independent measurement, and it's not representative. Right? We didn't representative. Right? We didn't representative. Right? We didn't actually like spend actually like spend actually like spend $75,000 on getting this number. This is $75,000 on getting this number. This is $75,000 on getting this number. This is the best that we have. So, the general the best that we have. So, the general the best that we have. So, the general pattern is clear, pattern is clear, pattern is clear, but I don't want anyone listening to but I don't want anyone listening to but I don't want anyone listening to this this this to be like 44% is the certain number.

to be like 44% is the certain number. to be like 44% is the certain number. That's not true. That's not true. That's not true. And importantly, it's 44% of people who And importantly, it's 44% of people who And importantly, it's 44% of people who are attending church weekly. What we are attending church weekly. What we are attending church weekly. What we know from Pew is that people on average know from Pew is that people on average know from Pew is that people on average tend to out of every five Sundays. tend to out of every five Sundays. tend to out of every five Sundays. So, we're talking about the most highly So, we're talking about the most highly So, we're talking about the most highly engaged church attenders, about 44%. engaged church attenders, about 44%. engaged church attenders, about 44%. That could be 34%. That could be 34%. That could be 34%. >> It could be 54%. Like it's just roughly >> It could be 54%. Like it's just roughly >> It could be 54%. Like it's just roughly in there. And so to this church what I in there. And so to this church what I in there. And so to this church what I said was if you're at 20% and the said was if you're at 20% and the said was if you're at 20% and the average attender is coming two out of average attender is coming two out of average attender is coming two out of every five Sundays, you're probably every five Sundays, you're probably every five Sundays, you're probably right at the average number right now if right at the average number right now if right at the average number right now if we kind of like converted those numbers we kind of like converted those numbers we kind of like converted those numbers together. So I said, "You're at together. So I said, "You're at together. So I said, "You're at average." So if that's where we're average." So if that's where we're average." So if that's where we're starting starting starting how do we then get to above average? how do we then get to above average? how do we then get to above average? >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And I think that's a useful perspective >> And I think that's a useful perspective >> And I think that's a useful perspective to look at things through. to look at things through. to look at things through. I think about this all the time I think about this all the time I think about this all the time when I'm trying to like when I'm trying to like when I'm trying to like you know, grow our organization or set you know, grow our organization or set you know, grow our organization or set ambitious goals. ambitious goals. ambitious goals. Here's a good example of one. I've seen Here's a good example of one. I've seen Here's a good example of one. I've seen a couple of TikToks that will say like a couple of TikToks that will say like a couple of TikToks that will say like "What is "What is "What is the average If you had 100 people, how the average If you had 100 people, how the average If you had 100 people, how many people do you think would be like many people do you think would be like many people do you think would be like 100 men, how many do you think would 100 men, how many do you think would 100 men, how many do you think would have like abs, visible abs?" And people have like abs, visible abs?" And people have like abs, visible abs?" And people always guess and like the answer is like always guess and like the answer is like always guess and like the answer is like one person. And you're like, "Wow, one person. And you're like, "Wow, one person. And you're like, "Wow, that's a lot less than I thought." So that's a lot less than I thought." So that's a lot less than I thought." So then if you had a goal to have like a then if you had a goal to have like a then if you had a goal to have like a body fat that was lean enough where you body fat that was lean enough where you body fat that was lean enough where you could see your abs, you'd have to then could see your abs, you'd have to then could see your abs, you'd have to then tell yourself that I'm willing to make tell yourself that I'm willing to make tell yourself that I'm willing to make choices that 99% of the population is choices that 99% of the population is choices that 99% of the population is not.

not. not. So then if you're like me last night So then if you're like me last night So then if you're like me last night and you're like head deep into another and you're like head deep into another and you're like head deep into another bag of popcorn, maybe you need to look bag of popcorn, maybe you need to look bag of popcorn, maybe you need to look at yourself in the mirror and say, "One at yourself in the mirror and say, "One at yourself in the mirror and say, "One of these things has to be more of these things has to be more of these things has to be more flexible." The point remains here, which is like The point remains here, which is like our church is average let's say right our church is average let's say right our church is average let's say right now. If you're below average, there now. If you're below average, there now. If you're below average, there might be like some low-hanging fruit might be like some low-hanging fruit might be like some low-hanging fruit meaning Sure. you're missing some things meaning Sure. you're missing some things meaning Sure. you're missing some things that are obvious that you can make that are obvious that you can make that are obvious that you can make But if you're average and you want to be But if you're average and you want to be But if you're average and you want to be above average, that means you have to above average, that means you have to above average, that means you have to make choices and do things that most make choices and do things that most make choices and do things that most churches are not to achieve that, to be churches are not to achieve that, to be churches are not to achieve that, to be outside of the average. The final point outside of the average. The final point outside of the average. The final point here that's worth saying here that's worth saying here that's worth saying is that another general pattern that is that another general pattern that is that another general pattern that emerged from these reports is that emerged from these reports is that emerged from these reports is that small group attendance was higher small group attendance was higher small group attendance was higher in larger churches. in larger churches. in larger churches. Which I think makes sense. Which I think makes sense. Which I think makes sense. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Because if you're at the average church >> Because if you're at the average church >> Because if you're at the average church of about 75 people of about 75 people of about 75 people >> Your church is a small group. >> Your church is a small group. >> Your church is a small group. >> On Sunday morning, you're rubbing >> On Sunday morning, you're rubbing >> On Sunday morning, you're rubbing shoulders with people and having that shoulders with people and having that shoulders with people and having that community organically. If you're a community organically. If you're a community organically. If you're a church like mine of a couple thousand, church like mine of a couple thousand, church like mine of a couple thousand, you probably have to work harder to get you probably have to work harder to get you probably have to work harder to get people engaged in groups.

people engaged in groups. people engaged in groups. It's probably a higher missional It's probably a higher missional It's probably a higher missional priority because you might be concerned priority because you might be concerned priority because you might be concerned that Sunday morning is more of a that Sunday morning is more of a that Sunday morning is more of a spectator sport because of just the spectator sport because of just the spectator sport because of just the number of people here. And we know the number of people here. And we know the number of people here. And we know the value of being in community with other value of being in community with other value of being in community with other believers, so we need to really believers, so we need to really believers, so we need to really emphasize this. emphasize this. emphasize this. >> So, what I hear you saying is there's >> So, what I hear you saying is there's >> So, what I hear you saying is there's context that's important to a question context that's important to a question context that's important to a question like this, in particular about small like this, in particular about small like this, in particular about small groups, but a question I guess any groups, but a question I guess any groups, but a question I guess any question that we ask ourselves about the question that we ask ourselves about the question that we ask ourselves about the churches that we work in, the churches churches that we work in, the churches churches that we work in, the churches we pastor, there's there's context to be we pastor, there's there's context to be we pastor, there's there's context to be considered about the size of your considered about the size of your considered about the size of your church, the values of your church, the church, the values of your church, the church, the values of your church, the demographics of your church, the the demographics of your church, the the demographics of your church, the the rough national kind of averages. All of rough national kind of averages. All of rough national kind of averages. All of these things are are important data these things are are important data these things are are important data points to consider about the goals that points to consider about the goals that points to consider about the goals that we're trying to achieve. we're trying to achieve. we're trying to achieve. >> Yeah, and if they're realistic or not. >> Yeah, and if they're realistic or not. >> Yeah, and if they're realistic or not. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, let's get now into the philosophy >> So, let's get now into the philosophy >> So, let's get now into the philosophy overall. overall. overall. And that And that And that is this, what I said to the church. is this, what I said to the church. is this, what I said to the church. You probably need You probably need You probably need if you want to be above average, if you want to be above average, if you want to be above average, you probably need to elevate groups as a you probably need to elevate groups as a you probably need to elevate groups as a value value value above everything else. And I use my above everything else. And I use my above everything else. And I use my church as an example. Our church's church as an example. Our church's church as an example. Our church's mission statement is helping mission statement is helping mission statement is helping people connect with God and others.

connect with God and others. Why did I write down so many notes? Why Why did I write down so many notes? Why Why did I write down so many notes? Why don't I have my church's mission don't I have my church's mission don't I have my church's mission statement memorized? I wanted to get it statement memorized? I wanted to get it statement memorized? I wanted to get it perfect because the whole point was perfect because the whole point was perfect because the whole point was dissect the two items from it. Helping dissect the two items from it. Helping dissect the two items from it. Helping people to connect God and others. people to connect God and others. people to connect God and others. >> You deal with a lot of church you know, >> You deal with a lot of church you know, >> You deal with a lot of church you know, value value value statements. statements. statements. >> Helping people to connect with God and >> Helping people to connect with God and >> Helping people to connect with God and others. On Sunday, we're helping people others. On Sunday, we're helping people others. On Sunday, we're helping people connect with God. connect with God. connect with God. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And in small groups, we're helping >> And in small groups, we're helping >> And in small groups, we're helping people connect with others. So, like people connect with others. So, like people connect with others. So, like it's in our mission statement. We do two it's in our mission statement. We do two it's in our mission statement. We do two things things things more than anything else. Groups and more than anything else. Groups and more than anything else. Groups and services. services. services. And each one goes uniquely to one of the And each one goes uniquely to one of the And each one goes uniquely to one of the objectives in our mission statement. objectives in our mission statement. objectives in our mission statement. >> Because it's codified for you, that is >> Because it's codified for you, that is >> Because it's codified for you, that is representative in the results that your representative in the results that your representative in the results that your small groups are so successful at your small groups are so successful at your small groups are so successful at your church. church. church. >> Right, because what happens from there >> Right, because what happens from there >> Right, because what happens from there is that the staff align around this is that the staff align around this is that the staff align around this because we see our leadership because we see our leadership because we see our leadership prioritizing it, volunteers get prioritizing it, volunteers get prioritizing it, volunteers get recruited into this recruited into this recruited into this and this is the question of like, well, and this is the question of like, well, and this is the question of like, well, where are leaders going to come from for where are leaders going to come from for where are leaders going to come from for these groups? Like, when it's like the these groups? Like, when it's like the these groups? Like, when it's like the most important thing, you're naturally most important thing, you're naturally most important thing, you're naturally putting more volunteers into group putting more volunteers into group putting more volunteers into group leadership. New attendees are hearing leadership. New attendees are hearing leadership. New attendees are hearing about it because we are talking about it about it because we are talking about it about it because we are talking about it more than anything else and then over more than anything else and then over more than anything else and then over time what happens? Enrollment rises. So, time what happens? Enrollment rises. So, time what happens? Enrollment rises. So, I kept coming back to this in this I kept coming back to this in this I kept coming back to this in this conversation with the church. We talked conversation with the church. We talked conversation with the church. We talked about specific strategies and techniques about specific strategies and techniques about specific strategies and techniques and and things to try and we're going to and and things to try and we're going to and and things to try and we're going to get into that in a moment, but it always get into that in a moment, but it always get into that in a moment, but it always kept coming back to kept coming back to kept coming back to is groups the priority that you want it is groups the priority that you want it is groups the priority that you want it to be? This get back This gets back to to be? This get back This gets back to to be? This get back This gets back to me um in my terrible eating habits in me um in my terrible eating habits in me um in my terrible eating habits in bed. Which one is the priority?

bed. Which one is the priority? bed. Which one is the priority? Comfort foods at night watching a show Comfort foods at night watching a show Comfort foods at night watching a show with your wife with your wife with your wife or specific or specific or specific body composition goals? You can't have body composition goals? You can't have body composition goals? You can't have both as a priority. And the same is true both as a priority. And the same is true both as a priority. And the same is true for a church. Like, you can't look at for a church. Like, you can't look at for a church. Like, you can't look at your small group enrollment and say your small group enrollment and say your small group enrollment and say like, we want this to go above average, like, we want this to go above average, like, we want this to go above average, but we're not willing to treat small but we're not willing to treat small but we're not willing to treat small groups as a value above others. Well, groups as a value above others. Well, groups as a value above others. Well, both of those things can't coexist. both of those things can't coexist. both of those things can't coexist. So, then we got into specific ideas and So, then we got into specific ideas and So, then we got into specific ideas and we started with this. I said, "Okay, we started with this. I said, "Okay, we started with this. I said, "Okay, we know that your small group enrollment we know that your small group enrollment we know that your small group enrollment is roughly average. is roughly average. is roughly average. To change that, we need to elevate To change that, we need to elevate To change that, we need to elevate groups as a value, which means we're groups as a value, which means we're groups as a value, which means we're going to talk about it more, we're going going to talk about it more, we're going going to talk about it more, we're going to prioritize it more, we're going to to prioritize it more, we're going to to prioritize it more, we're going to get volunteers into it more, we're going get volunteers into it more, we're going get volunteers into it more, we're going to mention in sermons. to mention in sermons. to mention in sermons. But, But, But, why are people resistant to joining why are people resistant to joining why are people resistant to joining groups now?" groups now?" groups now?" And so, we walked through an exercise And so, we walked through an exercise And so, we walked through an exercise together where the purpose of it was to together where the purpose of it was to together where the purpose of it was to identify the types of people in this identify the types of people in this identify the types of people in this church, church, church, their attending habits, who they are, their attending habits, who they are, their attending habits, who they are, and the fact that they're not connected and the fact that they're not connected and the fact that they're not connected to groups. And then we would talk about to groups. And then we would talk about to groups. And then we would talk about why are they resistant and what might why are they resistant and what might why are they resistant and what might they be receptive to.

they be receptive to. they be receptive to. So, I floated a couple of examples. So, I floated a couple of examples. So, I floated a couple of examples. I named the first guy Frank. Okay? Frank I named the first guy Frank. Okay? Frank I named the first guy Frank. Okay? Frank is a weekly worship attender. He's been is a weekly worship attender. He's been is a weekly worship attender. He's been at your church for a while. He's coming at your church for a while. He's coming at your church for a while. He's coming every week. He's not yet connected to a every week. He's not yet connected to a every week. He's not yet connected to a group. Why would someone come every week group. Why would someone come every week group. Why would someone come every week and not be connected to a group? And I and not be connected to a group? And I and not be connected to a group? And I said the exercise that you want to do said the exercise that you want to do said the exercise that you want to do here is to have leadership all in a room here is to have leadership all in a room here is to have leadership all in a room together together together and present that question and then hear and present that question and then hear and present that question and then hear everybody's anecdotal evidence everybody's anecdotal evidence everybody's anecdotal evidence or just anecdotal thoughts on why they or just anecdotal thoughts on why they or just anecdotal thoughts on why they think Frank might not be a part of it. think Frank might not be a part of it. think Frank might not be a part of it. Right? So, well maybe Frank is like not Right? So, well maybe Frank is like not Right? So, well maybe Frank is like not the type of person that likes groups the type of person that likes groups the type of person that likes groups that's like that small. Like maybe he that's like that small. Like maybe he that's like that small. Like maybe he feels uncomfortable when there's like feels uncomfortable when there's like feels uncomfortable when there's like five other people and it's like we're five other people and it's like we're five other people and it's like we're going to go around the room and pray. going to go around the room and pray. going to go around the room and pray. And Frank's like, "Yeah, like I love the And Frank's like, "Yeah, like I love the And Frank's like, "Yeah, like I love the Lord, but that that's a lot. Like I Lord, but that that's a lot. Like I Lord, but that that's a lot. Like I I'm I'm out on that." Maybe Frank is the I'm I'm out on that." Maybe Frank is the I'm I'm out on that." Maybe Frank is the type of person that just enjoys the type of person that just enjoys the type of person that just enjoys the structure of Sunday and like he really structure of Sunday and like he really structure of Sunday and like he really likes that and the groups that you're likes that and the groups that you're likes that and the groups that you're offering the groups that you talk about offering the groups that you talk about offering the groups that you talk about just don't seem like a good fit for him just don't seem like a good fit for him just don't seem like a good fit for him there. Maybe he just hasn't been like there. Maybe he just hasn't been like there. Maybe he just hasn't been like inspired to join one. Maybe he's open to inspired to join one. Maybe he's open to inspired to join one. Maybe he's open to one. He's not even like against it. He one. He's not even like against it. He one. He's not even like against it. He just hasn't felt like there's ever been just hasn't felt like there's ever been just hasn't felt like there's ever been a moment where like it was really clear a moment where like it was really clear a moment where like it was really clear and he felt like, "You know what? Today and he felt like, "You know what? Today and he felt like, "You know what? Today is the day." And there's probably a lot is the day." And there's probably a lot is the day." And there's probably a lot of people that are like that. Right?

of people that are like that. Right? of people that are like that. Right? Like this is true for any organization. Like this is true for any organization. Like this is true for any organization. It's like, "Would people be open to X, It's like, "Would people be open to X, It's like, "Would people be open to X, Y, and Z?" They would. They just haven't Y, and Z?" They would. They just haven't Y, and Z?" They would. They just haven't like been communicated like been communicated like been communicated that in the right way at the right time. that in the right way at the right time. that in the right way at the right time. They're not like openly hostile to your They're not like openly hostile to your They're not like openly hostile to your idea. That's what church leaders think. idea. That's what church leaders think. idea. That's what church leaders think. We're like, "We have talked about groups We're like, "We have talked about groups We're like, "We have talked about groups for years. If you're not in a group now, for years. If you're not in a group now, for years. If you're not in a group now, you must hate groups." you must hate groups." you must hate groups." The reality is is that people are just The reality is is that people are just The reality is is that people are just more likely to be like, "Eh, what are more likely to be like, "Eh, what are more likely to be like, "Eh, what are you going to do? I'm going to go get you going to do? I'm going to go get you going to do? I'm going to go get some lunch." some lunch." some lunch." >> Right. And there could be a >> Right. And there could be a >> Right. And there could be a communication breakdown there as well, communication breakdown there as well, communication breakdown there as well, right? You know, if you're a little bit right? You know, if you're a little bit right? You know, if you're a little bit mindless about your communication, maybe mindless about your communication, maybe mindless about your communication, maybe you just present the groups as you just present the groups as you just present the groups as information. "Hey, we have these groups. information. "Hey, we have these groups. information. "Hey, we have these groups. Sign up." But if you're a little bit Sign up." But if you're a little bit Sign up." But if you're a little bit more mindful and you start using more mindful and you start using more mindful and you start using inspirational language, you start inspirational language, you start inspirational language, you start telling stories about your groups, maybe telling stories about your groups, maybe telling stories about your groups, maybe that's enough to get, you know, Frank that's enough to get, you know, Frank that's enough to get, you know, Frank off the off the sidelines or off the off the off the sidelines or off the off the off the sidelines or off the couch and into the game. He's like, "Oh, couch and into the game. He's like, "Oh, couch and into the game. He's like, "Oh, that's a compelling reason to join a that's a compelling reason to join a that's a compelling reason to join a group. I love the Lord. I love church. group. I love the Lord. I love church. group. I love the Lord. I love church. I'm here every week. I just needed I'm here every week. I just needed I'm here every week. I just needed somebody to tell me like why these somebody to tell me like why these somebody to tell me like why these groups are so great. And I'll be there." groups are so great. And I'll be there." groups are so great. And I'll be there." And that's why we encourage you to give And that's why we encourage you to give And that's why we encourage you to give names to these actual personas to make names to these actual personas to make names to these actual personas to make them sticky and easier to talk about in them sticky and easier to talk about in them sticky and easier to talk about in the effort of getting, you know, Frank the effort of getting, you know, Frank the effort of getting, you know, Frank off the couch. We call him Futon Frank.

off the couch. We call him Futon Frank. off the couch. We call him Futon Frank. And Futon Frank is just he's on the And Futon Frank is just he's on the And Futon Frank is just he's on the sidelines and he wants to get into the sidelines and he wants to get into the sidelines and he wants to get into the game or does he? Once you articulate why game or does he? Once you articulate why game or does he? Once you articulate why he's resistant, you can then inversely he's resistant, you can then inversely he's resistant, you can then inversely figure out what he might be receptive figure out what he might be receptive figure out what he might be receptive to. to. to. And then, downstream from that, we can And then, downstream from that, we can And then, downstream from that, we can create communications, promotions, create communications, promotions, create communications, promotions, creative ideas, ways of sharing creative ideas, ways of sharing creative ideas, ways of sharing announcements that speak specifically to announcements that speak specifically to announcements that speak specifically to why he has yet why he has yet why he has yet to do this. Yeah. to do this. Yeah. to do this. Yeah. It's just communications 101. Right. So, It's just communications 101. Right. So, It's just communications 101. Right. So, I floated another audience persona. I floated another audience persona. I floated another audience persona. Let's imagine Let's imagine Let's imagine someone who's not attending every week, someone who's not attending every week, someone who's not attending every week, which for most churches is like the which for most churches is like the which for most churches is like the majority. majority. majority. You're not attending every single week You're not attending every single week You're not attending every single week and you're still not connected to a and you're still not connected to a and you're still not connected to a group. group. group. Why? Why? Why? Maybe you're feeling like I don't really Maybe you're feeling like I don't really Maybe you're feeling like I don't really know anyone well enough to like sit in know anyone well enough to like sit in know anyone well enough to like sit in their living room. That feels like their living room. That feels like their living room. That feels like really uncomfortable. Or I'm not sure if really uncomfortable. Or I'm not sure if really uncomfortable. Or I'm not sure if I'm committed enough to this church to I'm committed enough to this church to I'm committed enough to this church to like commit to showing up to a small like commit to showing up to a small like commit to showing up to a small group every week. Um group every week. Um group every week. Um it might be like scheduling conflicts. it might be like scheduling conflicts. it might be like scheduling conflicts. Like I'd love to attend church every Like I'd love to attend church every Like I'd love to attend church every week, but I have a job that disallows it week, but I have a job that disallows it week, but I have a job that disallows it or I have responsibilities that disallow or I have responsibilities that disallow or I have responsibilities that disallow it. If I can't even show up to church it. If I can't even show up to church it. If I can't even show up to church every week, how could I be committed to every week, how could I be committed to every week, how could I be committed to a small group? I'd love to, but it's a small group? I'd love to, but it's a small group? I'd love to, but it's just scheduling conflicts.

just scheduling conflicts. just scheduling conflicts. And then persona number three, the And then persona number three, the And then persona number three, the person who was in a group and left. This person who was in a group and left. This person who was in a group and left. This is one I think that typically gets is one I think that typically gets is one I think that typically gets overlooked. They tried it. overlooked. They tried it. overlooked. They tried it. Maybe the group dissolved. Maybe there Maybe the group dissolved. Maybe there Maybe the group dissolved. Maybe there was conflict. Maybe was conflict. Maybe was conflict. Maybe it was uncomfortable. Maybe they're it was uncomfortable. Maybe they're it was uncomfortable. Maybe they're like, "That was a bad group experience like, "That was a bad group experience like, "That was a bad group experience and I don't want to do it again." So, and I don't want to do it again." So, and I don't want to do it again." So, you give these personas names. You can you give these personas names. You can you give these personas names. You can just call them by their first name, just call them by their first name, just call them by their first name, Frank, Ashley, Frank, Ashley, Frank, Ashley, Carl, or you can call them Futon Frank. Carl, or you can call them Futon Frank. Carl, or you can call them Futon Frank. I like alliteration. Look, am I corny? I like alliteration. Look, am I corny? I like alliteration. Look, am I corny? Maybe I am. I am corny like that. Maybe I am. I am corny like that. Maybe I am. I am corny like that. >> memorable. >> memorable. >> memorable. >> It is, right? Let's not pretend like >> It is, right? Let's not pretend like >> It is, right? Let's not pretend like alliteration is not one of the core, alliteration is not one of the core, alliteration is not one of the core, you know, you know, you know, >> literary devices. >> literary devices. >> literary devices. >> That's the one for pastors and sermons. >> That's the one for pastors and sermons. >> That's the one for pastors and sermons. It works here as well. It works here as well. It works here as well. So, that's the exercise that you do. So, that's the exercise that you do. So, that's the exercise that you do. At that point, you've defined the At that point, you've defined the At that point, you've defined the people. people. people. You've defined what they're for, what You've defined what they're for, what You've defined what they're for, what they're against, they're against, they're against, >> who they are. >> who they are. >> who they are. >> Yeah. And you have a picture in your >> Yeah. And you have a picture in your >> Yeah. And you have a picture in your mind. mind. mind. And now you can begin And now you can begin And now you can begin composing announcements and ways of composing announcements and ways of composing announcements and ways of talking and ways of pitching small talking and ways of pitching small talking and ways of pitching small groups that speak directly to their groups that speak directly to their groups that speak directly to their needs, their problems, why they're needs, their problems, why they're needs, their problems, why they're resistant, and what they might be resistant, and what they might be resistant, and what they might be receptive to. So, receptive to. So, receptive to. So, let's get to how to do this. The first let's get to how to do this. The first let's get to how to do this. The first thing that I recommended to this church thing that I recommended to this church thing that I recommended to this church was to broaden the definition for was to broaden the definition for was to broaden the definition for groups. And this speaks to elevating groups. And this speaks to elevating groups. And this speaks to elevating groups as a value. This is one groups as a value. This is one groups as a value. This is one expression of that. In my church, expression of that. In my church, expression of that. In my church, we have five types of groups.

we have five types of groups. we have five types of groups. And the reason we have five types of And the reason we have five types of And the reason we have five types of groups is because groups is one of the groups is because groups is one of the groups is because groups is one of the most important things that we do. most important things that we do. most important things that we do. And so we want you to have a group that And so we want you to have a group that And so we want you to have a group that will make sense for your life and your will make sense for your life and your will make sense for your life and your needs. And to say this is the one type needs. And to say this is the one type needs. And to say this is the one type of group that we have and say of group that we have and say of group that we have and say either you're in it or you're not. either you're in it or you're not. either you're in it or you're not. >> like watching a teaching on a television >> like watching a teaching on a television >> like watching a teaching on a television in somebody's living room and going in somebody's living room and going in somebody's living room and going through a workbook. If that's the one through a workbook. If that's the one through a workbook. If that's the one expression of groups, maybe that doesn't expression of groups, maybe that doesn't expression of groups, maybe that doesn't meet Frank where he's at, for example. meet Frank where he's at, for example. meet Frank where he's at, for example. >> Futon Frank, he hates it. He hates it. >> Futon Frank, he hates it. He hates it. >> Futon Frank, he hates it. He hates it. >> But there ought to be a group for Frank. >> But there ought to be a group for Frank. >> But there ought to be a group for Frank. >> Right. Right. And what And one of the >> Right. Right. And what And one of the >> Right. Right. And what And one of the interestingly, one of the things that we interestingly, one of the things that we interestingly, one of the things that we said about Frank as a possible said about Frank as a possible said about Frank as a possible resistance point was like he just loves resistance point was like he just loves resistance point was like he just loves Sunday morning service structure. So, Sunday morning service structure. So, Sunday morning service structure. So, maybe that type of group is exactly what maybe that type of group is exactly what maybe that type of group is exactly what he would like because he's like, "Yes, he would like because he's like, "Yes, he would like because he's like, "Yes, more Bible study. That's my favorite more Bible study. That's my favorite more Bible study. That's my favorite thing." And maybe that church only has thing." And maybe that church only has thing." And maybe that church only has interest-based groups. So, it's like, interest-based groups. So, it's like, interest-based groups. So, it's like, "Hey, we're doing like the running "Hey, we're doing like the running "Hey, we're doing like the running group." And Frank's like, "I No, I just group." And Frank's like, "I No, I just group." And Frank's like, "I No, I just want to like study more Bible." So, here want to like study more Bible." So, here want to like study more Bible." So, here are the five types of groups that we are the five types of groups that we are the five types of groups that we have. Number one, community groups. A have. Number one, community groups. A have. Number one, community groups. A gathering of 10 to 70 people who meet in gathering of 10 to 70 people who meet in gathering of 10 to 70 people who meet in public settings for biblical study and public settings for biblical study and public settings for biblical study and discussion. Anyone's welcome to join at discussion. Anyone's welcome to join at discussion. Anyone's welcome to join at any time. any time. any time. These are These are These are like big and low barrier entry point like big and low barrier entry point like big and low barrier entry point groups. You can show up, sit in the groups. You can show up, sit in the groups. You can show up, sit in the back, nobody notices if it's your first back, nobody notices if it's your first back, nobody notices if it's your first time or your 50th. Great for the person time or your 50th. Great for the person time or your 50th. Great for the person who's terrified of a living room with who's terrified of a living room with who's terrified of a living room with six strangers, but would be comfortable six strangers, but would be comfortable six strangers, but would be comfortable in a larger, more anonymous setting.

in a larger, more anonymous setting. in a larger, more anonymous setting. Also good for the person that can't come Also good for the person that can't come Also good for the person that can't come every single week. every single week. every single week. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay, community group. Number two, >> Okay, community group. Number two, >> Okay, community group. Number two, interest groups. These are casual interest groups. These are casual interest groups. These are casual gatherings over a shared interest or gatherings over a shared interest or gatherings over a shared interest or activity. Ballroom dancing, the running activity. Ballroom dancing, the running activity. Ballroom dancing, the running group, the book reading group. We have group, the book reading group. We have group, the book reading group. We have ones um ones um ones um that are based around ethnicity because that are based around ethnicity because that are based around ethnicity because we have a lot of people in our we have a lot of people in our we have a lot of people in our >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> uh region that like move here and maybe >> uh region that like move here and maybe >> uh region that like move here and maybe English isn't their first language, but English isn't their first language, but English isn't their first language, but there's like a lot of Spanish people in there's like a lot of Spanish people in there's like a lot of Spanish people in our church and so we have like the our church and so we have like the our church and so we have like the Spanish ministry small group. Spanish ministry small group. Spanish ministry small group. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> These are uh >> These are uh >> These are uh easy to get into easy to get into easy to get into because they're obviously distinct from because they're obviously distinct from because they're obviously distinct from Sunday. It's like, what do you like Sunday. It's like, what do you like Sunday. It's like, what do you like doing? doing? doing? You can do it with believers. You can do it with believers. You can do it with believers. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And that's the overlap. And this is this >> And that's the overlap. And this is this >> And that's the overlap. And this is this is the one that's probably easiest to is the one that's probably easiest to is the one that's probably easiest to find leaders for because we can just say find leaders for because we can just say find leaders for because we can just say like, do you like to do this thing? like, do you like to do this thing? like, do you like to do this thing? >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Like I know you like pickleball because >> Like I know you like pickleball because >> Like I know you like pickleball because every time we're in conversation, you every time we're in conversation, you every time we're in conversation, you tell me how much you love pickleball. tell me how much you love pickleball. tell me how much you love pickleball. Not me, to be clear. Not me, to be clear. Not me, to be clear. >> Right. No, not you. Somebody else. >> Right. No, not you. Somebody else. >> Right. No, not you. Somebody else. Uh and so, why don't you lead a Uh and so, why don't you lead a Uh and so, why don't you lead a pickleball group? pickleball group? pickleball group? >> not a pastor. Like I don't have any >> not a pastor. Like I don't have any >> not a pastor. Like I don't have any formal training. I I I I couldn't like formal training. I I I I couldn't like formal training. I I I I couldn't like like I don't even like I don't even like I don't even >> It's fine. You just have to play >> It's fine. You just have to play >> It's fine. You just have to play pickleball with your Christian brothers pickleball with your Christian brothers pickleball with your Christian brothers and sisters.

and sisters. and sisters. >> We could then maybe just like say a >> We could then maybe just like say a >> We could then maybe just like say a prayer at the beginning and that counts? prayer at the beginning and that counts? prayer at the beginning and that counts? >> yeah. >> yeah. >> yeah. >> Okay. I can lead that. >> Okay. I can lead that. >> Okay. I can lead that. >> Go out afterwards for a meal, enjoy >> Go out afterwards for a meal, enjoy >> Go out afterwards for a meal, enjoy Christian fellowship, and do it again Christian fellowship, and do it again Christian fellowship, and do it again next week. next week. next week. >> And I don't have to like >> And I don't have to like >> And I don't have to like exercise exercise exercise >> You don't have to pray in tongues. Oh. >> You don't have to pray in tongues. Oh. >> You don't have to pray in tongues. Oh. >> Well, that's that's >> Well, that's that's >> Well, that's that's This feels easier now. This feels easier now. This feels easier now. Third type, the typical small group. Third type, the typical small group. Third type, the typical small group. This is the consistent gathering of like This is the consistent gathering of like This is the consistent gathering of like the six to 15 people who meet in the the six to 15 people who meet in the the six to 15 people who meet in the homes or whatever setting it is on a homes or whatever setting it is on a homes or whatever setting it is on a regular basis. It probably never stops. regular basis. It probably never stops. regular basis. It probably never stops. It's indefinite. Maybe they take a break It's indefinite. Maybe they take a break It's indefinite. Maybe they take a break in the summer. This is the the model, in the summer. This is the the model, in the summer. This is the the model, right? We've probably all been a part of right? We've probably all been a part of right? We've probably all been a part of this. It's great for the person that this. It's great for the person that this. It's great for the person that wants relational depth, accountability, wants relational depth, accountability, wants relational depth, accountability, and that committed relationship that's and that committed relationship that's and that committed relationship that's just like always there as this like just like always there as this like just like always there as this like permanent spot in the calendar. And you permanent spot in the calendar. And you permanent spot in the calendar. And you know what's interesting about this and know what's interesting about this and know what's interesting about this and probably why a lot of churches probably why a lot of churches probably why a lot of churches maybe don't even get close to that maybe don't even get close to that maybe don't even get close to that roughly 44% numbers because this is kind roughly 44% numbers because this is kind roughly 44% numbers because this is kind of the default small group and not of the default small group and not of the default small group and not everyone's looking for this. Like there everyone's looking for this. Like there everyone's looking for this. Like there are folks in your church who are already are folks in your church who are already are folks in your church who are already deeply integrated into other friend deeply integrated into other friend deeply integrated into other friend group, other communities, kind of have group, other communities, kind of have group, other communities, kind of have their own version of this. Maybe it's their own version of this. Maybe it's their own version of this. Maybe it's not not not uh you know, centered around faith or uh you know, centered around faith or uh you know, centered around faith or your community, but they belong to your community, but they belong to your community, but they belong to another community in your region or another community in your region or another community in your region or whatever and like this is not what whatever and like this is not what whatever and like this is not what they're looking for. They have other they're looking for. They have other they're looking for. They have other needs. They would belong to a group of needs. They would belong to a group of needs. They would belong to a group of another type, an interest group, a another type, an interest group, a another type, an interest group, a community group, something. But maybe community group, something. But maybe community group, something. But maybe they already have this and they just they already have this and they just they already have this and they just don't have the bandwidth to join another don't have the bandwidth to join another don't have the bandwidth to join another one at your group. And so maybe you're one at your group. And so maybe you're one at your group. And so maybe you're just kind of setting the an artificial just kind of setting the an artificial just kind of setting the an artificial ceiling for yourself when you only offer ceiling for yourself when you only offer ceiling for yourself when you only offer the classical understanding of you know, the classical understanding of you know, the classical understanding of you know, what we've traditionally practiced as what we've traditionally practiced as what we've traditionally practiced as small grouping. And that's why we small grouping. And that's why we small grouping. And that's why we actually have two more types. Number

actually have two more types. Number actually have two more types. Number four is support groups. This is focused four is support groups. This is focused four is support groups. This is focused on a specific area of growth or healing on a specific area of growth or healing on a specific area of growth or healing in your spiritual journey. So these are in your spiritual journey. So these are in your spiritual journey. So these are obviously topic-based obviously topic-based obviously topic-based and they're offered for a defined number and they're offered for a defined number and they're offered for a defined number of weeks throughout the year. of weeks throughout the year. of weeks throughout the year. Divorce, Divorce, Divorce, parenting a child with special needs, parenting a child with special needs, parenting a child with special needs, foster care, grief, recovery, right? foster care, grief, recovery, right? foster care, grief, recovery, right? Like we all have seen programs like this Like we all have seen programs like this Like we all have seen programs like this in church before. These often become the in church before. These often become the in church before. These often become the most meaningful group experience because most meaningful group experience because most meaningful group experience because when your need is greatest, that's when when your need is greatest, that's when when your need is greatest, that's when people are coming around you. And to me people are coming around you. And to me people are coming around you. And to me at least, the point of groups at least, the point of groups at least, the point of groups is to create real opportunities for is to create real opportunities for is to create real opportunities for organic relationship to begin. organic relationship to begin. organic relationship to begin. The groups that I've been a part of, The groups that I've been a part of, The groups that I've been a part of, some of them are not together anymore. some of them are not together anymore. some of them are not together anymore. But the friendships that I formed in But the friendships that I formed in But the friendships that I formed in them became these like lifetime them became these like lifetime them became these like lifetime friendships. That's the whole point. friendships. That's the whole point. friendships. That's the whole point. People come to a church People come to a church People come to a church and like there's the Sunday morning and like there's the Sunday morning and like there's the Sunday morning experience, but ideally you are doing experience, but ideally you are doing experience, but ideally you are doing life together, right? We use that life together, right? We use that life together, right? We use that phrase, it's overused. What does it phrase, it's overused. What does it phrase, it's overused. What does it mean? It means this. There are moments mean? It means this. There are moments mean? It means this. There are moments where you can find people that then are where you can find people that then are where you can find people that then are like, "Okay, through thick and thin, like, "Okay, through thick and thin, like, "Okay, through thick and thin, this Christian this Christian this Christian like like like commitment requires us to do it with commitment requires us to do it with commitment requires us to do it with other people." And that's what groups other people." And that's what groups other people." And that's what groups create the moment for. Where Sunday create the moment for. Where Sunday create the moment for. Where Sunday morning can could be tricky. Oh, you're morning can could be tricky. Oh, you're morning can could be tricky. Oh, you're leaving.

leaving. leaving. There's a lot of people here, even at a There's a lot of people here, even at a There's a lot of people here, even at a church of 75. Like 75 is a lot of church of 75. Like 75 is a lot of church of 75. Like 75 is a lot of people. The whole point of the people. The whole point of the people. The whole point of the community group, which is 10 to 70 community group, which is 10 to 70 community group, which is 10 to 70 people, is like so that you could be people, is like so that you could be people, is like so that you could be anonymous. You could be anonymous in anonymous. You could be anonymous in anonymous. You could be anonymous in like 75, you know, like Final type of like 75, you know, like Final type of like 75, you know, like Final type of group is a serve group. Gathering of group is a serve group. Gathering of group is a serve group. Gathering of dedicated volunteers serving in an area dedicated volunteers serving in an area dedicated volunteers serving in an area of shared ministry. This is like the of shared ministry. This is like the of shared ministry. This is like the activity group where you're activity group where you're activity group where you're making a difference in the lives of making a difference in the lives of making a difference in the lives of people. people. people. Five types of groups. Five types of groups. Five types of groups. You broaden the definition of groups. You broaden the definition of groups. You broaden the definition of groups. You, by virtue of that, broaden You, by virtue of that, broaden You, by virtue of that, broaden the number of people who are now the number of people who are now the number of people who are now qualified to be in a group. qualified to be in a group. qualified to be in a group. And then the final thing is to then run And then the final thing is to then run And then the final thing is to then run the campaigns. Two types of campaigns in the campaigns. Two types of campaigns in the campaigns. Two types of campaigns in church, sprinkle promotions and sprint church, sprinkle promotions and sprint church, sprinkle promotions and sprint promotions. What are they? Sprinkle promotions. What are they? Sprinkle promotions. What are they? Sprinkle promotions are ongoing, low-intensity promotions are ongoing, low-intensity promotions are ongoing, low-intensity mentions of small groups throughout the mentions of small groups throughout the mentions of small groups throughout the year. An announcement in the loop year. An announcement in the loop year. An announcement in the loop pre-service, a line in the bulletin, pre-service, a line in the bulletin, pre-service, a line in the bulletin, monthly social post, a mention from monthly social post, a mention from monthly social post, a mention from stage every few weeks. stage every few weeks. stage every few weeks. The role that sprinkle promotions play The role that sprinkle promotions play The role that sprinkle promotions play is they keep groups on people's radar.

is they keep groups on people's radar. is they keep groups on people's radar. You're always talking about them. You're always talking about them. You're always talking about them. They're always being mentioned. Are They're always being mentioned. Are They're always being mentioned. Are these converting at a high rate? Eh, these converting at a high rate? Eh, these converting at a high rate? Eh, probably not. But they're basically just probably not. But they're basically just probably not. But they're basically just priming the pump for when the time is priming the pump for when the time is priming the pump for when the time is right. And often, if the creative is right. And often, if the creative is right. And often, if the creative is good enough, they are creating that good enough, they are creating that good enough, they are creating that reason in maybe Futon Frank's mind, reason in maybe Futon Frank's mind, reason in maybe Futon Frank's mind, "Oh, I wasn't against groups, but when I "Oh, I wasn't against groups, but when I "Oh, I wasn't against groups, but when I saw that video of so on that you did on saw that video of so on that you did on saw that video of so on that you did on social that you played for social that you played for social that you played for in Sunday morning four weeks in a row, in Sunday morning four weeks in a row, in Sunday morning four weeks in a row, cuz I only attend church two out of cuz I only attend church two out of cuz I only attend church two out of every five Sundays." Not Frank, but every five Sundays." Not Frank, but every five Sundays." Not Frank, but others. others. others. And I saw what it was like to be in a And I saw what it was like to be in a And I saw what it was like to be in a group you miked up that one person, and group you miked up that one person, and group you miked up that one person, and then you made like that 60-second video then you made like that 60-second video then you made like that 60-second video of what it was like to be a part of of what it was like to be a part of of what it was like to be a part of group. I I it became very clear to me group. I I it became very clear to me group. I I it became very clear to me what that group was, and that sounds what that group was, and that sounds what that group was, and that sounds totally interesting. Before you just totally interesting. Before you just totally interesting. Before you just said small groups, and I don't know what said small groups, and I don't know what said small groups, and I don't know what that means. But when you say it without that means. But when you say it without that means. But when you say it without showing me, you know what I think of? I showing me, you know what I think of? I showing me, you know what I think of? I think of all the things that scare me think of all the things that scare me think of all the things that scare me about it. But if you show me what it is, about it. But if you show me what it is, about it. But if you show me what it is, now I have new context in my mind that now I have new context in my mind that now I have new context in my mind that my brain didn't think of because it's my brain didn't think of because it's my brain didn't think of because it's afraid of being in small intimate afraid of being in small intimate afraid of being in small intimate groups. groups. groups. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Wow, I'm more open to it now. >> Wow, I'm more open to it now. >> Wow, I'm more open to it now. >> And that And that was just a a a simple >> And that And that was just a a a simple >> And that And that was just a a a simple change in communication, right?

change in communication, right? change in communication, right? >> And one one type of sprinkle promotion, >> And one one type of sprinkle promotion, >> And one one type of sprinkle promotion, right? And you're just kind of like right? And you're just kind of like right? And you're just kind of like doing that over and over and over again. doing that over and over and over again. doing that over and over and over again. We call this the rule of seven in We call this the rule of seven in We call this the rule of seven in marketing. It's like one of the most marketing. It's like one of the most marketing. It's like one of the most like timeless principles. It It's seven like timeless principles. It It's seven like timeless principles. It It's seven is not a magic number. The point is, is not a magic number. The point is, is not a magic number. The point is, people don't make decisions the first people don't make decisions the first people don't make decisions the first time you say something. You don't go, time you say something. You don't go, time you say something. You don't go, "Join a small group." Yes. "Join a small group." Yes. "Join a small group." Yes. >> Not even Frank. >> Not even Frank. >> Not even Frank. >> Right. You have to hear things and be >> Right. You have to hear things and be >> Right. You have to hear things and be shown things multiple times, and then shown things multiple times, and then shown things multiple times, and then when the time is right, you're like, when the time is right, you're like, when the time is right, you're like, "Okay, I'm ready." "Okay, I'm ready." "Okay, I'm ready." >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And that's where sprint promotions come >> And that's where sprint promotions come >> And that's where sprint promotions come in. What are these? Concentrated, in. What are these? Concentrated, in. What are these? Concentrated, high-energy, time-bound campaigns high-energy, time-bound campaigns high-energy, time-bound campaigns designed to drive a large number of designed to drive a large number of designed to drive a large number of enrollments in a short window. So, this enrollments in a short window. So, this enrollments in a short window. So, this is like a 2-week all-out push is like a 2-week all-out push is like a 2-week all-out push with a clear start date, a clear with a clear start date, a clear with a clear start date, a clear deadline, and there's promotional deadline, and there's promotional deadline, and there's promotional intensity across every channel. Sprint intensity across every channel. Sprint intensity across every channel. Sprint promotions and sprinkle promotions. They promotions and sprinkle promotions. They promotions and sprinkle promotions. They work together. What role does the sprint work together. What role does the sprint work together. What role does the sprint promotion play? promotion play? promotion play? Ultimately, it's capitalizing on all the Ultimately, it's capitalizing on all the Ultimately, it's capitalizing on all the goodwill and equity that you've built goodwill and equity that you've built goodwill and equity that you've built from months of sprinkle promotions. from months of sprinkle promotions. from months of sprinkle promotions. These produce the spikes in enrollment These produce the spikes in enrollment These produce the spikes in enrollment that sprinkle promos cannot, that sprinkle promos cannot, that sprinkle promos cannot, >> but you can't do them frequently. >> but you can't do them frequently. >> but you can't do them frequently. >> Right.

>> Right. >> Right. >> Think about sprinting. Can you sprint >> Think about sprinting. Can you sprint >> Think about sprinting. Can you sprint forever? No. You have to stop. It is too forever? No. You have to stop. It is too forever? No. You have to stop. It is too intense, and that's true with these intense, and that's true with these intense, and that's true with these promotions as well. promotions as well. promotions as well. What does this look like? Maybe it looks What does this look like? Maybe it looks What does this look like? Maybe it looks like a groups fair. like a groups fair. like a groups fair. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Right? Like, it's the Sunday morning. >> Right? Like, it's the Sunday morning. >> Right? Like, it's the Sunday morning. This is usually back to church fall This is usually back to church fall This is usually back to church fall time. time. time. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And you promote it for like 3 weeks. I >> And you promote it for like 3 weeks. I >> And you promote it for like 3 weeks. I By the way, you know, Saturday Oh, By the way, you know, Saturday Oh, By the way, you know, Saturday Oh, sorry. Sunday, September sorry. Sunday, September sorry. Sunday, September 25th is our is is group Sunday. We're so 25th is our is is group Sunday. We're so 25th is our is is group Sunday. We're so excited for it and you play different excited for it and you play different excited for it and you play different sprinkle promotions in the weeks leading sprinkle promotions in the weeks leading sprinkle promotions in the weeks leading up to it. And then on that service, up to it. And then on that service, up to it. And then on that service, there's like only promotions for groups there's like only promotions for groups there's like only promotions for groups at the start. at the start. at the start. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> There's worship. Announcements are all >> There's worship. Announcements are all >> There's worship. Announcements are all around groups. The sermon, what's it around groups. The sermon, what's it around groups. The sermon, what's it about? It's about community. It's about about? It's about community. It's about about? It's about community. It's about being in the lives of other Christians. being in the lives of other Christians. being in the lives of other Christians. That is what, you know, one of the That is what, you know, one of the That is what, you know, one of the things of being a follower of Christ is. things of being a follower of Christ is. things of being a follower of Christ is. And guess what? We have created the And guess what? We have created the And guess what? We have created the opportunity, it's groups. How do you opportunity, it's groups. How do you opportunity, it's groups. How do you sign up? In the lobby, there are going sign up? In the lobby, there are going sign up? In the lobby, there are going to be booths for all the different to be booths for all the different to be booths for all the different groups. Go and see what they're all groups. Go and see what they're all groups. Go and see what they're all about. Or when you leave, we're handing about. Or when you leave, we're handing about. Or when you leave, we're handing you a catalog. The catalog is full of you a catalog. The catalog is full of you a catalog. The catalog is full of the groups. Sign up for groups. All of the groups. Sign up for groups. All of the groups. Sign up for groups. All of our groups are starting next week. our groups are starting next week. our groups are starting next week. There's a hard deadline. We want you to There's a hard deadline. We want you to There's a hard deadline. We want you to get involved.

get involved. get involved. That's the sprint promotion. That's the sprint promotion. That's the sprint promotion. >> I think now at the end of >> I think now at the end of >> I think now at the end of this episode, it's clear to see that this episode, it's clear to see that this episode, it's clear to see that whether it's groups or whatever it is at whether it's groups or whatever it is at whether it's groups or whatever it is at church that you want people to take church that you want people to take church that you want people to take more action in, that you want folks to more action in, that you want folks to more action in, that you want folks to take more next steps in their journey take more next steps in their journey take more next steps in their journey with Jesus, you know, through the life with Jesus, you know, through the life with Jesus, you know, through the life of of your church community, of of your church community, of of your church community, the context for what you're trying to the context for what you're trying to the context for what you're trying to accomplish is so important, whether it's accomplish is so important, whether it's accomplish is so important, whether it's statistics from what was it? Lifeway or statistics from what was it? Lifeway or statistics from what was it? Lifeway or Pew or Buddy Ryan Birds, just like Pew or Buddy Ryan Birds, just like Pew or Buddy Ryan Birds, just like something to anchor you in reality. What something to anchor you in reality. What something to anchor you in reality. What is what is achievable? How do is what is achievable? How do is what is achievable? How do Can I really get abs? Like it's that's Can I really get abs? Like it's that's Can I really get abs? Like it's that's the question, right? And then evaluate the question, right? And then evaluate the question, right? And then evaluate assessing your community, your assessing your community, your assessing your community, your congregation. I love the practice of congregation. I love the practice of congregation. I love the practice of assigning these personas to kind of put assigning these personas to kind of put assigning these personas to kind of put some flesh on the bones of like who it some flesh on the bones of like who it some flesh on the bones of like who it is that we're talking about and what we is that we're talking about and what we is that we're talking about and what we want them to do and maybe why they want them to do and maybe why they want them to do and maybe why they aren't doing it yet. Um and then it all aren't doing it yet. Um and then it all aren't doing it yet. Um and then it all hinges on the communication piece, hinges on the communication piece, hinges on the communication piece, right? Like there's it's it's one thing right? Like there's it's it's one thing right? Like there's it's it's one thing to say sign up for groups, sign up for to say sign up for groups, sign up for to say sign up for groups, sign up for groups, sign up for groups every single groups, sign up for groups every single groups, sign up for groups every single week. It's another thing to choose a week. It's another thing to choose a week. It's another thing to choose a method of communication that is method of communication that is method of communication that is inspiring rather than just information inspiring rather than just information inspiring rather than just information dumping and actually, um you know, dumping and actually, um you know, dumping and actually, um you know, giving folks a reason to take the next giving folks a reason to take the next giving folks a reason to take the next step that you want them to take. You're step that you want them to take. You're step that you want them to take. You're going to you're going to get Frank up going to you're going to get Frank up going to you're going to get Frank up off the futon, off the futon, off the futon, um you know, if you make a In in so many um you know, if you make a In in so many um you know, if you make a In in so many in so many ways, a lot of these things in so many ways, a lot of these things in so many ways, a lot of these things we've talked about today are just are we've talked about today are just are we've talked about today are just are are minor changes, you know, adding an are minor changes, you know, adding an are minor changes, you know, adding an interest group or choosing to talk about interest group or choosing to talk about interest group or choosing to talk about groups this way instead of this way.

groups this way instead of this way. groups this way instead of this way. Adding a sprinkle onto the end of the Adding a sprinkle onto the end of the Adding a sprinkle onto the end of the social post. Last week on the show we social post. Last week on the show we social post. Last week on the show we talked about 13 social post ideas to try talked about 13 social post ideas to try talked about 13 social post ideas to try this summer. So many of those social this summer. So many of those social this summer. So many of those social post ideas could be a sprinkle post ideas could be a sprinkle post ideas could be a sprinkle promotion. You know, one of the most promotion. You know, one of the most promotion. You know, one of the most viral ones we talked about um could come viral ones we talked about um could come viral ones we talked about um could come with me for a day at church. It could be with me for a day at church. It could be with me for a day at church. It could be come with me to pickleball small group. come with me to pickleball small group. come with me to pickleball small group. And it's the same it's the same post And it's the same it's the same post And it's the same it's the same post archetype and on its own it's a great archetype and on its own it's a great archetype and on its own it's a great social post. social post. social post. >> in a little bit of zhuzh at the end to >> in a little bit of zhuzh at the end to >> in a little bit of zhuzh at the end to say, "Hey, sign up for groups here." say, "Hey, sign up for groups here." say, "Hey, sign up for groups here." >> And >> And >> And and you bring it home with a and you bring it home with a and you bring it home with a a new found kind of communication a new found kind of communication a new found kind of communication strategy. And I think by making those strategy. And I think by making those strategy. And I think by making those those those tweaks here and there you those those tweaks here and there you those those tweaks here and there you can see your enrollment go up and maybe can see your enrollment go up and maybe can see your enrollment go up and maybe surpass what LifeWay's reporting as the surpass what LifeWay's reporting as the surpass what LifeWay's reporting as the national average. national average. national average. >> That's right. Do it for Futon Frank. >> That's right. Do it for Futon Frank. >> That's right. Do it for Futon Frank. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> Right? We want him to He's just wait He >> Right? We want him to He's just wait He >> Right? We want him to He's just wait He wants to get up. He's already attending wants to get up. He's already attending wants to get up. He's already attending every single week. The guy is committed. every single week. The guy is committed. every single week. The guy is committed. >> Do it for Futon Frank. And thank you for >> Do it for Futon Frank. And thank you for >> Do it for Futon Frank. And thank you for your time, attention, and trust. We'll your time, attention, and trust. We'll your time, attention, and trust. We'll talk to you next week. talk to you next week. talk to you next week. >> Right now my son's into dinosaurs.

>> Right now my son's into dinosaurs. >> Right now my son's into dinosaurs. He's watching the dinosaurs documentary He's watching the dinosaurs documentary He's watching the dinosaurs documentary on Netflix which he definitely should on Netflix which he definitely should on Netflix which he definitely should not be watching. It's like it's adult not be watching. It's like it's adult not be watching. It's like it's adult TV. TV. TV. >> Cuz dinosaurs are killing other >> Cuz dinosaurs are killing other >> Cuz dinosaurs are killing other dinosaurs? dinosaurs? dinosaurs? >> Oh, it's just all death. >> Oh, it's just all death. >> Oh, it's just all death. >> Oh. >> Oh. >> Oh. >> It's so gruesome. >> It's so gruesome. >> It's so gruesome. >> Sounds fun. >> Sounds fun. >> Sounds fun. >> And evolution. Morgan Freeman's like, >> And evolution. Morgan Freeman's like, >> And evolution. Morgan Freeman's like, >> It rained for 2 million years >> It rained for 2 million years >> It rained for 2 million years and no faith was on the entire and no faith was on the entire and no faith was on the entire >> like, "Sorry, God. Don't ask me any >> like, "Sorry, God. Don't ask me any >> like, "Sorry, God. Don't ask me any questions about that cuz I don't know questions about that cuz I don't know questions about that cuz I don't know how to answer."