Six steps to launch small groups for seekers_20705

Posted: 2/04/05

Six steps to launch small groups for seekers

By Ferrell Foster

Texas Baptist Communications

IRVING–Garry Poole asked a room of more than 150 Christians to do an “attitude check” to determine if non-Christians “really matter” to them.

Poole, director of neighborhood ministry at Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago, led a seminar on engaging spiritual seekers in life-changing small groups. The session, held in conjunction with the Epicenter missions and evangelism conference, was sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Texas, 121 Community Church in Grapevine, Denton and Tarrant Baptist associations and Willow Creek Association.

Christians must really care about “seekers” or non-Christians before starting a small group for them.

“You aren't ready if your heart isn't ready,” Poole said. “You must recalibrate your heart with God's heart.”

Poole, who wrote a book on small groups for seekers, described the process as a simple step-by-step approach anyone can use.

It provides an “excuse for ongoing spiritual conversations” with people who are “not yet ready for church.”

The groups include three to 12 non-Christians and one or two Christians who gather regularly to discuss spiritual matters, he said.

The goal, however, is not just to discuss; it's to help people become open to making a commitment to Christ.

“People learn a whole lot better if they do the talking,” Poole said. “You don't spoon-feed seekers; … you facilitate ah-ha moments.”

They will say things like, “I never knew that,” or “I get it now,” he noted.

Poole outlined six steps in launching a seeker small group.

Catch the vision. “It's understanding and caring about the seeker first,” he said. It's the attitude-check stage.

Build spiritual friendships. To do this, a Christian must hang out with non-Christians, “drop clues right away” about being a Christ-follower, look for “open windows” to engage in spiritual conversations, and know the gospel and how to illustrate it.

Extend irresistible invitations. Poole said it is best to invite a person face-to-face, be warm and friendly, be clear and specific about logistics and format, ask the person to try it once with no commitment beyond that and no pressure, and seek a 'yes' or 'no' reply. It's important to be patient, Poole said. Most people say “no” the first time.

Conduct the all-important first meeting. This involves mostly ice-breakers, in which participants get to know one another and have fun. They start light-hearted, then discussions get deeper and more personal. Scripture is then read, and participants give their knee-jerk reactions. “You're giving them a taste of what it's like to discuss the Bible in your group. … It's safe,” Poole said.

“Don't attempt to answer” theological questions, he noted. “You'll short-circuit the discovery process.”

Facilitate captivating discussions. “Seek first to understand where non-Christians are coming from,” Poole said. Then “guide seekers to self-discover biblical truths.” This process involves asking a lot of questions and listening. “Never tell when you can ask.”

Maximize the impact. A seeker small group should be “more than just a meeting,” Poole said. It should create a caring community. Plan social gatherings, call seekers between meetings and meet with members individually, he suggested.