Creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for a small group is vital to the success of the group in general. The reasoning is pretty simple – people return to environments where they feel welcome and accepted. People also feel freer to be themselves in a comfortable place. We often refer to this as the creation of Community within a group, and it’s one of the 3 Pillars of a Hope Small Group.
We asked 65 small group leaders at Hope Community Church to answer some questions related to the topic of creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for a small group. They were asked the following questions.
- Why is it important to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for a small group?
- How do you create a comfortable and welcoming environment in a small group?
- How can leaders foster Community in NEW small groups?
- How can leaders foster and maintain Community, specifically in ongoing small groups?
- How can leaders foster Community, specifically in existing small groups with one new person?
We were interested in hearing from a large number of people, because different people create comfort for others in different ways. Pooling their responses will allow for greater success as new (and existing) leaders seek out ways to improve the environment of their small group. Here is what those 65 leaders had to say.
Why is it important to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for a small group?
- Our small groups are a representation of Christ and our church
- It makes people feel at home
- It allows for more openness
- It is living out the gospel in everyday life
- It decreases awkwardness
- It increases participation and attendance
- Removing barriers to opening up
- Everyone should have a chance to sit at the ‘table,’ this allows them that chance. (Reflection of the Gospel being available for all)
- It helps avoid cliques
How do you create a comfortable and welcoming environment in a small group?
- Ask good questions to get to know people
- Be aware of the atmosphere. How does this unique group of people feel in this unique environment?
- Verbally affirm individuals for their unique contributions
- Know how to lovingly/respectfully correct wrong/non-biblical thinking
- Come up with strategies for getting-to-know-each-other time
- Give clear directions on location and parking, etc.
- Offer treats and beverages
- Make sure it’s clean (soap & toilet paper available)
- Start on time and don’t go over time—be respectful of time and pacing
- Give ownership of group by delegating small tasks
- Keep the tone and vibe positive
- Find commonalities and connections in one on one discussion
- Make sure physical space is available
- Plan some social activities outside of small group meeting times
- Celebrate life events such as birthdays, new jobs, weddings and babies
- Create a group plan for bringing children to small group
- Get involved in each other’s lives
- Don’t interrupt people or allow other group member to interrupt others
How can leaders foster Community, specifically in new small groups?
- Deepen relationships beyond basic “get-to-know-you” activities through considerate conversation
- Find a collective purpose beyond the social realm
- Leaders are the first to disclose more (appropriate) personal information, not expecting new folks to put themselves out there immediately
- Facilitate the forming of connections among group members
- Share testimonies of faith stories
- Lead by example. During the formation of the group, include your goal in the initial definition of the group
- Reintroduce yourself for a couple of weeks until people feel like they know each other
How can leaders foster and maintain Community, specifically in ongoing small groups?
- Revisit your purpose: community, biblical growth, and accountability
- Re-evaluate and remind members of the group’s purpose and individual’s value to the group
- Have intentional one on one times where appropriate
- As leaders, be willing to push people to greater heights
- Develop a routine that works for your group
- Be aware of how your group functions as friends
- Schedule regular Community nights: game nights, social outings, guys/girls nights, etc…
- Utilize summer well and the more ‘natural’ hangouts that tend to happen during the sumer
- Plan a Small Group weekend getaway to a cabin, go camping, etc…
How can leaders foster Community, specifically in existing small groups with one new person?
- Personally inviting people to events outside of small group and small group meetings
- Send a follow-up email thanking the person for coming and inviting them to the next meeting
- Lengthen the introduction time
- Meet with new people for coffee
- Give the group heads up so they can be welcoming, on time, and prepared
- Limit or explain inside jokes
- Be purposeful in making the new person aware of names and remind them
