Basics of Ministry: Stay small

Not only did the seventy followers go on the journey in pairs to provide support (Luke 10), they also traveled in pairs to remain small and recruit new followers. If their traveling groups were too big, it would be too intimidating for new followers to join such a large group.

This stay small strategy is common in small group ministries today – groups are encouraged to create new groups when they exceed 10-12 members. This prevents groups getting too big and out of control. It also encourages the development of relationships, as bigger groups discourage everyone from getting to know one another.

Does this mean that ministries can’t get bigger? No, but it does mean that the basic unit of your ministry should be small. Ministries should create smaller teams of 2-4 individuals, which are active in their ministry and constantly recruiting new team members. As the team starts to exceed 4 team members on a consistent basis, the team should divide into 2 smaller teams that can minister to one another more effectively.

Taking this approach requires a much different strategy to ministry development than the get big fast approach. It requires that more time be spent preparing your team, as Jesus did. It requires focusing their ministry on people rather than tasks. Finally, it requires that you let go of your direct leadership by raising other leaders to direct each of the smaller teams.

Want to grow your ministry and make a huge impact for the Church? Start by getting small!

This is the second of a five part series on the Basics of Ministry

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