“Ending Well”

It’s been a long year! Your group has been faithful in attending each week, but now it’s time to think about ending for the summer, or ending for good. There are many ways to “kill” a group and first on the list is to say…”Well, that’s it folks. Might see you in the fall”, or “It’s been good”!  So evaluate your experience, be intentional with future meetings, plan an event and end with excitement.

Evaluate your Experience: Take a look at December’s Tip and make sure you plan a time for constructive evaluation before you end your group. Asking those important questions as to “what worked, what didn’t” helps to grow stronger, more healthy groups. It’s an effective way to make changes in your group and establish more ownership with members. It also helps to generate fresh enthusiasm for another year.

Be Intentional: As you near the end of your decided time together, revisit your covenant (January Tip). You should have a determined ending time. For the same important reasons, you should be deciding what week, day and time you will start up again in the fall. Leaving this step out often results with slow start-ups and lethargy come September. Remember…do not make the decision yourself, have the group give input as to what would work for them. And do not assume that everyone wants to continue. Be gracious and let them leave the group with a positive experience.

Plan an Event: Make your last meeting of the spring a memorable one! There are lots of creative ideas you can use, particularly if they come from your imagination with your particular group in mind. Have a festive meal together. Share positive group experiences and give the reasons why. Affirm one another by recognizing each other’s natural/spiritual gifts. Have an extended time of worship. If you are ending your group for good, plan a summer cookout or time together to reconnect and socialize.

Ending well is important. Doing small groups differently in the summer is also very healthy. Meet once a month for a meal and fun. Have a short devotional and create the interest to resume original format come September.

Next month…ideas for your summer break!