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Jiffy Pop for Jesus
Encouraging your members to launch their own groups spreads their gifts and yours
Once your group members have discovered their ministry "SHAPE" (click here for more details on this), why not set a goal one week that no one leaves your meeting without a plan to serve over the next three months. Maybe it would be in a group project. Maybe some individuals have a plan to join a ministry at your church or to launch something new.
Another idea to consider for yourself and to propose to your group is "Jiffy Pop" groups. The idea here is that one or more of you agree to take a break from your current group to lead new people through a six-week Bible study. This way members aren't leaving your group forever. They'll just take six weeks off to help another group get launched. During that time, they can raise up one or two members of that group to take over when they go back to your group.
The important principle here is that the leadership skills you've developed in this group aren't meant to be hoarded—likewise with the skills that your group members have developed. God gives gifts for the good of the whole body. When you get it, give it away, and God will give you more.
So who are the one or two people in your group who have the gifts to lead a new group, but who might be reluctant? Identify the people who are reluctant yet ready, and affirm their gifts in front of the group. Encourage them to take that step of faith. If they're not ready for whatever reason to do a Jiffy Pop group, be sure they get a chance to develop their gifts by sharing the leadership of this group. And then try them again soon.
Once group members have committed to a type of service, take a few minutes to pray for each one. Commission them for ministry. Have everyone put a hand on the person's shoulder while you ask God to empower them for service.
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