No Show Night
What are you supposed to think when nobody shows up to your small group?
Have you ever had a night where most of your group doesn’t show up for your meeting? It can be a little depressing at times. You prepare a lesson, layout the snacks, turn on the coffee and clean the house, just waiting for the door bell to ring.
I remember one week where I vacuumed the house, Shelli baked some cookies, we turned on the coffee and waited. One couple showed. (Now I don’t want those of you in my group taking offense to this! Our group is a “no pressure” group and I know we have had a weird schedule lately.)
When this happens, a group leader can’t help second guessing themself. Many of us start wondering, is there something wrong with me? Am I preparing lessons that are lame? Does my coffee taste bad? Am I just boring? Do I talk to much and dominate the discussion? Do I not know enough about the Bible to answer questions?
Let me take a minute and answer these for you…
-There is nothing wrong with you.
-Your lessons may not be perfect but they are good enough.
-Your coffee is fine.
-You are not boring.
-If you talk too much your leadership would have told you already.
-You don’t need to be a Bible scholar to lead, just be yourself!
So what are we supposed to do when we have one couple show? VIEW IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY!!!
This has happened in our small group more than once. We always view it as an opportunity to get to know that person or couple better. This past week it even happened to be a couple we had never spent personal time with and it was great to get to know them.
Now, I do think if this becomes a pattern of behavior in your group it does warrant asking yourself a few questions.
- Have I called my group members and tried to stay relationally connected?
- Does my group do more than just a Bible study? If not, it would be a good idea to plan a social.
- Does my group share responsibility for the group? Have other group members lead the study, pray and bring food!
Another idea I would recommend is sending out a summary email to your group after each meeting. It lets those who missed know what happened and keeps your members connected even when they are not present.
So make your next low attendance night an opportunity!
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