Small Group Ministry - Multiplication By Division

By Julie Morgan

13 / 2 = 19. New math? No. "Multiplication by division" is just a great way for a church to grow its small groups!

This is the way it works: a small group adds new members until it can't get any larger and still be a small group. One solution is to close the group to new members. The other is to divide into two groups, which are then small enough to take on new members.

Several small groups at Central have multiplied by dividing, often as a result of growth during the 40 Days of Purpose. One of these is the Yeagers' group, which split off from the Gathmans' group after it had grown to 22 members during the 40 Days. Another is the Jones' group, which was part of the Pitts' group until last fall, when two more couples wanted to join, which would have increased their numbers to 17.

Multiplication by division expands the small groups ministry at Central and opens groups to many more people. There is probably no better way to assimilate newcomers into the body, which is critical for a growing church like Central. But it is not without difficulties.

"It was not a happy split at first," acknowledges Anne Jones. Members of the Pitts' group had grown very close during their two years together, and the strong friendships extended to their children, who played together when the group met. Once they got over the difficulty of separation, however, Anne says they're glad they split off, and "the new group is working out great."

Paul Yeager says that his group benefited tremendously from initially being part of a very stable group like the Gathmans'. Since the new group split off late last summer, however, "it has begun to gel" and they're finding it "really wonderful," particularly since several members of the new group share the experience of being new to the Baltimore area. At the same time, they have maintained the close friendships they developed while in the Gathmans' group.

In a dynamic church, growing pains are inevitable. Multiplication by division, however, minimizes the pain while maximizing the growth. If your small group has ballooned into a rather large group, think about the positive experiences described by Anne and Paul and consider following their lead.