How do you feel when you walk into a new setting?
You have questions like, will people like me? Will I belong to this group? When should I speak, or when should I sit back and listen?
It takes a great deal of courage to join a new group – work team, club, team, and especially a small group. You can most likely look back and see a time that you were the new person. The positive or negative experience resulted from how people welcomed you.
As a pastor of small groups, I can understand the complexity of a new person joining an existing group. Group dynamics change. It takes time to build trust and chemistry. Adding a new person to a small group can bring a fresh perspective.
Whenever you add a new person to your group, your group lives out the gospel. The same way, Jesus has welcomed you to his family becomes our motivation to help new group members feel warm and invited.
Today, I want to share a few tips on welcoming a new person to your group:
Respond to a request in 24 hours.
You could meet a new person for your group in the church lobby. A small group coach could connect you. In any case, sitting on an email or phone call longer than 24 hours can cause a person to feel disregarded. Sometimes, you have to check with your group. Communicate the time frame of getting back to the person. A prompt response helps a person know you care.
Find out the first week a new member will join the group.
It sounds obvious, but once a person decides to join a small group, figure out the date of their first visit. Before their first visit, provide proper instructions i.e., where to park, do they need to take their shows off at the door, a link to a ZOOM call, or any detail that would be helpful.
Set the expectations of the current group members for a welcoming environment.
Let the current group members know when the new member will visit. In your communication, share best practices. Introduce yourselves. Ask questions to get to know the individual. Keep inside jokes to a minimum or explain them. Anticipate the little idiosyncrasies that could be confusing or feel as though the new member feels excluded.
Confirm the new member will receive group communication.
Check your email list and text message chain to add the new member. Imagine how it feels to miss out on news of a location change or a fun event. Adding a person to communication also allows a person to feel part of the conversation.
Check-in with the new member after three-four group visits.
With fresh eyes, you can hear feedback about your group. Taking time to check-in helps a person know that you care about them. Set up a time to chat and listen to their perspective. Early check-ins open communication rather than sitting in silence.
Bonus – Encourage current group members to spend time with new group members outside of the group.
A current group member inviting a new group member in a smaller setting speaks volumes. In smaller groups, people can get to know each better, and it enhances the group dynamics. Negatively, we live in a social media culture. Imagine how it feels to see two-three group members get together without an invitation. Start early with these gatherings. It can set the tone of a person feeling a sense of belonging to a group.
What other tips do you have about welcoming a new person to your small group? Share in the comment section below.
Photo by Kate Kalvach on Unsplash