“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another…” — Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT
Small group hosts take Godly steps of faith and obedience by becoming a host. That is a huge win in their faith journey! Knowing that, celebration is key to leading your hosts well. It will make them feel valued — because they are. Celebrating them in every interaction motivates hosts to continue serving and encouraging their small group. Jesus perfectly displayed this among His disciples. He followed up with them, encouraged them, educated them, and sent them out to lead others into an intimate relationship with our God. Much the same, Small Group Leaders will journey alongside their small group hosts, leaving no room for doubt about whether they are making an impact for Christ’s Kingdom.
Here are three ways to lead and celebrate well as you follow-up and connect with your hosts:
The Power of Handwritten Notes
My guess is that you probably haven’t received a handwritten note in quite some time. Now think about the impact it would have on a small group host coming from practically a stranger — you! Your thoughtfulness and the sacrifice of time it took for you to write and send a personal note to them speaks volumes. Never underestimate the power of handwritten notes, you are taking steps to building your hosts trust and friendship; the time is worth it. To start, I recommend writing a note to every new small group host. This sets a precedence for the kind of support and leader you will be to them.
Treat Them to a Meal
When it comes to building relationships, gathering over food is the most effective concept to date. We know this because Jesus did this countless times. So, next time you want to connect or follow-up with your hosts, individually invite them to coffee or lunch. When you reach out, think about phrasing it in a way that will take away any intimidation they might feel about meeting with you. This way, they’ll know what to expect. Take this opportunity to get to know their heart. In doing this you’ll be able to understand their needs and how you can best support them going forward.
Small Group Host Hang-Outs
It is always good practice to provide different ways hosts can connect with you. A great way to mix things up is by planning a casual host hang-out in a park or a desert night. This is a fun way people can connect with other small group hosts, build familiarity with you, and hear any announcements you may have for them! Hang-outs like this will reflect the support you desire to provide for your hosts.
As a Small Group Leader, any intentional act towards your host will help build a foundation of trust and friendship with them. Remember, nothing you do intentionally for your hosts will be wasted.
