small groups can be just as difficult to get a handle on as any other church ministry. take advantage of the following tips to make yourself an instant expert.  
 
  a agenda—one of the best things you can do for members of your small group is to keep on a solid schedule. no matter what type of group you lead, an agenda will help your group be more effective and make the most of everyone's time.  
 
  b buzz—promoting your small group can often be one of the biggest challenges. your publicity efforts will strike the bull's-eye of your target audience when you go to where that audience is already located. we call it "followship."  
 
  c child care—if group members don't want to make their own arrangements, you can make your small group easier to attend by "piggybacking" during times when child care is already available at your church, like during a midweek program.  
 
  d do's & don'ts—don't allow people to feel pressured. do ask people ahead of time if they're willing to share their faith stories. don't assume everyone will want to pray aloud. do ask for volunteers to read scripture.  
 
  e energy—if your small group seems to be slipping into a comfortable social coma, it might be time to shake things up. the best solutions are usually the easiest: change your location, plan a creative activity, or change the pace with a movie night.  
 
  f food—gallup research showed that 77% of people who share a meal with someone at their church are highly satisfied with church. but only 23% of those who don't share meals together are highly satisfied. you do the math . . . then go buy a pizza.