As CCF has grown so much in 4 years we have gone through the pains of growth and are still learning how to transition into a more small group minded campus ministry. We have wrestled with it for sure but here are two things we have done that have helped drastically beyond simply telling people to join. Major props to Nathan Uy for doing such an amazing job with them. Here are two ways Nathan has spearheaded our efforts.
- Invested more small groups. We have done so financially with materials and time. Every meeting we have as a staff small groups are a guaranteed topic of discussion. We had our first ever leaders day this semester to dream with the leaders, thank them, and train for the semester ahead. This was a huge step for us and the success has been amazing. This is by far our best group of leaders to date but as is true with campus ministry there are some in the wings who are gonna be great.
- For the first time ever we kept our students in their small groups for our family vacation (spring retreat). The new people that came just joined a group that has openings and are being encouraged to stay in the groups now that they are back. This was a great idea because it allowed the memories that are made on retreat be a part of their memories of the semester with the same group they are already with weekly. Instead of another group being part of such great memories and bonds and then not really following up after the retreat now the groups have only been strengthened through the weekend. This kind of decisions makes a moment part of a movement rather than a free standing moment that has no connection to the greater picture.
These are just two of the ways that we are moving towards a more small group minded campus ministry. CCFers, would love to get comments from you on your thoughts of small groups at CCF and how they were on family vacation. Ministry friends whats your ministries doing to stay small group minded?
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I don’t have anything important to say other than good job for putting small groups in and making them a priority! I tried CCF back in 1998 when I started at FSU but ended up with another campus ministry because they had small groups. They’re such a great way for newbies to get and stay connected and I believe they’re such a vital lifeline during the college years, especially if you’re yearning and seeking a ministry full of authentic relationships and Christ followers. Keep it up!!
I love small groups!!! I think they are a great way for people to get connected to each other and to the greater picture of the whole organization (church, campus ministry, school). I think that people naturally strive to be remembered and wanted to feel like people out there care for them. Cliques, lunch groups, and office buddies are examples of how this is seen in the world. People gather in smaller groups. In the church, we organize this natural progression into small groups, and use it to further the kingdom of God.
[...] a ministry to a greater emphasis on small groups, by Michael [...]