1. Promote Small Group as a Safe Space

The thought of being vulnerable, especially with those outside of your circle, can be a little terrifying for many. But let's be honest - we're all sinners, and there's always some mistake made or crisis happening that someone is going through. That's just life. Maybe that one thing is what brought them to church in the first place. When promoting your small group, make it known that groups are a safe space for discussion among friends you can trust. The conversations had each week stay private. What is said in group, stays in group. This will allow new groupies to feel a sense of comfort if they're afraid to take that step to join due to fear of being judged or gossiped among other churchgoers. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/SDI Productions

2. Meet in a Public Setting

Maybe a younger group of Gen Zers are ready to take that next step but are afraid of entering a stranger's home. Let's take it a step further and say maybe the group leaders themselves don't even have a home of their own or a space suitably sized for a group. Whether you're living with your parents or in a small studio apartment in the city, try promoting a group to meet in some space outside of a groupies home. This not only appeals to younger members because they are not in their parent's basement, but it also makes the interaction feel more casual, which may alleviate the awkwardness or social scare of entering unknown territory. I suggest meeting at a local coffee shop or bookstore. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/SDI Productions

3. Announce a Casual Dress Code

It's, of course, expected that you wear your Sunday best to services, but what about small groups? Announcing a dress code might seem like a minuscule detail, but for Gen Z, it can make a big difference. Letting people know they can come as they are – hoodies, jeans, sweatpants, or whatever they're comfortable in – removes unnecessary pressure (Matthew 6:25). Since this is a younger group, they may be coming from a long day at school or work and just want to throw on their comfy clothes. Create an environment where they can focus on faith and connecting, not on what they're wearing. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Diamond Dogs

4. Tell Groupies to Bring a Friend

Two new group members are always better than one! Invite new groupies to bring a friend with them. For Gen Z, maybe having a familiar face in the group is all it takes for them to open up. In my personal experience, having my sister come to small group with me helped me open up about the struggles I was having after losing my mom. Knowing someone in the group who knew my heart gave me the confidence to be vulnerable and share what I was going through. A sense of security can help those suffering from social anxiety break down any social barriers, making it easier for them to engage in discussions and build new genuine connections. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/SeventyFour

5. Have Sponsors Promote the Group

Gen Z likes authenticity, so be authentic when promoting small groups to them. Have a group member share their testimony during church service or a short video on social media. Hearing real stories about how a small group helped a member grow in their faith, find a sense of belonging, or overcome a spiritual obstacle can be the push they need to give it a try! 

Want to take it a step further? Host a post-church Meet & Match event where small groups come together in a relaxed setting to connect with those looking for a group but unsure where they fit in best. No pressure to join or commit can be more appealing for shy Gen Zers. At the end of the day, word of mouth and a friendly face can be far more effective than any bulletin or pre-service announcement. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Georgijevic

6. Be Inviting But Not Pushy

One member of my own group mentioned the gentle invitations she received from our small group leader. She originally declined the simple text from her neighbor inviting her to small group. The invitation was always there, but a simple "no pressure if it's not the right time" or "maybe next week if you're available" was enough to eventually bring her to the group and later the church! 

That's the beauty of small groups—they aren't just for church members. In some cases, they're the first step toward church. So keep inviting, keep being open, and keep praying for the empty chair at your small group table. You never know who's just one kind invitation away from finding the life-changing faith family they've been searching for. 

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Wirestock

1. Promote Small Group as a Safe Space

The thought of being vulnerable, especially with those outside of your circle, can be a little terrifying for many. But let's be honest - we're all sinners, and there's always some mistake made or crisis happening that someone is going through. That's just life. Maybe that one thing is what brought them to church in the first place. When promoting your small group, make it known that groups are a safe space for discussion among friends you can trust. The conversations had each week stay private. What is said in group, stays in group. This will allow new groupies to feel a sense of comfort if they're afraid to take that step to join due to fear of being judged or gossiped among other churchgoers. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/SDI Productions

2. Meet in a Public Setting

Maybe a younger group of Gen Zers are ready to take that next step but are afraid of entering a stranger's home. Let's take it a step further and say maybe the group leaders themselves don't even have a home of their own or a space suitably sized for a group. Whether you're living with your parents or in a small studio apartment in the city, try promoting a group to meet in some space outside of a groupies home. This not only appeals to younger members because they are not in their parent's basement, but it also makes the interaction feel more casual, which may alleviate the awkwardness or social scare of entering unknown territory. I suggest meeting at a local coffee shop or bookstore. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/SDI Productions

3. Announce a Casual Dress Code

It's, of course, expected that you wear your Sunday best to services, but what about small groups? Announcing a dress code might seem like a minuscule detail, but for Gen Z, it can make a big difference. Letting people know they can come as they are – hoodies, jeans, sweatpants, or whatever they're comfortable in – removes unnecessary pressure (Matthew 6:25). Since this is a younger group, they may be coming from a long day at school or work and just want to throw on their comfy clothes. Create an environment where they can focus on faith and connecting, not on what they're wearing. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Diamond Dogs

4. Tell Groupies to Bring a Friend

Two new group members are always better than one! Invite new groupies to bring a friend with them. For Gen Z, maybe having a familiar face in the group is all it takes for them to open up. In my personal experience, having my sister come to small group with me helped me open up about the struggles I was having after losing my mom. Knowing someone in the group who knew my heart gave me the confidence to be vulnerable and share what I was going through. A sense of security can help those suffering from social anxiety break down any social barriers, making it easier for them to engage in discussions and build new genuine connections. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/SeventyFour

5. Have Sponsors Promote the Group

Gen Z likes authenticity, so be authentic when promoting small groups to them. Have a group member share their testimony during church service or a short video on social media. Hearing real stories about how a small group helped a member grow in their faith, find a sense of belonging, or overcome a spiritual obstacle can be the push they need to give it a try! 

Want to take it a step further? Host a post-church Meet & Match event where small groups come together in a relaxed setting to connect with those looking for a group but unsure where they fit in best. No pressure to join or commit can be more appealing for shy Gen Zers. At the end of the day, word of mouth and a friendly face can be far more effective than any bulletin or pre-service announcement. 

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Georgijevic

6. Be Inviting But Not Pushy

One member of my own group mentioned the gentle invitations she received from our small group leader. She originally declined the simple text from her neighbor inviting her to small group. The invitation was always there, but a simple "no pressure if it's not the right time" or "maybe next week if you're available" was enough to eventually bring her to the group and later the church! 

That's the beauty of small groups—they aren't just for church members. In some cases, they're the first step toward church. So keep inviting, keep being open, and keep praying for the empty chair at your small group table. You never know who's just one kind invitation away from finding the life-changing faith family they've been searching for. 

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Wirestock