Transitioning from Clustering to Branching | March 2025
LEADERSHIP THOUGHT:
Healthy small groups are designed to grow, multiply, and raise new leaders. Jesus modeled this principle when He trained His disciples, sending them out to make more disciples. A group that does not grow can easily become stagnant, while a group that intentionally raises leaders and branches out creates a movement of discipleship.
Transitioning from one group to clustering and branching is a strategic process. It involves gradually increasing leadership responsibility, forming strong leadership tripods, and then empowering clusters to develop into new groups. Here are practical steps to help your group navigate this transition effectively:
1. Rotating Leadership
A healthy transition starts by giving group members leadership experience in small ways. The tripod model—having a core of three who lead the group—helps develop confidence and readiness for future leadership.
Rotate facilitation: Before each meeting, designate a member of the tripod to lead the discussion. Each week, rotate leadership amongst the tripod. This allows members to become accustomed to various leadership voices.
Give Feedback: After each meeting, take time to give feedback to the person leading, highlighting what they did well and areas for improvement.
2. Forming Clusters
Once the tripod is comfortable leading parts of the group, the next step is clustering—where the group meets together but breaks into smaller discussion groups led by each tripod.
Why Clustering? It allows people to grow in leading, while also helping members find relational chemistry.
How It Works:
This typically begins with a minimum of six people for clusters of three.
Each facilitator leads a cluster, while the main leader observes and provides feedback.
Initially, clusters can be random, but relational chemistry should naturally shape consistent clusters over time.
Leaders should take note of personalities that work well together—who naturally connect and challenge each other.
3. Developing Tripods
As clusters solidify, the next step is to establish new tripods within each cluster to prepare for future branching.
Identify future leaders: Look for those who are consistent, engaged, and demonstrate faithfulness. (FAITH model: Faithful, Available, Involved, Teachable, Hungry)
Train new tripods: Have them assist in facilitating discussions and prayer within their cluster. Use the L2L as a resource to develop them into leadership.
Develop a care system: Each person should have individuals assigned for follow-up and care outside of the group.
4. Empowering a Branch
Once clusters have developed their own tripods and can function independently, they are ready to branch into separate small groups.
Timing: Branching should happen when clusters have strong leadership and members are ready to take ownership.
How It Works:
Clusters become their own small groups with their own leadership tripods.
They now meet separately but remain relationally connected to their original group.
The former group leader moves into a coaching role, helping support new group leaders.
Sustaining Growth: After branching, groups should continue raising leaders and preparing for future multiplication.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
What challenges have you faced in transitioning from one big group to clusters?
How can we encourage more people in our group to step into leadership roles within a tripod?
What are practical ways to develop future leaders within a cluster before branching?
What challenges are you experiencing going from clustering to branching?
PRAYER POINTS:
Pray for leaders to step up into leadership roles and embrace the heart of discipleship.
Pray for wisdom in guiding clusters toward healthy multiplication.
Pray for health and unity as groups transition and new leaders emerge.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
UPCOMING CLASSES:
Discipleship Track:
Main Campus Discipleship Track, April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm in Classroom 1 at Main Campus
Freedom Weekend:
Kahala Men’s Freedom, Saturday, March 22, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at the HUB at Main Campus
Kahala Women’s Freedom, Saturday, April 12, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at the HUB at Main Campus
Main Campus Women’s Freedom, Saturday, May 17, from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm at the HUB at Main Campus
Main Campus Men’s Freedom, Saturday, May 24, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at Classroom 1 at Main Campus
