The Law of the Few

Today I will continue going through the book, The Tipping Point, and relating it to preteen ministry.  Chapter 2 talks about The Law of the Few.  The basic idea is there are three types of people that help spread a new idea or concept: Connectors, Mavens and the Salesperson.

Let’s first take a look at the Connectors.  Connectors know a lot of people in different spheres of influence.  Connectors are connected to a lot of other people.  More importantly, they occupy many different worlds of people.  In preteen ministry, Connectors come in the form of parents, preteens and volunteers.

Parents who know all the other parents at the ballpark, all the local schools, local karate club and church.  Many parents might have connections in one or maybe two of those worlds.  But some, the Connectors, know many in all of them.  These parents can be a key influencer in getting the word out about your preteen ministry.  Get to know them.  Get them on your side and your preteen ministry will grow.

Preteens that are popular can be Connectors.  If you have a preteen in your group who seems to have a lot of influence, get to know him or her.  Build a relationship.  Once he sees you genuinely care for him, he will bring friends from school or the playground to church.  He’ll share what it means to have a relationship with others.

If you have a Connector as a volunteer, he or she will naturally share how much he enjoys working with preteens.  Get him to help you recruit others.  He can be a great asset when recruiting other leaders.

Bottom line is that God brings Connectors into your ministry.  He is the one who grows your ministry and impacts lives.  As you see Connectors in your midst, be aware they carry great influence.  But don’t build relationships with them just to grow your ministry.  Be their genuine friend.