Over the last couple of years, I have spoken to many pastors, Sunday School directors, small group ministry directors, and group leaders. I am hearing many stories about reaching new people, enlisting new leaders, starting new groups, and increasing in worship and group attendance. One of the most consistent common factor in those stories resulting in greater participation in worship and groups has been starting new groups.
Enlisting New Leaders
We cannot start new groups without more leaders. When we pray to the Lord of the harvest to send workers into the harvest (Matthew 9:38), the Lord is faithful to send them. Our job is to open our eyes to recognize and mobilize them toward the work for which they have seen sent. More leaders enable the group and the church to reach and care for more people.
Starting New Groups
New groups appeal to new and lost people. They tend to grow faster than existing groups. New groups often grow to 8-12 in attendance within 18 months. They help us identify and pursue missing ages and groups of people. Like new leaders, new groups enable the church to reach and care for more people.
Reaching and Discipling New People
Groups help the church reach, care for, and disciple new people. They help us focus on all groups and age groups. Doing Bible study with a group enables lost men, women, teens, and children to discover their need for and accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. Pastors tell me that 50-100% of lost adults who attend their groups accept Jesus within 12 months. Thom Rainer did some research which showed that when a new member got involved in a Bible study group, 83% were still involved in the church 5 years later. When new members didn’t get involved in a group, only 16% were still involved 5 years later.
Developing New Leaders
When a Bible study group enlists a team to assist the group leader/teacher, the members of the group’s care team grow spiritually, relationally, and as leaders. As a result, the church is blessed with growing and trained leaders who can help as deacons, group leaders, committee/team members, ministry leaders, and others. In turn, these leaders hep the church carry out our Lord’s work and care for His people, the church.
Will You Start New Groups in 2025?
This begins with your commitment to be faithful in making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20) through starting new groups. Will you pray to the Lord of the harvest for workers? When He sends workers, will you enlist them to join you in starting new groups? Will you surround your current teachers with a team of leaders? And will you develop and mobilize those leaders throughout the church, community, and world.
May God be honored in your response. May God’s blessings be evident in and through the church. Make disciples. Be revolutionary!
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash
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