Building Great Groups in 2010

The Christian faith is all about relationships: the relationship between a holy God and sinful man; the relationship between brothers and sisters in Christ; and, the relationships we attempt to build between ourselves and the lost world around us. Within this context, the body of Christ functions – recognizing that God’s design is for community, fellowship, and accountability. This level of relationship is nearly impossible to develop and maintain in a large group setting. So, we utilize the small group environment of the Sunday School class or discipleship group to help connect the individual to the church.

As we begin 2010, perhaps we can be challenged by the suggestions of LifeWay specialist Bill Craig as we consider ten ideas for building great groups in the next year.

1. Equip and empower your leaders. If there is one key to great groups, it is having leaders who have been properly enlisted, equipped, and empowered to do their work.
2. Set goals to start new groups. Research shows that for every new ongoing group you start, on average, you’ll increase your attendance by ten people. Research also tells us that people who get involved in a small group tend to stick around (assimilate) better than those who only attend the “big group – worship”.
3. Utilize January Bible Study. This Bible study resource goes deeper than most Sunday School literature. Be creative in when and how you use this curriculum.
4. Challenge people about their most important group. The most important group for any believer is a group of 2: the believer and God, meeting together daily for prayer and Bible reading. Encourage believers to develop this discipline in their Christian life.
5. Guide small groups on a journey of intentional discipleship. Have you been concerned about the lack of results and focus of your small groups ministry? Check out Small Group Life for a brand new way to think about and resource small group Bible study.
6. Start E-Groups. Evangelism groups are designed to reach seekers. Try Discover More to Life as a resource to reach people around your church and in the neighborhoods of your members who don’t currently attend church.
7. Experience God. Has it been a while since you and others in your church have studied Experiencing God? Maybe you have a whole new generation of believers in your church who have never studied this core discipleship study about finding and doing the will of God.
8. Strengthen marriages. Consider a study such as the Love Dare Bible Study to strengthen marriages in your congregation and community.
9. Help parents. You can find a variety of stand-alone studies that are designed to help parents develop in their parenting skills. You may also use LifeTruths as an on-going small group study for young moms and dads.
10. Mobilize baby boomers. The largest population of adults that has ever existed is about to transition into new stages of life – empty nest to retirement to re-careering – the baby boomers in your church and community around you are about to change life of us all again.

If the Sunday School team of the association can assist you in training your Sunday School leaders, please do not hesitate to contact us through the HOKSBA office.