When it comes to small groups and classes, community is just the beginning.
From the church in Acts 2 to churches today, Christians have always thrived in community. The proof is in the results. Recent research* shows that people actively involved in groups read their Bibles, pray, give, and serve more than those who are not. Fill a church with these people and the culture and mission will be radically transformed. Simply put: groups matter to churches.
But great groups don’t just happen. Churches that consistently foster healthy, thriving groups all do the same three things. They develop their leaders, launch new groups, and feed their people with wise discipleship resources.
Develop Your Leaders
In every group there are leaders, people personally gifted by Jesus Christ to serve in this capacity. These leaders reproduce who they are, meaning equipped leaders reproduce commitment to community, discipleship, and mission into their groups. Just imagine how the culture in a church would change if it were filled with trained leaders.
Launch New Groups
There is power in new. The reality is that new groups connect more people than existing groups—no matter when or where they meet. Because everyone in the group is new, a new group makes it easier for newcomers to connect than existing groups. New groups generate fresh excitement and more opportunities for connection and growth in your church.
Feed Your People
Community is only as strong as what it is built upon. Solid Bible study experience fosters solid disciples; weak study produces weak believers. It is crucial, then, that your groups’ studies be rooted in Scripture, point people to Jesus, and be relatable to the people in the group. Yet research shows many church leaders do not know what their groups are studying.
Groups Matter is a movement devoted to helping churches foster great groups the world over. The information and resources available through the Groups Matter website provide churches with effective and affordable ways to develop their leaders, launch new groups, and feed their people with solid discipleship resources. Church leaders are also invited to join the global movement of Bible study groups by pledging to launch new groups in their own churches.
You can learn more, download free resources, and pledge to launch new groups today at groupsmatter.com.
