There is a big problem many churches are facing today. Many people take themselves as unchurched. Is it possible for people from different local churches to form bible study groups? Yes, but you have to offer a relational and an informal study group that helps people find their identity. A small bible study group provides a secure opportunity to study God’s word. The group builds authentic relationships.
One of the aims of Thrive Cast is to create a quality Christian group experience to thrive in God.
Seek Gods wisdom
The first step in making a group is to pray about it so that God can prepare you for the coming steps in the journey. It’s an essential step that many Christians neglect. It’s a vital step since the small ministry groups need leaders who have a heart for the people. They should be ready and willing to invest themselves in the lives of the group members.
We must realize that religion is important not only in work and family but also for our mental and physical health. So, besides learning about your country’s religions and culture, you should also be the first example for your colleagues, and family members and lead them to be informed. Being a leader in the family and at work, of course, you should lead them by going to churches and learning all the information about religion. There you can also visit with them, as a group, and start learning helpful courses by attending youth groups. There is a curriculum for small groups in many churches, which will help you memorize important knowledge and make your studies more effective. Also, you will begin to have a broader, clearer perspective of your life, country, and culture.
Make your vision clear
Develop the group’s mission based on commitment and prayers. Vision will help the group’s efforts to be in one direction to achieve a specific goal. A group without a vision will have several directions to chance at once, which will make it fail.
Set goals
Identify the people you want to reach via the group. Check around the community and ask yourself several questions:
- Who will be part of the group?
- Where will the group meet?
- What is the age difference for the group members?
- What’s the gender of the group members?
Develop strategies
Take a keen look at the church and the people around it. For how long have these people been here? Check to see if someone has ever tried to do what you are about to do. If someone tried and failed, be keen on what made the person fail and vice versa.
Bring on board the people and elders who can give fresh ideas and wisdom to create something unique.
Choose an approach
How will the group members meet? What type of studies will they have? One way to choose a better strategy is to start with a calendar. Plan your yearly perspective and then narrow it down to a monthly perspective. Understand the group members and their unique needs while planning. Make your plan flexible and not rigid to allow some inputs along the way.
Train group leaders
A small group is different from a Sunday school class. Select potential leaders based on their strengths. Equip them based on their unique group needs. Commission the leaders to assume their set duties.
Track the group’s process
Small groups need a central leader to coordinate them. The coordinator evaluates the group’s effectiveness based on their studies. A coordinator identifies specific needs to address and plans for the groups.
Replicate
Every group should start with a leader and an apprentice. Leaders will help in training apprentices to lead different sections of the groups. It allows swift transition when a group leader isn’t available.
Conclusion
Making bible study groups is a process you have to handle with care. Many groups fail because of inadequate preparations. The above tips will enable you to make a better group for your people.
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