Process for Starting New Units - Part 2

Here is the next step in the process for starting new units.

Promote the Start Date and Location to the Target Group

Promote the specific date, time, and place the new Bible study group will meet. Such an intention assumes that ample preparation time has been given to the process so that information can be conveyed to the target group as well as to other existing groups that may be affected by the birthing of new units. Ask core group members to invite prospective members to attend a get-acquainted gathering a couple of weeks prior to the start of the new class or group.

Visit, Invite, and Enroll Members
Contact prospects for the class several weeks before the starting date. Enrollment provides an opportunity for an individual to identify with the class. Enrollment gives the Bible study group a tangible list of persons they can minister to and pray for regardless of the attendance pattern of the enrolled.

Conduct the First Session
The first sessions should be especially well planned and coordinated with all leaders. The sequence of these elements can be varied based on the target group.

• Party - Provide time for fellowship among leaders, members, and other attenders. Serve light snacks as appropriate for the age of the participants. Plan group-building and get-acquainted experiences. Use name tags to help everyone learn names.
• Praise - Ask some leaders and members to tell how they understand that God is working in their lives. Do not embarrass new participants (particularly unchurched persons), who may find it awkward to talk about spiritual things. As a part of the worship time, read a Psalm or other Scripture passage that will be part of the Bible study for the day and provide music or brief group singing.
• Prayer - All persons have concerns for which they need God's intervention. Some new attenders may not be familiar with the idea of bringing concerns before God confident that He hears, understands, and answers our prayers. As the leadership team learns about individuals in the group, it will become apparent who is comfortable praying aloud in a group. Prayer time can be a vital group-building experience as well as a meaningful time of worship. While this time is important, leaders will want to be sure that plenty of time is given for Bible study.
• Participation in Bible study - Approximately two thirds of the total session should be designed for Bible study.

Continue to Support the New Unit
The work of beginning a new unit is not over after the first session. It is extremely important that steps are planned to support the work of the new unit and help it develop strong roots and continue to build.

• Pray for the new unit.
• Sponsoring group continues to help build the class by supporting it in visitation, enrolling people, and ministry.
• Continue to mentor and support the leadership of the new unit.
• Plan with the leadership of the new unit for the next steps for the new unit and the support that is needed.
• Make the church aware of the progress of the new unit.

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