This year Lifeway Research released a study on the State of Groups. In this study, six simple strategies were given for moving your people from the worship service to small groups. Although these tips are simple, the reason they are highlighted is because of a commonly voiced concern from pastors over not being able to move their people into groups. Your people will care about the things which they hear you prioritize most. If you are intentional to speak to the importance of Christian community, and diligent in offering on ramps for people to get plugged in, they will get involved. Consider these six tips and how you can implement them at your church.

1. TALK ABOUT GROUPS OFTEN FROM THE PULPIT

One way pastors can help create movement from the worship service to the church’s small group Bible teaching ministry is to regularly speak about the importance of belonging to a group from the pulpit.

2. PROMOTE YOUR UPCOMING BIBLE STUDIES

To create movement out of the worship service, promote attending groups when new studies start. Emphasize that you’d love to help connect people to a group at the start of one of these new studies and that you believe a specific group would fit them.

3. INTERVIEW INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLES ABOUT GROUP LIFE

Attending a group can be intimidating for people who don’t have a background in church life. From time to time, a pastor can really help people understand what happens in Bible study groups by interviewing an individual, a couple, or both.

4. EMPHASIZE GROUP INVOLVEMENT AT YOUR NEW MEMBERS’ CLASS

During your new members’ class, emphasize how important it is to be involved in a Bible study group.

5. CLEARLY PRESENT THE OPTIONS

Many people who attend your church begin their journey by looking for information on your church’s website. It’s wise to make sure people who come to the church’s website find clear information about when and where groups meet.

6. HAVE A WELL-STAFFED WELCOME CENTER

When guests journey into your church, they quickly look around for key things like the worship center, restrooms, and an information center. When guests drop by the welcome center to get connected to a group, make sure information is available about each of your groups, including time, location, and a brief description.