7 Proven Strategies to Grow Small Groups and Boost Discipleship
by Ken Braddy, Lifeway Christian Resources
The following article was originally published on July 7, 2025 by Lifeway Research. Used by permission from the publisher
You can begin to remove barriers and create a culture where movement into groups becomes natural and groups grow.
Nashville, TN – If you’re hoping to see more people commit to group life in your church’s Bible study ministry, you’re not alone.
According to Lifeway Research’s State of Groups study, nearly 7 in 10 churches (67%) report that half or fewer of their adults attend an ongoing group. That’s a significant gap—and a missed opportunity. Discipleship doesn’t happen from a distance. It requires proximity, shared life, and intentional relationships.
Ed Stetzer once said the church must create movement—moving people out of rows (worship) and into circles (groups). As a Christian educator and discipleship pastor, I’ve seen firsthand the power of that movement. While we’re all grateful for the pulpit ministry of our pastors, even they would agree sermons alone aren’t enough to fuel deep discipleship.
Robby Gallaty quoted MasterLife author Avery Willis, who said:
“I really don’t believe much discipling is done through preaching, Robby. Yes, you can impart information and emotion in preaching, but discipleship is more relational, more one-on-one …. Preaching to make disciples is like going to the nursery and spraying the crying babies with milk and saying that you just fed the kids.”
Creating movement from rows to circles
So, what’s holding people back from moving beyond worship into group life? Why is group participation so low in so many churches?
There are many possible reasons. But if you can correctly diagnose the barriers in your context, you can begin to remove them and create a culture where movement into groups becomes natural and groups grow.
Here are seven practical ways to generate movement into small groups:
1. The pastor must champion groups
In every church I’ve served, one truth has remained constant: If something matters to the pastor, it matters to the church. Pastors have tremendous influence, especially from the pulpit.
When a pastor says, “Today in my group…” or “Our groups are studying…,” it signals that groups are vital. One of the most powerful statements I’ve heard from pastors is: “If you’re only going to give us one hour on Sunday, I’d rather you go to a Bible study group than hear me preach.” That kind of leadership sets the tone for the entire church.
2. Train your group leaders
Every profession requires training—teachers, firefighters, hairstylists, even sandwich artists. Yet many churches neglect regular training for group leaders.
That’s a problem. According to the State of Groups study, many churches lack consistent leader development. And that may be why guests don’t return. An untrained leader can unintentionally create an unwelcoming or ineffective group experience. Eternity is at stake—let’s train like it.
3. Use ongoing curriculum
Ongoing groups need ongoing curriculum. A well-designed plan—like those from Lifeway—ensures every lesson is a meaningful Bible study experience. It also communicates that your church has a strategy for discipling every age group.
4. Let people tell their story
From time to time, invite a family that recently joined a group to share their experience during a worship service. Peer testimony is powerful. When people hear from someone like them, it builds trust and curiosity.
5. See your space through guest eyes
We often stop noticing the clutter, faded posters, or peeling paint in our classrooms. But guests notice everything. Don’t let your facilities be a barrier. Clean, refresh, and create an environment that says, “We’re ready for you.”
6. Make—and keep—some promises
Guests may have misconceptions about group life. They might fear being called on to pray or read aloud—or worry they’ll be the only one who doesn’t know the Bible.
Why not offer a few simple promises to ease their concerns?
- We won’t call on you to speak.
- We won’t ask you to pray.
- No one here has it all together—we’re all learning.
- You can engage at your own pace.
These small assurances can make a big difference.
7. Leverage the power of personal invitation
The most effective way to get someone into a group? A personal invitation.
In Together: The Power of Groups, Scott McConnell notes that 47% of guests visited a group because they were invited by a leader or member. No other factor came close. Encourage and equip your people to be inviters—and remind them that their invitation could change someone’s life.
Final thoughts
If we want to see our groups ministries grow, we must remove barriers and create momentum. Some of that work belongs to pastors and staff. But much of it belongs to the people in the pews.
So, how will your church move people out of rows and into circles?
Ken Braddy
Ken is Lifeway’s director of Sunday School and regularly blogs at kenbraddy.com. He is the author of 11 books on group ministry, including his latest, Welcome Aboard!, which is all about helping groups become places of extreme biblical hospitality so guests want to connect with your church. He also hosts a group ministry podcast, Disciple-making in Community.
