Churches want to see more people reached and served, and many rely on Bible study groups to make this happen. But when classes and facilities are already physically and relationally full, Bible study attendance can only increase when new groups are created.  More groups mean more people are reached and served.

Allan Taylor, Minister of Education at FBC Woodstock, GA, spoke at a conference on the need for Bible study classes to reproduce.  He used the example of a hamburger restaurant.  Successful hamburger restaurants realize that one location, no matter how well organized and competently staffed, can only sell so many hamburgers.  The best way to increase sales exponentially is to open additional restaurants.  More locations mean more people reached and served. Though our work is with hearts and not hamburgers, the principle of expansion applies.

Consider the following ten ideas for creating new groups in your Bible study ministry.

1. Identify worship attendees who are not attending Bible study

Most churches report higher numbers in worship attendance than Bible study.  Who are these people in your church?   Are they young marrieds, senior adults, empty-nester couples, college students, or another identifiable group?  This will give you a head start on recruiting leadership and designing a new class.  If they are a mix of several life stages or family make-ups, some churches have had success starting a pastor’s class in the worship center to provide a starting point.

2. Train existing classes on Sunday School as a missionary strategy

Cast a vision to all Sunday school leadership for the Bible study ministry of the church to have a missionary mentality.  Use training seminars, preaching, church emphases, and personal dialogue to help leaders view Sunday morning Bible study as a vehicle for growth. Promote new groups as a key for seeing this happen.

3. Evaluate existing classes for “groups within the group”

People can usually maintain active friendships with only a few people.  If a Sunday School class has twenty or more in average attendance, chances are very good that there are already at least two groups present within the class.  These can provide a nucleus from which a new group can be formed.  Or, if your “young couples” class has three couples who are over forty, you have just found your new group.

4. Evaluate your Bible study group organization for age group or life stage gaps

Look at your organization list for obvious gaps.  If your first class for adults is made up of married couples age 30 and older, there may be a need for a class of married couples who are younger than that age.  If you have a men’s class, but not a ladies’ class, there is a gap.  If your "singles" class is designed for all unmarried people age 19 and above, there are gaps.  Obvious gaps mean opportunities for groups.

5. Consider using established teachers to start new classes

Most churches assume that to start a new group you first need to find a new teacher.  One idea is to start a new class with someone who is already an established teacher.  Have them take six months to develop a new leader for their current class and then launch the new group.  Their experience and passion for leading and teaching will translate to new group success.

6. Start new groups with leadership teams

If you do start a new group with a new leader, do not leave him or her on their own.  At minimum, start the new group only after a Bible study leader, ministry care leader, and outreach leader have been recruited, trained, and resourced.

7. Use a topical study as a means for launching a new group

While your long term goal will be for new classes to engage in systematic study of the whole Bible, a topical study is an excellent way to assemble a new group.   A parenting, marriage, financial management, or other interest-based study can serve as a place for relationships to be formed and new Bible study groups to result.

8. Provide opportunities for groups to fellowship with each other

One common fear of those who are leaving an existing group is that they will miss out on the fellowship they enjoyed with the larger group.  Some churches have addressed this by encouraging several classes of similar life stages to hold periodic fellowships where they all meet together.  Others have returned to a “department style” large group fellowship time prior to the Bible study hour and before classes break into smaller groups.

9. Consider alternative times and places for Bible study groups to meet

In our day of twenty-four hour service, there are increasing numbers of people who cannot attend Bible study on Sunday mornings due to unavoidable work schedules.  Other adults cannot participate in their own age group classes because they serve in other areas of the church during Sunday School.  Explore the possibility of starting groups on Sunday nights, Wednesday nights, or even at other times and locations in order to provide more options for adults to be involved.

10. Develop a list of “Paper Classes”

Identify the names of people who exist on prospect roles.  They will need to be reached personally and persistently, but with an attitude of genuine concern.  Though this may take time, stories still exist of leaders who have grown significant groups from just a simple list of names.

If you want to reach more people, these ideas just might be the thing for you.

David Bond is a member of the ABSC’s Evangelism and Church Growth Team.  He is available to intentionally come and help you with the details of a Sunday School strategy designed for your church.  Email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .