Have you been considering how to grow your small group? We often think of more chairs in the circle and feet through the door—but perhaps biblical expansion means a little bit… more?
How to Grow Your Small Group
God commissions us to go into the world and spread his good news of salvation. And in eagerness to get going, sometimes we rush in, don’t we? “Time to build the Kingdom! Grow this small group for impact!” But in our will to build, do we forget the king?
When you think about how to grow your small group, remember God doesn’t commission us to go without him—his will, his power, and submission to his plan. He’s no mere earthly king calling orders; he’s intimately involved, present everywhere, and sovereignly in control. So when you dream of small group growth, before you go to task, first ask… Whom do I trust? Then, What am I to do?
Whom Do I Trust?
“Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth? Declare, if you know all this.” Job 38:18
The King of the Expanse
He drew lines where the earth meets the sea. He set signs in the sky to mark the passing of time. God himself is the expanse; he’s written the story of his kingdom’s expansion across eternity. Think for a minute about God’s work from Creation, to Christ, to his gathering of your small group. Wrap your mind around every detail—from his calling of matter into existence to his call upon your life. We can’t. As you grow your small group, can you trust that the King crafts the future growth of your Bible study and a path of purpose for each group member?
“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” 1 Cor. 3:6-7
The Master of Multiplication
Crowds followed Jesus throughout his earthly ministry, yet he searched out the ones. In John 4, he sat by a well in Samaria to reveal himself as savior to one broken woman. The mystified disciples thought, Why bother with her? But as she ran to share the news, the whole town came forth to see Jesus! God is the master of multiplication; he knows exactly when and where to set up his ministry and gives it growth. Can you trust him with the greatness or smallness of your small group—and his ability to multiply the faith of one into many?
What Am I to Do?
“And he said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?’” Mark 4:21
Shine in Truth
God’s light is his salvation in Jesus and his truth of Scripture. Is your Bible study a place where his light charges up your heart? If your small group is founded on his Word, God calls you to shine truth. As a group guide, do you freely express excitement? Do your group members allow each other to be moved by what God’s revealing? If your heart says, “Amen that’s amazing,” let it out! The more your community shines openly, the more you’ll reflect his light wherever God sends you.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…” Heb. 10:24
