Ken Braddy Jr

Starting the Year off Right with your Bible Study Group

A new year brings new possibilities, fresh energy, and a renewed sense of purpose. For Bible study leaders, it’s the perfect moment to refocus the group, strengthen relationships, and set a clear direction for spiritual growth. Whether your group has been together for years or is just beginning to take shape, the start of 2026 offers a unique opportunity to build momentum. Here are three meaningful ways to set your Bible study group up for success in the year ahead.

1. Reestablish Your Group’s Purpose and Direction

Every thriving group knows why it exists. But over time, even the healthiest groups can drift into routine. The new year is the ideal time to revisit your group’s purpose and make sure everyone is aligned.

  • Clarify your mission. Is your group primarily focused on discipleship, outreach, fellowship, or a blend of all three? Naming your purpose helps members understand what to expect and how to engage. If you’re leading an ongoing Bible study group (i.e. a Sunday School type group) your mission is all three!
  • Choose a study plan that supports your mission. If your goal is deeper discipleship, consider a book-by-book study or a year-long reading plan. If discussion is a priority, choose studies that spark conversation, address felt needs, and are appealing to newcomers and those people who have not been in Bible study for a while. If you want to help your group members grasp the big meta-narrative of Scripture, then a chronological study may be just the thing your group needs.
  • Communicate the plan clearly. Share the vision for 2026 with your group—what you’ll study, why it matters, and how it will help everyone grow. When people know the “why,” they show up with greater commitment.

A clear sense of direction gives your group confidence and unity as you step into the new year together.

2. Strengthen Relationships Through Intentional Community

Bible study groups thrive when relationships are strong. People stay engaged not just because of the content, but because of the community. As you begin 2026, take time to cultivate deeper connections among your members. Carey Nieuwhof once said that connection and community will be more important than content in the post-pandemic church era. It’s not that content isn’t crucial – he was simply recognizing the fact that people can find good biblical content on their own; what they need is the human side of what groups can offer. As he said, “No one should be able to out local the local church.”

  • Create space for personal sharing. Start each gathering with a simple question that helps people open up. It doesn’t have to be heavy—something like “What’s one thing you’re praying for this month?” can build trust quickly.
  • Encourage shared ownership. Invite members to take small roles: leading prayer, reading Scripture, facilitating a question, or bringing snacks. Shared responsibility builds investment and helps new leaders emerge.
  • Plan regular fellowship moments. A meal, game night, or service project can strengthen bonds and set a relational tone for the months ahead. The key is to have someone in your group take the helm, plan these out with other group members, and invite every person (member, guest, and absentee).

When people feel known, valued, and connected, they engage more deeply with God’s Word and with one another.

3. Prepare Your Group for Growth—Spiritually and Numerically

A new year is a natural time to think about growth. Not just in numbers, but in spiritual maturity, outreach, and leadership development. A group that prepares for growth is a group that expects God to work.

  • Pray boldly for growth. Ask God to deepen your group’s hunger for Scripture, to strengthen unity, and to bring new people who need community and truth.
  • Make room for guests. Keep extra study guides and handouts on hand, offer context when needed, and encourage members to welcome newcomers warmly. A guest-friendly culture is one of the strongest signs of a healthy group.
  • Think multiplication, not just addition. If your group is nearing capacity, begin identifying potential new leaders. Multiplying into two groups isn’t a loss—it’s a mission win. It allows more people to connect, grow, and serve. Talk regularly about the need to multiply – don’t just spring the topic on your group members. Discuss this early and often.

Preparing for growth shows your group that you’re not just maintaining—you’re moving forward with purpose.

Conclusion

Starting the new year right with your Bible study group isn’t about adding pressure or creating a long list of tasks. It’s about refocusing on what matters most: purpose, community, and growth. By clarifying your direction, strengthening relationships, and preparing for what God may do in 2026, you’ll set your group up for a year filled with spiritual depth, meaningful connection, and kingdom impact.

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