In the context of Bible study groups, fellowship plays a vital role in fostering spiritual growth, building strong relationships, and creating a sense of belonging. While Sunday school classes provide an excellent platform for learning, regular times of fellowship outside of these classes offer several key benefits. In my recently released book, Breakthrough: Creating a New Scorecard for Group Ministry Success, I wrote about the need for groups to gather beyond their normally scheduled meeting times. One section of the book, about ¼ of it, is focused on the theme of “Form Deeper Relationships.” Most Sunday School groups would benefit by significantly increasing fellowship opportunities outside of class.

As I type this blog post, my wife and I are preparing to host a group of six fellow group members at a local restaurant later tonight. The reservation has been made, the people have been reminded, and I’ve developed a series of questions to keep the conversation moving forward through our dinner gathering.

In my experience, there are three strong reasons to make sure these kinds of fellowships happen often.

1. Fellowship Nurtures Authentic Relationships – One of the primary advantages of regular fellowship outside of Sunday school is the opportunity it provides to cultivate authentic relationships between members of the group. Sunday school classes often have a specific agenda and limited time for personal interaction. In contrast, fellowship outside of these classes offers a more relaxed and informal environment, conducive to meaningful conversations and connections. Just a week ago, my Bible study group gathered on a large ranch-style property on July 4. Everyone brought food to share for the evening meal, and we watched a spectacular fireworks show that was put on by a neighbor about a half-mile away. Did I mention that this person has ties to the fireworks industry, and that the fireworks show lasted 30 minutes? It was great! And so was the time we spend getting to know our fellow group members. Engaging in activities like game nights, community service, or shared meals creates an atmosphere in which people make new connections with one another. These opportunities enable people to get to know one another beyond the Sunday school class, forming genuine bonds that transcend the boundaries of the classroom.

2. Fellowships Strengthen Spiritual Growth – While Sunday school classes focus primarily on imparting knowledge and studying Scripture, regular fellowship provides another avenue for spiritual growth. Through fellowship, individuals can explore faith in a practical and personal manner, applying the lessons learned in Sunday school to their daily lives.Fellowships, prayer meetings, and service projects held outside of the Sunday school class offer a chance for deeper reflection and application of biblical principles. This interactive setting promotes the sharing of personal testimonies, struggles, and spiritual insights, encouraging mutual support and accountability. Together, individuals can discuss their spiritual journeys, seek guidance, and celebrate milestones, fostering a sense of spiritual unity within the group.

3. Fellowship Fosters a Sense of Belonging – In a world that often feels disconnected and fragmented, regular fellowship outside of Sunday school can provide a much-needed sense of belonging. By participating in activities and events together, group members build a shared history and sense of identity, strengthening their commitment to one another and the faith community as a whole. Engaging in fellowship beyond Sunday school allows individuals to experience a deeper sense of belonging by extending their connections beyond the classroom setting. Whether it’s participating in outreach programs, attending social gatherings, or serving together in ministry, regular fellowship nurtures a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and accepted. I love what Carey Neiuwhof said when he reminded us “Growing churches (and yes, that includes small and mid-sized churches too) will realize that connection and community will win out over content in the end, and they’ll focus their resources there. Nobody should be able to out-local or out-community the local the church.” To make sure I’m living this out, I invited a first-time couple who visited our Bible study group to come to the fellowship dinner tonight. So far I haven’t heard from them, but at least they know they are welcome and that we wanted them to come and eat with us. I want people like this to know that our Bible study community is open to new people being included. Everyone wants to belong somewhere!

Regular fellowship outside of Sunday school offers numerous benefits that enhance the overall spiritual growth and well-being of individuals within a faith community. It provides opportunities for building authentic relationships, encouraging spiritual growth, and fostering a sense of belonging. By engaging in fellowship activities outside of Sunday school, individuals can develop a stronger connection with one another and with their shared faith, creating a vibrant and thriving community that supports and uplifts its members.

How will you encourage your adult Bible study group to gather and have some fun?