Bible study groups serve as places of spiritual growth and community-building within churches. However, the effectiveness of this ministry is often determined by care that is given to the members of the group, especially to those who are absent. Reaching out to absentees in a Bible study group is a vital aspect of fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community. My friend and former colleague, David Francis, once wrote, “One of the things that sets apart a healthy Sunday School or small group ministry from a struggling one is a commitment to care for every person” (Shepherd: Creating a Caring Community, p.7).

It has been a long-established rule of group life that in an average group, 50% of the members will be absent weekly. The longer you wait to contact absentees, the more awkward the encounter is. As a group leader, I have discovered that it is best to reach out to absentees quickly – within a day or two of their absence. I don’t have to do this by myself, but I enlist others to help make calls, send text messages, write emails, or make in-person visits.

Building Community

One of the primary purposes of a Bible study group is to build a sense of community among believers (see the section of my book Breakthrough: Creating a New Scorecard for Group Ministry Success, titled Form Deeper Relationships). When members of the class are absent, it creates a tear in the community fabric. Reaching out to absentees helps to mend these gaps and reinforces the idea that every individual matters. A phone call, text message, or email can go a long way in letting absentees know that they are missed and valued within the community. More chronic absentees may need a “porch visit” to help reengage them in the life of their group.

Spiritual Nurturing

Bible study groups are not just a place for social interaction; it is a hub for spiritual growth and development. Reaching out to absentees and reconnecting them to the group ensures that they do not miss out on the nourishment and guidance provided through God’s Word. When adult groups reconnect adult group members, entire families reconnect to God, His Word, and His people. Reconnecting a mom and dad to an adult group also reconnects their children to their groups, too.

Shepherding Care

In a larger congregation, it’s easy for individuals to feel lost or overlooked. By reaching out to absentees, group leaders and other members of the group extend pastoral care. This personalized outreach demonstrates genuine concern for the well-being of each member. It provides an avenue for addressing personal challenges, offering prayers, and extending a helping hand in times of need.

Accountability and Encouragement

Regular attendance is often associated with accountability in one’s spiritual journey. When someone consistently attends class, they benefit from the encouragement and support of fellow believers. Reaching out to absentees helps maintain this accountability, encouraging them to persevere in their commitment to spiritual growth. It also opens a door for understanding any obstacles they may be facing and offering support to overcome them.

Preventing Isolation

Life’s challenges can sometimes lead individuals to withdraw from communal activities, including Bible study with fellow believers. Reaching out to those who have been absent prevents them from becoming isolated. It communicates that they are not alone in their struggles and that the group cares for their well-being. This outreach can be a lifeline, preventing a sense of isolation and promoting a culture of compassion within the congregation.

The success of a Bible study group extends beyond the four walls of the classroom. It hinges on the collective effort to build a strong, supportive, and spiritually enriched community. Reaching out to absentees plays a pivotal role in maintaining this cohesion, fostering spiritual growth, providing pastoral care, promoting accountability, and preventing isolation. As group leaders, our responsibility goes beyond the lessons we teach; it involves nurturing a community where every member feels seen, valued, and connected on their spiritual journey.

Who will you reach out to this week? Which absentees can be contacted by you? By others in the group? If you lead an adult group, enlist fellow group members to help you with this important task.