Hey there, Bible study leaders! It has been said that the natural inertia of any group is to turn inward in time. Normally, groups turn inward after 24 months from their launch date.

Are you ready to take your group to the next level and spread the Good News with a bit of joy and enthusiasm? We’re about to consider several ways you and your friends can become a more evangelistic Bible study group. Here are three ideas for transforming your people into a more outwardly-focused group of adults who understand the mission of groups: making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).

1. Start by Creating a More Welcoming Atmosphere Whenever (and Wherever) You Meet

First things first, let’s talk about creating a welcoming atmosphere. Imagine walking into a room filled with warm smiles, friendly faces, and an air of genuine hospitality. That’s the vibe we’re aiming for! Here are some fun ways to make your Bible study group the place to be:

• Theme Nights: Who doesn’t love a good theme night? Whether it’s a Hawaiian luau or a retro 80s night, adding a theme can make your gatherings more inviting and fun. Encourage everyone to dress up and bring themed snacks. Theme nights create a fun and relaxed tone for the evening – one that guests will want to attend. Invitations from your group members to their friends who don’t attend a church or Bible study group will often be readily accepted when a theme is involved.
• Personal Touches: Little gestures go a long way. Consider having name tags for everyone to wear during your Bible study time, especially newcomers. After a guest visits your group, send them a personalized note, or even provide a small welcome gift at the time of their first visit (this may be in addition to what your church provides at the guest information kiosk). These touches show that you care and make people feel valued from the moment they walk in.
• Interactive Activities: Kick off your meetings with a fun icebreaker or a group activity. Games like Bible trivia, charades, or even a personal scavenger hunt can get everyone laughing and interacting. It’s a fantastic way to build connections and make everyone feel at home.

2. Regularly Engage with People in the Community

Now that you’ve got a welcoming atmosphere, it’s time to take your group beyond the four walls of the church and engage with people in the community. Being evangelistic means reaching out and sharing the love of Christ with others. Here’s how you can do it in a fun and impactful way:

• Community Service Projects: Organize regular community service projects that align with your group’s interests and talents. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, organizing a neighborhood clean-up, or hosting a free car wash, these activities not only serve others but also provide opportunities to share your faith in action. A Bible study group I once led scheduled “Saturday Serves” when we worked at a local food pantry, a local clothes closet, and even an elementary school that needed their playground equipment painted.
• Public Events: Host public events like a neighborhood cookout where you and your group provide the food, and neighbors are invited to swing by with their families and grab a burger or a hotdog. These events can attract people from all walks of life and provide a relaxed environment to introduce them to your group and the message of the Gospel.
• Social Media Outreach: In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for evangelism. Create engaging content, share uplifting messages, and invite people to your events through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Don’t forget to use fun hashtags and encourage your group members to share posts to reach a wider audience.
• Gospel Presentation Training: In my experience, group members will be more willing to share the gospel if they know a simple way to do it. I have taught multiple groups I’ve led to use The Navigator’s simple One Verse Evangelism strategy. Their approach is based on just one verse, Romans 6:23, which is only 20 words in length.

3. Cultivate a Culture of Invitation

Last but certainly not least, cultivate a culture of invitation within your group. Encourage your members to invite friends, family, and even acquaintances to join your Bible study. Research from the book Together: The Power of Groups, reported that 47% of people who attend a Bible study group do so because they were invited by either the group leader or a member of the group (invitation is the #1 reason people attend a group). Here are some fun ways to make inviting others a natural and enjoyable part of your group’s culture:

• Invitation Challenges: Turn inviting others into a friendly competition. Set a goal for the number of new guests each month and celebrate when you reach it. You could even have a small prize for the person who brings the most guests.
• Special Guest Nights: Designate certain nights as “Bring a Friend” nights with special activities, guest speakers, or themed discussions. Make these nights extra special to encourage members to invite others.
• Share Personal Stories: Encourage group members to share their personal stories of how the Bible study group has made a positive impact on their lives. These testimonies can be powerful motivators for others to join and experience the same transformation.

And there you have it! Three fun and effective ways to make your Bible study group more evangelistic. Remember, the key is to create a welcoming atmosphere, engage with the community, and cultivate a culture of invitation. So go out there, spread the joy, and watch your group grow in faith and numbers. Happy evangelizing!