Bible study groups are awesome. There’s something powerful about gathering around God’s Word, digging deep, and growing in faith together. But if your group only connects for an hour on Sunday or some other day and time during the week, you might be missing out on the real magic. Because the truth is, the best Bible study groups don’t just study the Bible—they live life together between meetings.

Here are three slightly convicting reasons why group leaders should be involved in the lives of their people between Sundays. This also presupposes that your group is rightly sized so that you have the opportunity over time to be with your group members and guests outside of the Bible study experience. “Super-sized” groups have to go about creating relational intersections in a different way (I’ll save that for a future blog post!).

1. Discipleship Happens in the Everyday

Sure, you can learn a lot in a structured Bible study. But discipleship—the kind Jesus modeled—wasn’t confined to a classroom. It happened on the road, over meals, during storms, and in the middle of messy, real-life moments.

When you show up for your group members outside of study time—whether it’s grabbing coffee, helping them move, or just checking in after a tough week—you’re modeling what it means to walk with Jesus daily. You’re showing that faith isn’t just a topic to discuss; it’s a life to live. And guess what? That kind of discipleship sticks.

2. Trust Grows in Shared Life

Let’s face it: vulnerability doesn’t usually happen in the first 10 minutes of a Bible study. It takes time, consistency, and shared experiences. When you’re present in your group members’ lives—celebrating birthdays, attending kids’ soccer games, or even just sending a “thinking of you” text—you’re building trust.

And trust is the soil where spiritual growth flourishes. When people know you care about them as a whole person—not just as a participant in your group—they’re more likely to open up, ask hard questions, and let you speak into their lives. That’s when the real transformation begins.

3. It’s a Picture of the Church in Action

The early church didn’t just meet once a week and call it good. Acts 2 tells us they “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship… they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” That’s not just a Bible study—that’s a lifestyle.

When you live life with your group members, you’re painting a picture of what the church is meant to be: a family. A community. A group of people who love each other deeply, serve each other joyfully, and walk through life’s highs and lows together. And in a world that’s increasingly isolated, that kind of community is a powerful witness.

So, group leader, don’t underestimate the power of a text, a lunch, or a spontaneous porch visit. Bible study is the launchpad—but life together is the journey. And when you step into the everyday moments with your group, you’re not just leading a study. You’re shepherding souls.

And that, my friends, is a beautiful calling.