It’s true. Sometimes we overcomplicate outreach. We dream of casting wide nets into the deep unknown, hoping to reel in new group members from mysterious waters. But what if the best place to fish is right where we are—inside the church, where the water’s warm and the fish are already swimming?
That’s what I call fishing in the bathtub. It’s not about flashy campaigns or deep-sea evangelism. It’s about recognizing that the people who attend worship services, show up at church events, or receive ministry care are already halfway in the water. We just need to extend the invitation and help them take the next step—from the pew to the Bible study circle.
Here are three ways your group can fish faithfully in the church’s own bathtub.
1. Spot the Swimmers: Personal Invitations in Worship
Every Sunday, the sanctuary fills with people—some regulars, some visitors, some quietly testing the waters. These are your swimmers. And the best bait? A genuine, personal invitation.
Before or after worship, encourage your group members to look around. Who’s lingering? Who’s sitting alone? Who looks like they’re wondering what comes next? A simple, “Hey, I’m part of a Bible study group that meets on [location/time]. You’d be so welcome to join us,” can be the hook that draws someone into deeper connection. No flashy lure needed—just eye contact, kindness, and a willingness to say, “You belong here.”
2. Cast Again After the Church Picnic: Event Follow-Up
Church events are like filling the tub with extra bubbles—fun, engaging, and full of potential connections. But if we don’t follow up, we’re just watching the fish swim by.
After a fall festival, women’s brunch, or service project, have your group reach out to people they met. A quick message like, “It was great meeting you at the [event]! Our Bible study group is starting a new series this week. Want to come?” turns a casual splash into a meaningful next step.
Better yet, host a low-pressure gathering—coffee, board games, or a backyard hangout—where your group can mingle with newcomers in a relaxed setting. It’s like tossing breadcrumbs into the water and watching the fish come closer.
3. Don’t Drain the Tub After Ministry Moments
Sometimes people encounter your church through a moment of need—a hospital visit, a prayer request, a food pantry stop, or a benevolence request. These are sacred ripples. Don’t let them fade.
If someone’s been ministered to by your church, consider following up with a gentle invitation to your Bible study group. Frame it as an extension of care: “We’ve been praying for you, and we’d love to walk alongside you more regularly. Our group is a place where people grow together and support one another.”
This isn’t bait—it’s a lifeline. And often, those who’ve been cared for become the most compassionate members of your group.
Final Cast: Don’t Wait for Deeper Waters
Fishing in the bathtub may sound silly, but it’s deeply strategic. The people are already here. They’ve dipped a toe in. They’re waiting for someone to say, “Come on in—the water’s fine.”
So go ahead. Extend the invitation. You’re not just asking someone to join a Bible study—you’re inviting them into transformation. And that’s no small catch.
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