Imagine an ancient sailor standing on the deck of a wooden ship, the night sky stretched wide above him. With no GPS, no compass, and no map beyond memory, he relied on the stars to find his way. Among them, one star stood out—Polaris, the North Star.

Unlike other stars that shifted across the sky, Polaris held steady, anchored above the northern horizon. Sailors knew that if they could find Polaris, they could find north. By measuring its height above the horizon, they could estimate their latitude. The higher it appeared, the farther north they were.

So night after night, sailors scanned the heavens, aligning their course with Polaris. It became their celestial compass—constant, trustworthy, and quietly guiding them across vast, uncharted waters. In a world of shifting tides and uncertain winds, the North Star was their fixed point, reminding them where they were and where they were headed.

Now, think about your Bible study group—it’s on a journey, much like the sailors of old who set out with purpose and direction. Without a clear ministry map, even the most well-meaning group can begin to drift. It’s a natural current in group life: newer groups often sail with the winds of evangelism, eager to reach others. But over time, as familiarity sets in, the urgency to seek the lost can quietly fade. Unless we intentionally chart a course toward outreach, we risk anchoring in comfort rather than casting out into deeper waters.

Bible study groups are often praised for their depth—and rightly so. There’s something beautiful about believers gathering to explore Scripture, ask hard questions, and grow in spiritual maturity. But if we’re not intentional, our groups can become like ancient ships that lose sight of the North Star. Depth without direction leads to mission drift. Let the North Star of evangelism guide your group to keep its eyes fixed on the highest goal of groups – evangelizing of the lost.

Evangelism isn’t a side hustle for the church—it’s the heartbeat of Jesus’ mission. And Bible study groups, while excellent for discipleship, are also prime launching pads for outreach. So how do we keep evangelism at the forefront without sacrificing the richness of study? How do we make certain that reaching others for Christ is a group’s North Star? Here are three mindset shifts and practical moves to help your group stay open, outward, and on mission.

1. Shift from “Us Four and No More” to “Room for One More”

It’s easy for groups to settle into a rhythm with familiar faces. We know each other’s stories, prayer requests, and coffee preferences. We also know what we’re going to order at lunch after church – burgers, salads, ribs, or quesadillas. But comfort can quietly become a barrier to growth—especially for those outside the group who are spiritually curious or seeking.

To keep evangelism central, groups must cultivate a posture of openness. That means regularly asking, “Who’s missing?” and “Who can we invite?” It’s not about filling seats—it’s about extending grace. Make it a habit to pray for  lost people (and potential new people) by name, and encourage members to bring someone along. Even better, celebrate when they do. A simple “We’re so glad you’re here!” can be the start of someone’s spiritual journey.

2. Teach for Transformation, Not Just Information

Going deeper in Bible study is a noble goal—but depth isn’t just about parsing Greek verbs or debating theological nuances. True depth leads to transformation, and transformation should always ripple outward. Sometimes we major on the minutia in a Bible study, but does anyone truly need to know an ancient 3000 year-old ritual practice or some other interesting factoid that doesn’t hit them where they live? We should leave some of that on the cutting room floor and stick to the questions and application ideas that help people see the gospel and live it out daily.

When planning your group sessions, ask: “How will this passage help us live differently?” and “How can this truth be shared with someone who doesn’t yet know Jesus?” Frame your discussions with evangelistic application in mind. For example, if you’re studying the parables, explore how they speak to the spiritually curious. If you’re in Romans, talk about how grace can be explained to someone who feels unworthy.

And don’t be afraid to ask the group, “If a seeker walked in today, would they understand what we’re talking about?” That question alone can reshape how you teach, share, and welcome.

Anchor your Bible studies in the gospel, find the Christ connection in each lesson, and by centering on Jesus, you’ll never experience a drift away from His mission. -Remember, He left heaven to seek and save the lost. That’s our North Star.

3. Make Invitation a Culture, not a Campaign

Evangelism thrives in environments where invitation is normal—not rare. Instead of launching occasional outreach pushes, build a culture where inviting others is part of the group’s DNA.

Start by modeling it yourself. Share stories of who you’ve invited and how it went. Equip your group with simple tools—a text template, a printed invite, or even a short video explaining what your group is about. Remind them that they’re not selling something—they’re offering hope, community, and a place to explore faith.

And here’s a fun idea: create a “Guest Chair” in your meeting space. Leave it empty as a visual reminder that your group is always expecting someone new. It’s a small gesture with a big message: “We’re not just here for ourselves.” Oh, and consider wearing name tags each time your group meets. I’m talking about the stick on, “Hello, My Name Is” kind. Those remind group members that although they know one another, guests don’t. The wearing of name tags reminds everyone that guests are welcome to attend, and that the group is going to remain open to new people attending any particular session.

Bible study groups don’t have to choose between depth and outreach. In fact, the healthiest groups do both—growing deeper in Christ while reaching wider in love. When evangelism becomes a natural part of your group’s rhythm, you’ll find that the joy of discovery isn’t limited to the pages of Scripture—it’s found in the faces of those who are encountering Jesus for the first time.

Don’t let your ship drift aimlessly in the vast ocean of opportunities. Jesus came to seek and save the lost—that same mission should anchor our groups. When we fix our gaze on the North Star of evangelism, we won’t lose our bearings. We’ll navigate with confidence, knowing we’re sailing in the center of God’s will, charting a course straight toward those who need Him most. Let evangelism be your guiding light, and you’ll always find yourself exactly where you’re meant to be.