Here we are with just a few weeks until Christmas! Less than a week after that, the new year will be here.

The turning of the calendar is more than just a fresh start—it’s an opportunity to refocus, reenergize, and realign your Bible study group with God’s mission. Preparing well for the new year ensures your group doesn’t just continue meeting, but grows deeper in faith, stronger in fellowship, and wider in outreach. Here are three key ways to prepare your Bible study group for the year ahead.

1. Reflect on the Past Year

Before rushing into the new year, pause to look back. Reflection helps your group celebrate victories, acknowledge challenges, and learn from experiences.

• Celebrate God’s work: Highlight moments when members grew spiritually, when prayers were answered, or when the group supported one another in meaningful ways. Consider having a “year-in-review” time where everyone shares one way they saw God at work.
• Identify growth opportunties: Were there times when attendance dipped? Did discussions sometimes stall? Were guests welcomed warmly? Honest reflection helps you see where adjustments are needed.
• Give thanks together: A simple prayer of gratitude or a time of shared testimonies can set the tone for a hopeful new year. Gratitude builds unity and reminds the group that God has been faithful.

Reflection isn’t about dwelling on shortcomings—it’s about recognizing God’s faithfulness and preparing hearts for what’s next.

2. Set Clear Goals for the New Year

A Bible study group thrives when it has direction. Setting prayerful, practical goals gives your group a sense of mission and momentum.

• Spiritual goals: Does your group need to be challenged to memorize a verse of Scripture each week? What about encouraging them to adopt a daily reading plan? Or how about gently prodding them to read and bring their personal study guides with them to the Bible study? Little changes can lead to big results.
• Relational goals: Aim to deepen connections among members. This could mean adding fellowship nights, encouraging accountability partners, or planning service projects together. Strong relationships make discussions richer and support more authentic growth.
• Outreach goals: Consider how your group can multiply or invite new people. Could you start a second group to reach more individuals? Could you host a “invite your one” day and intentionally invite neighbors and coworkers? Outreach keeps the group outward-focused and mission-driven.

Write these goals down and revisit them throughout the year. Goals don’t have to be rigid—they’re guideposts to keep your group moving forward with purpose.

3. Create a Welcoming Environment

The new year often brings new faces. Whether guests are visiting for the first time or members are returning after a busy season, a welcoming environment makes all the difference.

• Hospitality matters: Simple touches like food, group hosts or hostesses, name tags (yes, name tags!), and an invitation to go to lunch (and to return to the group the next time it meets) are no-brainers. People are more open to God’s Word when they feel they are wanted.
• Inclusive discussions: Craft open-ended questions that invite participation from everyone, not just the most talkative members. Encourage diverse perspectives and remind the group that unity doesn’t mean uniformity.
• Flexibility for guests: Be ready to adjust plans when visitors join. Offer each guest a personal study guide, a handout, and be sure to explain the context of the study.

A welcoming environment reflects Christ’s love and ensures your group is not just a Bible study, but a spiritual family.

Preparing your Bible study group for the new year isn’t about adding more tasks—it’s about aligning hearts and habits with God’s mission. By reflecting on the past year, setting clear goals, and creating a welcoming environment, you’ll position your group to grow in faith, fellowship, and outreach. The new year is a gift—let’s steward it well, trusting that God will continue to work through His Word and His people.