January is upon us, friends. It’s hard to believe we’re about to walk into a new year. It would be really easy to only focus on personal goals, but now is the perfect time to think about ministry-related goals as well! The book of Acts speaks so often of believers gathering together to be in the Word, fellowship, and pray with one another. This is exactly what you get to do through the avenue of a small group! Whether you’re leading a new group, already have a group established, or you’re letting new women join your group in this new season, take advantage of every opportunity for your group to grow. 

Here are a few tried and true ideas for you: 

1. Make a plan. Set start and end dates (if applicable) and let women know about anything significant that might change when you meet over the next few months. Most women like to put things on their calendars to plan ahead, so do whatever you can to make sure you’re ahead of the curve. Set a rhythm for social activities and service opportunities.  

2. Choose a study. Ask God to guide and direct you as you choose a study for your group. Be open to trying something new and ask a friend who has done several Bible studies for a few recommendations. Consider giving your group a couple to choose from. Think about video length, homework, and commitment level.  

3. Build a team. Groups with only one leader rise and fall with how well they are effectively leading. Who else can you bring in or raise up to help? If you’re the primary teacher, find someone who can help coordinate something social or a service opportunity. Let them be the person who stays on top of birthdays and other things worth celebrating. If you’re both leading and hosting (perhaps in your home), consider letting someone else lead or host while you just do the other for a while! Let God guide your involvement and the involvement of other women.  

4. Invite women. You can post about your group on social media as much as you want, but a personal invitation goes such a long way. When I led a group earlier this fall and asked why women came, most of them said, “Because you invited me.” I couldn’t believe that it was so simple, but it takes some effort on your part!  

5. Pray. Pray that God would bring women who need what your group has to offer. It may bring unexpected women, but welcome them with joy and a heart ready to receive them. As your group gets started, come up with a prayer plan and how you’ll take prayer requests each week. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to pray for and with each other, but a little bit of structure can really help!  

The beginning of the year is a great time to kickstart, restart, or simply breathe some life back into your small group. No matter how large or small your group is, it’s significant in God’s kingdom. It’s an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord and as sisters in Christ. Let this sacred time be a priority to you, and most likely, it will be a priority to your group as well.  

Mary Margaret West has been leading in women’s and girls’ ministry for the last eighteen years and is the author of Show Her the Way: Your Guide to Discipling Teen Girls. Mary Margaret holds a Master of Arts in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She has served on staff at churches in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, and as an event coordinator and girls’ ministry specialist at Lifeway. Her passion is to equip women to dive deeply into God’s Word and live out their calling by way of consulting, speaking at events and conferences, and serving as a Lifeway Women Trainer. Mary Margaret loves serving her local church, having brunch with friends, and freelance writing. She and her husband Jonathan live in Winter Garden, Florida, with their son, Sam. Visit her website at marymargaretwest.com. 

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