Groups are the glue of the church, and they don’t happen without people like you. As you meet with your pastor or discipleship leader to review your plan, you’ll need to consider how you will find others to be part of your group. They may already know people who are eager to grow spiritually, and the vision you’ve articulated will help attract the right people.
Identify Who You’ll Disciple / Lead
Once you know the environment you want to create, it’s time to think about who could be part of your group. You can approach this two ways:
Option A: Start with WHO
People naturally connect when they share something in common. Center your group around a life stage, community, or spiritual phase to make it easier to identify and invite people. This also helps relationships form quickly during your first meetings. As you meet people, listen for their spiritual questions and struggles—these will guide your discipleship plan.
Option B: Start with WHAT
Your group doesn’t have to be defined by demographics. Sometimes, a shared topic or personal invitation is enough to bring diverse people together. In this case, your discipleship focus will unite the group, and knowing their needs will help you craft an engaging plan.
How to Invite People
When you’re ready to extend invitations, here are some ideas to help you pray and act intentionally:
- Website Group Search: If your group is listed on the church website or in printed materials, it can help people find you organically.
- Open House Events: Participate if your church hosts an open house. These events introduce people to group life and help leaders meet potential members.
- Personal Invitations: The strongest connections come through direct, intentional invitations—to friends, co-workers, or fellow volunteers.
- Meeting New People: New guests are often looking for connection. Take the initiative to introduce yourself at church and sincerely ask if they’re already part of a group. Help them find a good fit—even if it’s not yours.
- Ask for Referrals: Let your network know about your group and ask if they know someone who might be interested. Even if they don’t immediately, they may remember later.
- Host an Invitational Event: Sometimes a social event like a coffee night or casual gathering helps people ease into group life before committing. Share about your group and invite them to join.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t leave flyers on car windshields—it feels spammy and unsafe.
- Don’t expect your pastor to promote your group from the platform or social media. They have to balance many priorities.
- Don’t fill your group exclusively with your close friends and family, making it hard for newcomers to feel welcome.
Finally, don’t underestimate starting small. It’s easy to dream big, but your group is part of a larger story God is writing through your church. Align with your church’s vision, stay consistent, and trust God to grow your group at the right pace. Whether your group is large or small, you’re creating a meaningful space where people can belong and become more like Christ—and you’ll grow through the process, too.
Discussion Questions
- What questions, challenges, or interests of others might connect with the opportunity your group offers?
- How do you feel about inviting people you don’t know to join your group?
- Which invitation tactics would be most effective for filling your group?