September 19, 2024
Launching new groups is one of the most impactful ways to cultivate a disciple-making culture within the church. As we strive to create environments where people grow together in faith, we need to think strategically about how and when new groups are formed. Group launch days provide churches with the perfect opportunity to help members not currently involved in small groups find a place to belong and grow.
Let’s explore why launching new groups is essential, how to avoid common pitfalls, and the importance of cultivating a disciple-making culture that encourages spiritual growth and multiplication.
A successful group ministry starts with planning, and one of the best strategies is to host group launch days at least twice a year. By scheduling these launches during times of higher attendance, such as in August and January, you can make the most of seasonal momentum when more guests and members are naturally seeking ways to connect. These months are particularly effective as August coincides with the start of a new school year, and January taps into the "New Year, New You" mindset.
When planning group launches, it's fundamental to consider the different types of groups that meet your church's diverse needs and ask if you are offering a variety of groups or the same groups as before. Here are a few types of groups to consider:
It’s also important to remember that the target audience for your launch event is not the entire congregation—it’s those currently not in groups. This may include people who serve during Sunday school or small groups, those who attend worship but have not plugged into small groups, or new guests looking to connect. A great place to start is by making a list of those not involved in groups and finding practical ways to help them participate in the upcoming launch. A focused approach to group launches ensures your ministry is always growing without taking away from current groups.
A common misconception in group ministry is that a group that grows too large needs to be split into two. While the sentiment may be well-intentioned, splitting groups can often hurt relationships that have been nurtured over time. It’s as if we encourage groups to grow, only to tear them apart when they do!
The goal of launching new groups should not be to cannibalize existing groups but to provide a natural on-ramp for those not already involved in a group. Focusing on those who aren’t currently in groups, such as volunteers who can’t attend regular meetings or those who only come to worship services, is a more effective strategy. This approach helps prevent the frustration and emotional strain of splitting a group while still allowing for the healthy expansion of group ministries.
Individuals from thriving groups who feel called to lead can launch new groups. This natural development of new leaders within the church allows groups to multiply organically without forcing splits.
When people hear the word "multiply," especially in the context of groups, they often perceive it as a threat: "You’re going to split up my group because we’ve grown too large." Matthew 28 calls us to "go and make disciples," we need to change how we talk about multiplication. Rather than focusing on breaking up groups, multiplication should be seen as a rhythm of disciple-making, where people who have been invested are now called to invest in others.
Yes, some groups may stay together for years with a consistent core, but a church with a culture of disciple-making will naturally see multiplication across all its layers of discipleship—not just in small groups but also in large groups, micro-groups, and one-on-one mentoring. The impact is not measured by the number of groups we form but by the number of lives transformed through discipleship.
By reframing multiplication in this way, we create a culture in which people see it as a natural part of spiritual growth rather than a threat to the relationships they have formed.
Launching new groups is more than a task; it’s about building a disciple-making culture in your church. This culture encourages every member to grow in their faith and help others do the same. As groups grow and new leaders emerge, the church becomes a vibrant, multiplying community that fulfills the Great Commission.
If you want to create or strengthen a disciple-making culture in your church, our discipleship team at Georgia Baptist would love to help. Contact lmelton@gabaptist.org to set up a consultation specific to your church’s needs.
Remember, the goal is to create a culture where new groups are constantly being formed—not by breaking apart current groups but by reaching those not already connected. As your church invests in disciple-making, you’ll see the natural multiplication of disciples across all areas of ministry, from large groups to one-on-one mentoring relationships.
Don’t miss our upcoming Why Groups Webinar on Thursday, October 3rd at 11:30 am to learn why launching groups is essential for church growth. Sign up now at this link to ensure you don’t miss this valuable opportunity to learn how to launch new groups with others!
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Dr. PJ Dunn serves the Georgia Baptist Mission Board as a Discipleship consultant.
