Healthy Sunday School classes and small groups don’t grow by accident—they grow because someone decides to shepherd people well. Our dear friend George Yates has just released a timely new book on groups or Sunday School. At its heart is a simple yet powerful reminder: growth flows from ministry, not mechanics. Below are seven crucial principles that help groups thrive…and keep people from falling through the cracks.
1. See your role as a ministry list.
Your class roll isn’t just a list of names; it’s a ministry assignment. Every person represents someone you’ve agreed to minister to and with. People don’t stay connected to programs—they stay connected to people who care.
2. Build compassion into the group.
Strong groups develop an internal ministry that communicates care, meets needs, and provides support. Intentional compassion creates safety and belonging—and prevents people from quietly slipping away.
3. Be aggressive with guest follow-up — Sic ’em!
Follow-up matters more than we realize:
- Visit within 36 hours → 85% return
- Visit within 72 hours → 60% return
- Visit within 7 days → 11% return
The sooner the connection, the stronger the likelihood of return. Speed communicates value.
4. Cultivate fellowship and ministry opportunities.
Classes that grow do life together. Regular fellowship and shared ministry strengthen relationships and move the group from sitting together to serving together.
5. Keep developing leaders.
Healthy classes multiply leadership. When leaders are identified, encouraged, and equipped, the group gains momentum and longevity.
6. Make prayer a priority.
Set aside intentional times for prayer. Use prayer partners and care groups. Prayer aligns hearts with God’s work and invites His power into everything we do.
7. Plan for new units before you need them.
Growth requires preparation. Equip leaders, dedicate space, assign people, and budget intentionally. New units don’t just happen; they’re prayerfully planned.
Bottom line: Sunday School and small groups grow best when they operate like a shepherding ministry, not a classroom. When people are known, prayed for, followed up with, and equipped to serve, God brings the increase.
“So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (1 Corinthians 3:7)