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Why Small Groups Are Still Growing - and What That Means for Your Church

  • steveguidry
  • Jun 27
  • 2 min read

Updated: Aug 3

Recent data from Baptist Press revealed a surprising trend: adult small group participation in Southern Baptist churches grew by 5% in 2024, even as overall membership continued to decline. Over 2.5 million adults are now engaged in weekly Bible study through Sunday School or home groups.

What does this tell us? People are still hungry for truth, but they’re also craving community and conversation, not just content.


Why Church Small Groups Fail and 3 Ways to Strengthen Them

For decades, Sunday School has been the heartbeat of discipleship in many Baptist churches. Even as some churches experiment with other models, the core remains: small groups create space for Scripture, relationships, and spiritual growth.

The latest numbers affirm that the format still works when it’s done well.

The question is: Are we supporting our leaders well enough to keep that momentum going?


3 Ways to Strengthen Your Small Groups This Season:

  1. Give Teachers Better Questions, Not More Content Many adult teachers are volunteers with full-time jobs. They don’t need a 12-page packet—they need clear, open-ended questions that get the room talking.

  2. Focus on Application, Not Just Explanation The best groups don’t just study the Bible—they ask, “Now what?” Our guides are built around that transition point, helping teachers connect the passage to real life.

  3. Equip Consistently Don’t assume last quarter’s success will carry over. Weekly preparation tools like the ones at StevesBibleQuestions.com give leaders the confidence they need to stay energized and effective.

What This Means for Church Leaders This growth in small group participation isn’t just a fluke—it’s a sign that people are still eager to grow when they’re given the right setting.

So if you’re a pastor, education minister, or Sunday School director, now’s the time to lean in, not scale back.

Ask:

  • How often do I check in with my group leaders?

  • Do they have materials that help—or materials that overwhelm?

  • Are our discussion times producing fruit?

Conclusion: Build on What’s Already Working The report may surprise some—but for those of us working alongside teachers, it’s a needed encouragement.

Discipleship is happening. People are gathering.Now let’s equip our leaders to steward that moment well.

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