Your ONE is now saved and baptized. You better get them in a group for their spiritual growth will be become stalled. Do all you can to get the new believer involved in your class/group. Let them ride with you or greet them at a centralized location. Sit with them and spend time together after class/group time.
For generations we’ve witnessed the value of being connected to a group. Thom Rainer found that those led to the Lord, baptized, joined the church and attended worship that around 15% of them were active in the church five years following their salvation. Compared to those that did all the above but were involved in a group, over 80% of them were still involved in church five years following their salvation.
What are some of the benefits of being involved in a group?
- Intercession: The person can be prayed for regularly whether they attend weekly or are struggling spiritually.
- Invitation: The person can be regularly invited to participate in fellowship opportunities where meaningful relationships can be developed.
- Involvement: The person is encouraged to engage in Bible Study that strengthens their relationship to God, to family, and to Kingdom service.
- Inclination: The person is challenged and more likely to engage in evangelism and outreach than a person not enrolled in a small group.
Dr. Smith is the lead state missionary with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and serves the Sunday School, Small Groups, Discipleship and Faith Development Specialist. Visit their website at gabaptist.org/groups/ for more information and other resources to aid your Sunday School or Small Group. Dr. Smith is available for conferences or other speaking opportunities and can be contacted at tsmith@gabaptist.org.
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