New classes and groups grow faster than do older, more established classes.  They also win more people to Jesus and produce more leaders.  So why do many adult teachers and leaders think the only way to start new classes and groups is by splitting an existing one?  Use the following ideas to begin new classes and groups.  Be sure to celebrate and lift up thoughts and actions that promote a multiplication mindset.

1. Class evangelism team starts – Begin new units with one or two 3-person evangelism teams.  The fellowship and ministry teams will naturally evolve, but beginning with an intentional evangelism strategy guarantees you focus on the unchurched and certainly those who are not disciples of Christ.
2. Birthing teams – Begin new units with 5-7 persons who can compose the core leadership team of a new class.  Their goal is to grow up new leaders and step out to let them lead and grow.  Ideally the birthing teams will then go start the same reproducing cycle again with another new class.
3. Needs based or life situation based classes – For example, parents of preschoolers, single parents, persons caring for older parents, persons with similar vocational interests or abilities may provide natural groupings for adults.  Consider new classes growing out of new member classes, dinner with the pastor events, etc.  Start watching how people cluster and connect in relationships within your church.
4. Off site Bible study groups/classes from short-term studies – Notice what studies seem to open doors for continued connections.  Focus on continuing home or community groups that connect with persons IN the community first.  For example, many churches found some of their new small groups continued after their “40 Days” sessions ended. 
5. New Start missionaries – These persons begin as birthing teams (#2).  However, after a specified length of time, they may go back to the adult class or small group that sent them out.  Most of these core groups will choose to remain with the new unit or go out to start another one, but many people will more readily commit to start new units with “permission” to return to their class/group.
6. Paper classes - Assign 5-7 core leaders a group of prospects to begin cultivating the soil for growing a new class.  Starting with a core group increases the comfort level of first-time visitors who would probably be uncomfortable with one teacher and one visitor present.  Recognize you may have to conduct prospect discovery activities as your first step.
7. Choir class – Think about how persons involved in congregate worship ministry teams may miss the “pulling together” or the key introduction learning activities during the Bible study sessions.  Teachers can plan Bible studies focusing on one major point and a few verses to insure effective Bible study in the abbreviated time (usually about 30 minutes).
8. Bible studies meeting at times other than Sunday – Remember many churches create their own barriers to reaching and growing disciples through Bible study classes/ small groups based on when they may meet.  Target persons who work on Sundays, who care for other family members in other communities on weekends, or whose other life circumstances make it impossible for them to be a part of ongoing Bible study on Sundays.
9. Avoid that temptation to request larger rooms - It is harder for larger classes to create an environment that promotes building authentic relationships through Bible study groups.  Consider providing opportunities for persons within the same care groups/teams to connect during the session to lay the foundations for new units from one large class.  For example, sharing prayer praises and requests as care groups/teams creates wonderful relationships by sharing stories through a prayer ministry.

 Used by permission:This article first appeared in The Baptist Courier, Vol. 136, Issue No. 21, 7 October 2004.

Adult Ministry Group, South Carolina Baptist Convention