Amazingly, just last Sunday (August 11), our pastor told the church that the student he was baptizing had been led to Christ the previous week in her small group.

Wait.

What. Just. Happened?

Yes, it’s true. It is possible for people to commit their lives during a small group meeting. Why don’t we see this more often?

In addition to all the reasons that may exist, there are three primary reasons why we do not see more people (children, students, and adults) coming to Christ in our small groups.

1. We do not invite lost people to our groups. (See yesterday’s post)
2. We do not offer opportunities during the group meeting for people to receive Jesus.
3. We do not aware of the spiritual conditions of the people in our group.

Here are some ideas to help your group be more evangelistic.

First, if you are using curriculum that is doctrinally sound, then there are opportunities to explain the gospel and extend an invitation to receive Christ. LifeWay curriculum has at least one study per quarter that is intentionally designed as a gospel opportunity.

Second, discover the spiritual condition of the people in your group. Ask people to share their spiritual story (testimony). Engage group members in one-on-one spiritual conversations.

Third, offer opportunities to receive Christ as Savior and Lord during group meetings. You do not have to sing Just as I am, or have background music. They do not have to “walk the aisle” in small group. Simply ask the group to raise their hand if they want to receive Christ. Or… invite them to visit with you after the group meeting or send you a text message during the week.

Generally, the more open and free the Bible discussion is, the more freedom a lost person in the group has to ask gospel questions and respond to opportunities to receive Christ.