The Most Overlooked Strategy for Growing Your Sunday School: Start New Groups

Every church I’ve ever worked with has told me they want their Sunday School to grow. They want more people studying the Bible, more leaders engaged, and more lives transformed. Yet most churches overlook the single most reliable growth engine: starting new groups.

For decades, I’ve watched one pattern repeat itself. When a church starts new groups, attendance increases. When it doesn’t, attendance plateaus and declines. It’s that simple.

Why New Groups Matter

A new group creates space for new people. Existing groups often feel “full”—not in terms of chairs, but in terms of relationships. Guests walk in and see a circle of long‑time friends. They don’t know where to sit. They don’t know how to enter the conversation. And they don’t want to interrupt the rhythm.

A new group resets the relational playing field. Everyone starts fresh. Guests feel welcome. Leaders are energized. Momentum builds.

Three Types of New Groups Every Church Should Consider

New Adult Groups. These are your biggest growth drivers. Launch one every year. Aim for a teacher who is warm, dependable, and willing to invite.
New Age-Graded Groups. When classes for children or students get too large, split them. Smaller groups mean better teaching and more relational connection.
New Short-Term Groups. Six‑week studies, new member classes, or seasonal groups create easy on‑ramps for people who are unsure they’re ready for long-term commitment.

How to Start a New Group This Month

Prayerfully identify a leader who loves the Lord and people; enlist 1-3 others to be part of the new start team.
Choose a simple, accessible curriculum.
Set a launch date.
Invite personally—names, not announcements.
Celebrate the launch publicly.

When your existing teachers and classes catch the vision, they can be your greatest assets for starting new classes. Check this post for the impact of preparing to start another group: Grow Your Sunday School Class by Starting a New One.

So what are you going to do? Growing your Sunday School doesn’t require a complicated strategy. It requires new groups. Start one, and watch what God does. For resources to help, check out The Goal of Your Groups: Discipling and Caring. Make disciples. Be revolutionary!

Photo by Raquel Baires on Unsplash