Every fall, we come back with a big push to get people to join a small group. Small groups are a vital aspect of building community in our churches. Nonetheless, it can be awkward to join a small group. For that matter, it can be just as awkward reconnecting after a long break. Therefore, I include three elements that help build (or restore) community in our small groups: food, fun, and life-relevant Bible studies.

Food. Not too long ago families and friends would gather around the table to share a meal together. One of the most treasured times my family has is when we eat dinner together at our table. There's something about sharing a meal that connects us to each other. Maybe that's why the early Christians would gather daily to eat together.

There are two ways we include food in our small groups. We always start with conversation and food. Every time we come together, all group members bring finger foods to share. Once a month or quarter we also have a community dinner. One of the group members hosts the dinner, and the food responsibilities are shared with the other members. A community dinner can also be a great way to launch small groups.

Fun. Children make friends quickly on the playground. Playing together allows people to share a common bond. I enjoy having fun, don't you? (If you didn't, it wouldn't be fun, right?)  When I play basketball or volleyball, I'm able to connect with other adults who share a common interest. A lot of adults have forgotten how to play. We get busy. We get caught up in our work. Some of us have such hectic schedules we have little time to rest, let alone play. That's why incorporating fun into small groups is so important.

Have a party to launch or re-launch your small group ministry. Encourage each group to have seasonal parties and holiday parties. Include games in your Bible studies. Group Publishing's studies are especially good at including experiences that are not only fun, but help you understand Bible teachings in ways you've never considered before.

There are many ways to incorporate fun. The purpose of fun is to help adults connect. However, small groups are not just about having fun and eating together.

Life-relevant Bible studies. People want to connect in the church when they know the church is relevant to their lives. One of my best experiences in church was being part of a small group made up of families with small children. We met together as families. Our children played together. We studied the Bible together. Our studies seemed to focus on strengthening our Christian family. 

Take the time to recognize the needs and life stages of the people you plan to include in your small groups. Offer small groups that meet those needs and life stages. Life-relevant Bible studies encourage small-group members to apply biblical lessons to their daily lives. Make sure your small groups help people put into practice what the Bible teaches. After all, isn't the point of small groups to help build a community of people who live out God's Word?

Tony Clyde is a veteran youth minister, instructional designer, and ministry consultant with more than 15 years experience in ministry.  He's a REAL Ambassador and Life Tree Ambassador for Group.  Tony and his wife Danta have been married for 15 years, and are surviving two teenage daughters.