Tips for Fruitful Small Groups This Fall

This year marks 55 years since the Global Coffee Break (GCB) ministry began. Over the decades, God has brought abundant fruit through this ministry. Countless people have come to know Jesus and many have grown in their faith through our studies.

As someone who doesn’t have a green thumb, I’ve realized how much knowledge is required to grow healthy trees and plants. Each type of tree needs different care to bear fruit—when to water, how much sunlight, what kind of soil or fertilizer. A basic understanding of the tree is essential.

Likewise, to bear good spiritual fruit through small group Bible studies, we must understand what GCB is and how it works. From the beginning, GCB was designed to reach people who had never heard the gospel. In a relaxed, small group setting, many people encountered the God of the Bible for the first time. These small groups create a safe space where people can share both God’s Word and their lives.

Here are a few key tips for cultivating fruitful small groups this fall:

1. Pray and Prepare for Growth

• Prayer is the foundation of every fruitful group. Pray for your members, your study, and potential new leaders.
• Intentionally look for and invite others into leadership. Ask God to raise up new leaders.

2. Know Your Group

• Be mindful of group size. Can everyone participate meaningfully?
• Create a safe, welcoming environment where people feel seen and heard.
• Encourage authentic sharing by modeling vulnerability and grace.

3. Use the Discover Your Bible Method

GCB uses the Discover Your Bible method, which encourages conversation through thoughtful, open-ended questions. This approach:

• Welcomes people of all spiritual backgrounds.
• Helps participants discover truths for themselves.
• Encourages listening, reflection, and respectful dialogue.

There are four types of questions to guide your study:

• Icebreaker questions: Build relationships and open up conversation.
• Observation questions: Focus on what the passage says.
• Interpretation questions: Explore what the passage means.
• Application questions: Reflect on how to live out what was learned.

As a leader, your role is to guide the group through these questions, helping each person discover and apply God’s Word.

4. Stay Focused on Discipleship and Evangelism

Discipleship and evangelism have always been central to GCB. Through Bible study, participants are discipled in God’s Word. At the same time, we are called to be mindful of those who do not yet know Christ.

• Pray regularly for people God might bring into your group.
• Consider placing an empty chair in your group setting as a visual reminder to always be ready to welcome someone new.

Understanding and staying grounded in the root of Global Coffee Break will help your small group bear lasting fruit. Let’s continue the legacy of welcoming, studying, growing, and going—together.

Elaine Lee is a Global Coffee Break Spanish and Korean Representative and a Resonate missionary. Learn more about Global Coffee Break and find studies for your small groups at www.resonateglobalmission.org/globalcoffeebreak