The Need for Small Groups in Your Church

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

In 2025, Ohio Conference churches welcomed 400-plus new members. Kojo Twumasi, conference Evangelism director, says that their number one vehicle for retention was and continues to be small groups.

“We intentionally place new believers into relational, low-pressure small groups immediately after baptism,” he shares. One example of these groups is a Breakfast and

Bonding small group, which meets weekly on Sabbath mornings and includes breakfast, light bonding activities, introductions and Bible study. “The goal is to help new believers form relationships and discover pathways for involvement early on,” says Twumasi.

He also encourages each new member to be paired with a one-year “discipleship sponsor” from their church who will pray with the new member daily, call weekly and visit monthly. One church hosts a weekly "Breakfast and Bonding" event with a simple hot breakfast and opportunities for bonding, and regular guestw who introduce various church ministries people can participate in. 

This approach has seen retention rates around 51 percent, Twumasi shares, compared to the commonly cited average of 20–25 percent. 

Looking for Resources or Inspiration to Help Your Church Become More Welcoming? 

• 3 Practices of Succesful Small Groups
• Growing Healthy Churches
• Is Your Church Ready for Visitors? 
• Taking the Mystery Out of Guest Visits
• Up Your Church's Curb Appeal