Group Sundays: A Different Way to Engage on Sunday Morning
A couple years ago, The Branch Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan decided to ditch the sermon on Sunday morning and instead spend time doing something else, something they chose, with others in their community. Pastors Chris DeBlaay and Teresa Kinnear called it “Group Sunday.”
What are Group Sundays?
Singing worship songs and listening to a sermon each week are incredibly valuable, but it is also good to change the rhythm and embrace a new way of gathering together. For this reason, Group Sundays were born.
People show up for church like normal—grab their coffee, say hi to their friends, and find their preferred seat—but instead of listening to a pastor speak, there are different “groups” to join. With four different groups to choose from, there is something for everyone, and it varies each time a Group Sunday comes around.
How do you come up with the groups?
The groups can gather around just about anything, and there are usually a few different categories to choose from. There might be a crafting option for those that like to work with their hands or be creative. For those who want time and space to reflect, there could be an opportunity for silence and prayer. Want to move your body? Go for a walk outside and consider God’s creation! Need a laugh or two? Join the board game group! There has even been an opportunity for serving others by making a meal for a partner organization within the city. There’s a place for everyone!
And the best part? It doesn’t fall on the shoulders of the church leaders. Anyone who has an interest in leading a group can decide what they want to do and offer an opportunity for others to join.
What are the benefits?
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Relationship building.
It’s sometimes too easy for people to attend a church service and leave immediately afterward without really talking to anyone or engaging in the community. Group Sundays offer a time to slow down, find common ground with others, and just enjoy time together. -
Reduce event fatigue.
Everyone has busy schedules. Doing a Group Sunday in place of the normal Sunday morning routine means anyone who shows up for church can participate. It’s less stressful than adding another separate event to the calendar. -
Flexible to fit any church.
Your church can incorporate the idea of Group Sunday in whatever way is most helpful to the leaders and the community. It can be done quarterly or every Sunday for a month. It can change or be the same each time. And it gives pastors and leaders a chance to be a part of the community in a different way.
Group Sundays are an easy, fun, and engaging way for members to grow in relationship and community. Give it a try!