How to Start a Threads Group

We have been getting an important question around here quite a bit lately:

I see you have released these new Bible studies? What do we do with them?

Good question.

For the answer, let’s go to Acts 2:41-47. I love this passage because I every time I read it I get re-energized with the vision of what the New Testament Church is supposed to be.

So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers. Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and had everything in common. So they sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. And every day they devoted themselves [to meeting] together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.

Holman CSB

There are four things stick out from this passage for me:

• Teaching

  These groups were studying the scriptures. They weren’t just discussing the weather, how their businesses were doing or what was happening in local society. They were studying God’s Word and it was making a profound impact in their lives.

• Worship

  In verse 47, it says “they praised God.” They counted their blessings. They talked about God’s great gifts to them. They let God know they loved him. You can do that in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, singing songs of praise together.

• Fellowship

  They were spending time getting to know each other and developing deep friendships. This was not just small talk. This was becoming friends on a heart level. It takes caring, energy and a willingness to unplug from the pressures of daily life and our daily over-consumption of media.

• Eating

  There is something about eating a meal together that breaks down barriers and draws you closer together. It’s a simple activity that unites people in a special way. Plus, it’s a whole lot more fulfilling than pulling into a drive-through window and eating a “meal” in your car.

These are the elements of a great Threads group. You can call them community groups, small groups, Bible study groups or whatever you like. The label doesn’t matter. What you do while you’re together is the important thing.

You can do this on a Sunday morning at your church, but the odds are working against you. It’s often tough to create a home-like environment. It’s tough to carve out much more than an hour for study, fellowship, worship and some food. Sunday morning at church can be a fairly program-driven environment if you aren’t careful. That isn’t what we’re shooting for. That’s not the spirit of Acts 2:41-47.

So here is the challenge and the ideal setting for a Threads group. Gather two, three or four believers from your church and start a group in a home, an apartment clubhouse, your church building, or at lunch in your office. Choose a weekday or a weekend night to gather and pick a time that is convenient.

We think studies like InTransit and Tough Sayings of Jesus are ideal for this kind of group. They were created specifically for this purpose. One person needs to lead the discussion and get things going. We give you all the tools you need to do this in the Threads leader kits that accompany our studies.

Make sure you have enough time to worship, to discuss the Bible study thoroughly, get to know each other better and have a bite to eat together. You can order a pizza, you can just grab some chips and salsa, or someone with the gift of hospitality and cooking can go all-out and prepare a meal for you group.

One last thing… There is one more element, arguably the most important one. Don’t let your group stay at three or four people. Invite your friends, especially ones who don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Or maybe they do, but they don’t seem to be interested in church attendance. Or maybe their last experience with a church was not a good one. Maybe their grandparents took them to church when they were in elementary school but they haven’t been back since. Let them see what the New Testament Church is all about. Show them with your Threads group. Show them with your life.

Don’t forget the last verse of this passage from Acts—the Bible says people were being added daily to these groups. They were powerfully transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. You will see this happen. God will use you as His people to make this happen.

Get started—today.