Do you remember the teachers who would let you take an “Open Book” test? How about grading your spelling test by “passing it across the aisle” for your neighbor to score? Or the dreaded group project; where either you did all the work, or arguments prevented any meaningful accomplishment!? Your last school exam may have been 20-50 years ago, but there are still areas of your life that need evaluation.

 

One part of your life that needs a regular assessment is your Bible study group. Don’t worry, it is an Open Book test! For many, attendance is the only measurement used to gauge group health. Ken Braddy, a discipleship consultant with LifeWay, has complied a new “scorecard” to better quantify the spiritual health of our small group Bible studies.

 

Braddy’s scorecard has four major categories. One: Do group members learn and obey God’s Word? Two: Do they invite people to become disciples? Three: Are they forming deeper relationships? Four: Do they engage in acts of service?

 

This list is not exhaustive, but let me share a few probing queries to flesh out Ken’s questions.

Measurement One: Are apprentice leaders identified and developed; are new groups started?
Measurement Two: Are prayers focused on the lost; do group members initiate gospel conversations?
Measurement Three:  How balanced are connection and content; do newcomers experience biblical hospitality?

Measurement Four: Does our group make a difference in the community; do our group members serve in leadership roles for our group?

 

It requires a courageous change of heart and mind to begin evaluating yourself and your small group Bible Study by more than attendance. Healthy small groups make for a healthy church. Here at Trinity we have a good ministry, let’s press on to make it even better!