Discovery Day’ encourages Bible study outreach

For the third straight year, the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention is encouraging churches to participate in “Discovery Day,” an SBTC initiative to increase participation in Sunday School and small-group Bible studies.

The Jan. 25 emphasis combines a high attendance effort with intentional plans to engage seekers and nominal church-goers in new Sunday School or Bible study groups.

“It’s worked for churches that have participated in it,” said SBTC Church Ministries Associate Kenneth Priest. “Since we started it three years ago, of the churches that report back to us, we’ve seen on average an annual increase in small group attendance of 21 percent. If for no other reason, participating in Discovery Day places a focus on discipleship ministry, and any time churches get more people involved in the teaching and preaching of God’s Word, it’s beneficial.”

January is Sanctity of Human Life Month, and churches are also encouraged to begin the new year by collecting needed items for a local crisis pregnancy center to be delivered the week of Jan. 25.

Interested churches may obtain free Discovery Day promotional materials at sbtexas.com/discoveryday, or call the SBTC church ministries office toll free at 877-953-7282 (SBTC).