Small groups only work when you have people to fill them. It doesn’t matter whether it’s five, 50 or 500 people, small groups are reaching their goals — which should include discipleship and fellowship — when people show up and engage.

So how do you make sure you have people filling those groups? It’s all about getting people to sign up and show up. It’s not enough for someone to say they want to be part of a small group. They must follow through.

Here are five great ways to increase your small group attendance.

1. Make It Easy

Does everyone in your church know how to sign up for a small group? There’s no single proven way. Website signups, connection cards and signup sheets can all be effective. But multiple on-ramps can lead to confusion.

Make your group descriptions clear. Keep your signup forms simple, asking only for basic information. Make sure that anyone can sign up quickly without much help.

2. Make It Memorable

The best way to get people to buy in to small groups is to get them excited. Include personal testimonies in your pitch for small group signups. Have a member tell the church how small groups have changed their lives.

The best way to get people to buy in to small groups is to get them excited.

Be creative with a sermon series on small groups, social media videos and signage in your church hallways. Use emotion to move people to action.

3. Make It Relevant

People will be interested in small groups if they know it can help them. Whether your groups are centered on special interests or follow a general study, make sure group leaders are focusing on how the material can be relevant for a believer’s daily life.

For instance, if your small groups follow along with the weekend service, have the leaders begin by asking, “How can we apply this sermon Monday morning?”

4. Make It Mandatory

This may be the most controversial, but it may also be the most effective. Think through your membership requirements. What are your members committing to? Having them join a small group is one way to ensure they are actively being discipled and growing in their walk with Christ. And that should be something you want for every member.

5. Make It Consistent

Focus on your signups two or three times a year. The most common times are the beginning of the calendar year, the beginning of the school year, and Easter. Stick to the same schedule year after year.

Whether your groups meet on campus or in homes, find the format that works for your church, and stick with it. Constant change will only confuse and frustrate your members.

It’s not enough to pick a few weeks out of the calendar to focus on small groups. If it’s important, then you should be constantly promoting it. Each member, newcomer and first-time guest should know that you are serious about small groups. And when they see that you’re serious, they will be too.