Powering Connection: Plans with Friends

In today’s world, technology gives us a unique opportunity to strengthen our spiritual growth and build a real sense of community. Plans with Friends is a feature that can deepen both faith and friendships. This feature was made to make group Bible study easy and meaningful. It’s a great way for people to connect and learn from one another in a deeper way.

With Plans with Friends, we’re not just reading the Bible alone — we’re growing together, encouraging each other, and building a strong foundation of faith in a community. Discover how this simple yet powerful feature can become a vital tool for pastors looking to strengthen discipleship and foster deeper connections within their church community.

1. Shared Spiritual Growth and Accountability

One of the greatest benefits of the Plans with Friends feature is journeying through God’s Word together. Participants have a built-in support system that can help them stay consistent. Together, they can go through their spiritual journeys in real time, growing as followers of Christ and learning more about God.

Knowing others are reading alongside you and expecting your input creates an accountability loop that helps everyone stay on track. When a friend sees another struggling or falling behind, they can reach out with encouragement or offer to pray together. This nurtures a strong foundation for discipleship, as believers learn to lean on each other and offer support when challenges arise.

2. Facilitates Conversations and Community

Bible studies often spark deep, meaningful conversations, and Plans with Friends facilitates this by strengthening bonds within existing groups. Each day has a discussion feature where participants can share their thoughts, ask questions, or think about the reading directly in the Bible App. This often leads to deeper discussions about faith, personal struggles, victories, and testimonies.

In discipleship, open conversations are invaluable. They allow people to ask difficult questions, explore their faith more authentically, and gain different perspectives. Studying the Bible together helps people feel more connected to each other. Friends pray for each other and help each other with their spiritual lives. Over time, this creates a culture where spiritual growth is a core value and the group‌ is more united.

3. Accessibility and Flexibility

Plans with Friends is accessible to anyone with the Bible App, making it incredibly versatile. Friends, family members, or church members from different cities, states, or even countries can join the same Plan. This feature is especially helpful for those in remote or rural areas or for friends who can’t attend church in person.

The flexibility of Plans with Friends makes it easier to reach people where they are. Group members can read and engage with the Plan at times that suit their schedules. This freedom means busy individuals — such as parents, students, or working professionals — can still participate in a group study without the pressure of attending a physical meeting. This openness makes people feel more connected to their community. It also helps people bridge differences and creates chances for discipleship that may not have been possible otherwise.

4. Enables Leadership Development

The Plans with Friends feature is an excellent opportunity for members of a church or ministry to develop leadership skills in a safe, supportive environment. A group leader can help others through the readings by encouraging discussion and giving advice when questions arise. This role helps nurture skills in leading, teaching, and encouraging others.

As members see the benefits of participating in group Bible study, some may be inspired to lead their own groups. As new leaders come into the group, it becomes stronger and has a bigger impact on those around it. This helps to create a culture of discipleship that’s long-lasting and effective.

Practical Tips for Using Plans with Friends for Discipleship

To get started, consider these practical tips for creating a meaningful Bible study group with the Plans with Friends feature:

1. Choose a Plan Together: Find a Bible Plan that aligns with the group’s current needs or interests.

2. Set Group Guidelines: Encourage participation by setting some simple guidelines, like engaging in daily comments, sharing prayer requests, or setting aside time for discussion.

3. Encourage Regular Check-ins: Schedule weekly or biweekly check-ins outside the Bible App to talk about the Plan’s impact, whether through video calls or in-person meetings.

4. Celebrate Milestones: Remember and celebrate the end of a Bible Plan. This can be a great way to show the group’s commitment and faith growth.

5. Pray for One Another: Use the discussion feature to share prayer requests and praises, and take time to pray for each other regularly.