Groups are at the core of the mission of the church. Small groups, done right, are simply communities on mission together. However, a common struggle of groups comes in participating together as a disciple-making, evangelistic community. One of the easiest ways to use your group as a catalyst for evangelism is to invite your neighbors to your group.

Some people would not think of attending a church service, but would gladly go to a small group meeting where you were either hosting or attending. If they are already active in a local church, affirm them. If they are not, those are the neighbors you can pursue spiritually.

In addition to inviting neighbors to weekly group meetings, here are some practical ways members of a group can work together to reach out to neighbors. With a little forethought and planning, your Bible study group could host an event in your neighborhood with the intent of being on mission together. The members of your group can assist you. And along the way, they’ll discover what it means to live on mission in a community.

I hope these ideas will serve as a jumping off point for many others that work best in your community. Use your own creativity to make welcoming environments where people can connect.

1. Fireworks

We hosted a neighborhood fireworks display for several years. Our neighbors gathered together and watched the fireworks. It was a great opportunity to meet people we didn’t know. (If your community doesn’t allow private fireworks displays, go with your small group to the public one in your town. Invite your neighbors to go with you. Get out where the people are.)

2. Pool Party

If you have a pool, you can host a pool party for the people in the neighborhood. If you have a neighborhood pool (as we do), you can host it there. Grill some meat and invite some of the neighbors you don’t know. Be sure to provide sunscreen, towels, and lots of water.

3. Block Party

A church planter recently tweeted a picture of his neighborhood block party on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I was encouraged to see this because if it can be done in Manhattan, it can be done anywhere. A block party is a fun event where all of the neighbors are invited. Throughout the year, your group can help facilitate one for every member of your group that lives in a neighborhood.

In some cities, a citywide push on a specific night acts as a “night out against crime.” You could use this civic push to be the host of your block party. In fact, if you register your National Night Out block party online, they will send you an NNO Organizational Kit filled with “how to” materials.

Consider having your block party on a holiday, such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, or the Fourth of July. Ask your neighbors to bring food or beverages. Your group could provide inflatable bounce houses or carnival type games. Kids will love it, and you’ll make key connections with many of your neighbors.

These kinds of activities are a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors, but can be a challenge to pull off alone. Groups can make the difference.

Groups are the most likely place where people are going to learn to think outwardly and live externally focused lives. Once you have five to 10 families living intentionally in their neighborhoods, your group will evangelize and disciple people you thought could never be reached. A community on mission together can make a significant impact.

A transformational group is a group that connects with God, with members of the group, and with those who are disconnected—in the church and in our neighborhoods. It starts with disciples who are following Jesus in community.

Ed Stetzer (@EdStetzer) is the president of LifeWay Research and co-author of the new book Transformational Groups.