The first true Sunday school in America started in Accomac, Va., in 1785. That's the starting place for Bill Alphin's challenge for Virginia Baptists to start new small groups.

Alphin, who coordinates Bible study and discipleship for the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, plans to bike one mile for every 10 small groups started in Virginia Baptist churches between Jan. 1 and Sept. 4 of this year. He issued the challenge last year. The deadline for reporting new groups is Sept. 19.

Alphin will begin his ride in Accomac and has set a limit of 100 miles.

Alphin said starting new groups is important for Virginia Baptists for several reasons.

“One of the best ways to grow faith is to participate in a new group,” he said. “In addition, new groups generally grow faster than established groups. Most people prefer to join a new group rathern than try to find acceptance in existing groups.”

To meet his challenge, Alphin said the small groups started this year must have been meeting at least 12 weeks. Examples of small groups are Sunday school classes, home Bible study groups, adult Bible fellowships, discipleship/accountability groups and cell groups.

New groups can be reported online at www.vbmb.org/courageouschurches/AlphinChallenge-Response.htm or by email to Alphin at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or Gwen Payne at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Staff report

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