Drop The Net, Not The Ball | May 2025

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May 6

LEADERSHIP THOUGHT:

Easter is always a big weekend—but it doesn’t have to be a one-time spiritual moment in people’s lives. It can be the start of real momentum and spiritual growth. In Luke 5, Jesus tells Peter to drop the net. The catch wasn’t Peter’s doing—it was God’s. But Peter still had to drop the net to catch what God had already provided.

This Easter, God sent the “fish,” new people, to all of our sites. Our job now is to drop the net—and not drop the ball. The “net” isn’t a program—it’s relationships. We, as small group leaders, are called to be connectors. Our ability to connect, follow up, and mobilize our group to do the same will determine how much of the harvest we sustain.

1. God Sends the Fish—We Drop the Net

The “net” isn’t just one follow-up text. It’s the consistent connection that helps people go from showing up to growing up. This includes making space for real conversations, spiritual steps, and meaningful invitations.

Tips for Ongoing Connection:

Reach out to people who visited at Easter (or shortly after) but haven’t stuck. Ask:
“How have you been since Easter?”
“How can I pray for you?”
“Been thinking about you. Free to catch up for coffee?”
If they’ve come to your group once or twice, follow up with:
“How can I help you grow in your faith?”
“Have you ever thought about reading the Bible together or going through a resource like One2One?”

2. Don’t Drop the Ball—Follow-Up is Discipleship

To “drop the ball” means missing the opportunity to take someone further in their spiritual journey after God already opened the door. It doesn’t mean we failed if they haven’t come back. But it does mean we need to stay prayerful, relational, and intentional about giving people more chances to take steps. People often need multiple touchpoints to move into consistent spiritual rhythms. Follow-up is how we turn visitors into disciples.

Ways to Disciple Post-Easter:

Ask deeper questions when you connect:
“What’s your experience with church?”
“Is there anything you’re curious about when it comes to faith?”
“Would you like to join me in my weekly small group?”

Offer to go through the One2One booklet or invite them to Growth Track.

Share a sermon or podcast to keep them spiritually engaged.

The goal isn’t pressure—it’s presence. Keep the relationship open. Keep Jesus at the center.

3. The Net Involves the Group—Everyone Has a Role

You weren’t meant to hold the net alone. A strong group culture is what makes the catch sustainable. Encourage your group to own the mission of helping others feel seen, followed up on, and invited into discipleship.

Ways to Involve the Group:

Ask group members:
“Who have you followed up with since Easter?”
“Anyone you’ve reconnected with that we can pray for?”

Look for ways to introduce new people to others in the group. This allows the connection to be shared, not dependent on you. This may mean planning strategic outreaches that encourage relationship development.

Share testimonies to celebrate what God is doing and inspire others to get involved.

Easter was never the finish line—it is the start of something new. God sent the fish. We dropped the net. Now let’s keep holding it—and not drop the ball. If we stay connected and involve others, the momentum we’ve experienced can become our new normal. Let’s steward the harvest well—not just with good intentions, but by being intentional.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Who from Easter or after is still on your radar—but not yet connected?

What’s one step you can take this week to re-engage someone meaningfully?

Have you offered discipleship materials (like One2One) or next steps (like Growth Track) to anyone recently?

How can your group become a stronger “net” between now and Mother’s Day?

PRAYER POINTS:

Thank God for everyone He brought to Easter and the weeks following.

Pray for open doors and continued connection with those still on the fringes.

Ask for boldness—that no one in your group would miss the opportunity to reach out and disciple.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Miracle Wall:

We are also excited to announce the re-launch of our "Miracle Wall" with our new series, "Miracles on Miracles.” Every miracle is a testimony of God's power, love, and faithfulness. If the Lord has moved in your life—no matter how big or small—we encourage you to share it boldly! To share your miracle on the wall, visit pearlside.org/miracles and ignite faith in others. Let's encourage each other and the world that our God is a God of miracles!