Josh Hunt has been discoursing on doubling for nearly a decade, since the publication of his book, "You Can Double Your Class in Two Years or Less." Sunday school classes, small groups, cell groups, churches as a whole have, well halved, and continued to grow.

Hunt was in Louisville, Kentucky, last week, preaching his message to some 75 people who showed up for a seminar on Sunday school. They were Sunday school teachers, church leaders, Bible study facilitators, all interested in what formula Hunt might provide to double their groups.

"We are looking for ways to grow our Sunday school," said Elizabeth Powers of Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church in Lousiville.

That vision is the most important ingredient in the formula for doubling a group, according to Hunt. Leaders must embrace the vision to grow.

"We must be able to say with a big smile on our face, I want my group to divide," Hunt told the seminar crowd. He said the difficulty comes as group leaders are given a vision from another church leader and cannot take it as their own. He said it is imperative for church leaders to impart the vision to grow and divide groups in such a way that this division, this saying goodbye to old friends for the sake of new friends in Christ, becomes more important that any social group.

"A world without Jesus must become the more important value," Hunt said.

Powers said she thought Hunt's ideas for growth were plausible if a congregation buys into the plan. "[The leaders] have to catch the vision," she said.

But many do not. Hunt said closed groups and the status quo have clearly trumped new members and more growth in many church groups. Surprisingly he said that made him feel hopeful that many people would embrace the vision of doubling and growing.

"For many of you, if you will embrace the vision, you have everything you need," Hunt said.

Susan Barnett, who teaches a Sunday school class at Walnut Street Baptist Church, the congregation that hosted Hunt's seminar, said seeing the vision may come through the encouragement of the seminar.

"We all need encouragement," Barnett said. "We all can get in a rut and get tunnel vision." Barnett said she is now team teaching in preparation for a planned division for her class.

Five leadership "haves" to doubling

1. Have faith and confidence

Leaders looking to double their groups should saturate themselves in prayer and the Word of God. They should stretch themselves by acting in faith, recalling God's provision in the past and encouraging their faith community concerning God's provision for the future. This faith and confidence should overflow in faith-filled teaching.

2.Have good people skills

Leaders should be able to get along with nearly anyone. Poor people skills can hinder a leader's effectiveness for God.

"Some of the most dedicated Christians I have known were almost useless to the kingdom because no one liked them," Hunt said.

3. Have success in life

Leaders who can effectively double their group are also marked as successful people because they understand biblical prosperity. These leaders take personal responsibility for their life, or their class, group or church, not giving excuses about why they cannot grow.

These leaders showcase excellence in teaching and communicating. They are diligent in their work with the group. They offer wisdom, solid evaluation and subsequent adjustment so that they find what works and stick with it.

4.Have tenacious determination

Leaders who effectively double and grow their groups do so not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. They have seen the vision and it has taken hold of them.

5.Have effective strategy

See the T.I.G.E.R. doubling strategy sidebar above or look for more information on Hunt's Web site: www.joshhunt.com.