Why Small Groups?

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25

When we think of a church we automatically think of a congregation of 200-300 singing, listening to sermons and praying. But in reality, the early Christian Church started off as small groups of people meeting at people's houses. They eventually grew to the big churches we all know and recognize today but the importance of small groups should not be ignored.

Not too many churches from my experience implement small groups in the lives of their members. There are plenty of misunderstandings and myths about this idea but several research show that it is still as effective as ever. Here are the top 6 reasons why you should find yourself a small group as soon as possible:

1. It allows for deeper sense of community

The trouble with medium to large sized churches is that there are individuals who, through different reasons, do not find community within the church. These people are left tweedling their thumbs while everyone seems to have other friends in church. A big percentage of people leave just for the reason of a lack of community. Bringing the church to a personal level by having smaller groups of individuals meet on a weekly basis allows individuals to feel connection with others and have a deeper sense of community.

2. It allows for a chance to be vulnerable

A deeper sense of community means a whole new level of emotional and social security which means individuals will feel less worried about being judged, allowing themselves to be vulnerable in front of others. The Barna Group has stated that one of the biggest reasons young people leave the church is that their experience with Christianity is shallow. It means that throughout their Christian lives they have not had any meaningful experiences in church. Providing our young people with a safe circle of community where they feel more open to share their lives, their struggles, joys, concerns, or even doubt without the fear of being judged will give them a less shallow experience of Christianity and let them see the vision of what church really ought to be.

3. It allows for more accountability

Most times, a pastor is really limited in his influence and in keeping every single member accountable in their Christian life. It is virtually impossible, without the pastor burning out, to keep every one in check in their own private lives. Having members of small groups keep each other accountable with whatever each one is struggling with not only means people are kept in check, it also means that more members are helping each other out in their struggles and aspects in need of improvement.

4. It encourages active participation

Although the church should include everyone in worship participation, the reality is service participation is limited. Special music is done by a single individual or group, preaching doesn't allow for questions, prayer is done by the elder. Participation is limited in corporate worship, and that's where small groups comes in. Small groups allows members to ask questions, to sing with each other, to cook for each other, and discuss life together, to share with some fellowship discussions, share jokes and laughs, to enjoy activities together. Being satisfied with a big church without allowing for a small group experience severely limits the participation of the members and it leads to stagnant Christianity.

5. It is a place to study deeper and weightier subjects

Not all topics under the sun is appropriate for the pulpit. Some topics are too touchy to be listened to from a single point of view of the speaker. Some issues are best served in a small group setting where people can share their thoughts and concerns about the topic. Also, familiarity plays a crucial role in this because the members know that the leader has their best interest in mind when discussing these things. The leader can communicate these hard topics from the Scriptures without being accused of being judgmental because of the established bond between leaders and the members. Talking about the weightier issues of life and the Bible can lead to stronger disciples whose lives are deeply founded in the Scriptures.

6. It is an excellent method of evangelism

Not too many think of small groups as a mode of evangelism, but in today's culture and context, people are truly won, not by big evangelistic events, but by personal connection with believers. Big evangelistic series have their purpose, but people who are converted through other friends and whose initial contact with a church is through small groups tend to be the strongest converts, ones whose growth continue past their baptisms. The key is to know when your small group is healthy enough and then encourage members to invite friends to one of your sessions. From there, pray that God uses your group to facilitate a conversion in their hearts.

If you don't currently belong to a small group...

We at Worship Circle encourage you to find a group you think you can fit in. If you belong to a church that currently doesn't have a small group, talk with your pastor for the possibility of starting one. Find a community of strong believers, encourage each other, sing with each other, build up one another in love and at the same time foster your love for Jesus. It will be one of the best experiences you will ever have!