Churches throughout the world are seeing greater value in Small Groups than ever before. While weekly corporate worship times are great opportunities to worship God together, they are also the front door for many who visit the church. However, an interesting trend seems to be on the horizon. People are searching for community in church. I believe this is because of the lack of close, personal, and authentic relationships in the workplace and community. This need for community is not met simply through corporate worship, but through the development of effective Small Groups. Here are 5 reasons I believe Small Groups are an indispensable part of any growing church with growing people.
1. People need encouraging people
Small Groups offer a chance to develop authentic relationships with others and to use those relationships to encourage each other. There is something special about giving and receiving encouragement. Paul says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).” Small Groups gives you an opportunity to share and receive authentic encouragement.
2. People need lifestyle accountability
Everyone needs accountability. Small Groups offer a way to hold others accountable through each week’s study, participation, and sharing life experiences. Unlike a traditionally structured classroom experience, Small Groups provide a very interactive approach to our spiritual growth where we challenge each other to maintain a high degree of integrity. As we see in scripture, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17).”
3. People need emotional support
There are times when life delivers sustained hurricane force winds that tear away our emotional foundation and stability. Because Small Groups provide a non-threatening and safe environment to share confidential emotional needs, others in the group can help provide support to you through some of your most difficult times.
4. People need spiritual growth
What is true physically is true spiritually. When we stop growing physically, our bodies quickly begin to fail. In the same way, when we stop growing spiritually, we begin to spiritually fail.
Small Groups offer a way to grow with like-minded people who are seeking answers to life’s difficult questions. The non-threatening environment of Small Groups produces a climate and culture where spiritual growth and life-change can occur.
5. People need missional opportunities
Small Groups provide the opportunity to grow spiritually, but as you spiritually grow with your small group, you will naturally want to share life together missionally. This missional experience is a way to actively put your spiritual growth into practice. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our Small Group missional efforts should remain Christ-focused and point others to Him.
As you can see, your participation in Small Groups are a great way to not only become and remain connected with God and others, but also to develop healthy spirit-filled lives. Invest in Small Groups. It will change your life.