You’ve been hearing about “Small Groups” at church lately…and it seems like your pastor wants you to join one. You’ve never been to one before, but you keep hearing that it’s one of the best ways to connect with others in your church—and grow in your faith.
What exactly is a Small Group, and why should you join one? If you’ve been wondering (but didn’t want to have to ask), this is your lucky day. Here are some Small Group basics to help you understand what happens in a Small Group and why joining one will change your life for the better:
What is a Small Group, Anyway?
Small groups are gatherings that happen, usually on a weekly basis, outside of regular Sunday church services. These groups are often held in people’s homes, giving Christians an opportunity to practice hospitality—and allowing for a more intimate, comfortable way to get to know one another.
Small Groups will often do a study together, either going through a book of the Bible or using a prepared curriculum that addresses a theme or life issue. For example, a group might go through a twelve-week study using a curriculum about marriage, where they watch a short teaching on DVD and then discuss it together. Some groups will be more time-intensive, requiring study at home—while others are casual, without a need for much preparation.
Small Group meetings often leave open time for fellowship, encouraging members to get to know one another. Meals, potlucks, and fun group activities either happen during Small Group, or begin to develop naturally as people get to know each other.
Why Should I Join a Small Group?
Your pastor isn’t kidding—Small Groups are truly an important part of the church. The reason why is in the name…small. On a Sunday morning, you might greet a few people and shake a few hands. Your kids might enjoy time with other children during Sunday school, and you might even manage to exchange phone numbers with someone you chat with after service. But at Sunday service, there are so many people that it can be very hard to connect. And, it’s awfully hard to really get to know people in the short time you have after church.
Christians are meant to live in community, as the book of Acts describes:
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” ~Acts 2:42-47, ESV
While you might not be ready to sell everything you own and live in the sort of Christian community described above, you do need to be in fellowship with other believers. A Small Group can help you get to know people, make friends, and form a strong community in which you feel comfortable and understood. It can become a second family, helping out when you have a need and celebrating life’s triumphs with you. The relationships you form in a Small Group can be lasting, deep, and very fulfilling.
Will there be issues? Sure. All “families” have them from time to time. But the benefits of gathering with other believers far outweigh the difficulties.
What Will I Learn in a Small Group?
Not only are Small Groups vital to fulfilling your need for Christian fellowship, they are also vital for helping you grow spiritually. Studying the Word of God together really helps you understand what you’re reading, and when you meet with a group you benefit from the knowledge that others have…and they benefit from yours:
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” ~Proverbs 27:17, ESV
Often, a church will offer a variety of Small Groups based on interest and stage of life…you might find groups for parents of young children, for singles, or for married couples. Some groups choose to do outdoor activities like hiking, others might be studying a book of the Bible that you’re particularly interested in. More than one married couple has credited a marriage Small Group with saving their relationship. There are recovery Small Groups and groups for new believers…and even if you can’t find one that fits your exact need at the moment, a Small Group can help you work through issues, pray for you, and share important resources that will help you grow.
How Can I Join a Small Group?
Look for a Small Group directory or list of group leaders on your church’s website. If one isn’t available, check the information desk at church or give your pastor a call. The chances are good that there will be something you can join, even if groups have been meeting for a while.
If your church doesn’t offer Small Groups, you can still call around and find a group of believers that’s meeting in your area—or start a group of your own! Even if you just meet for coffee after service on Sundays and discuss your thoughts about the week’s sermon, connecting with others will deepen your faith and bring the joy of fellowship to your life.