“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts, and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.”
1 Corinthians 12:12
One of the most effective ministry tools for discipleship is small groups. When people come together in a smaller community of believers, they are often more free to share their successes and failures and be willing to be held accountable. They are also often more willing to share their faith and seek a closer relationship with God as they build a close relationship with other believers. Typically, Bible study is at the core of a small group, and this enables believers to gain more knowledge of God and his Word that they can then apply in their own lives. This is what discipleship is all about – studying and doing God’s Word! As a result, many people often grow more as followers of Christ when they participate in a small group.
Small groups are an important tool for discipleship within a church. It enables members to do several things.
First, they can explore God’s Word with others to become better equipped. “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) It enables believers to gain a greater understanding of God and how the Word applies to, and enhances, their life.
Second, it’s a place to make disciples. “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Personal testimonies and faith sharing can strengthen us so we can grow together in faith.
Third, it builds closer relationships. Small groups create stronger ties, allow for deeper levels of personal sharing, and create accountability to one another.
Fourth, they can provide ministry care to each other when needed. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2). Like a family, they support each other during difficult times.
Finally, they can be an outlet for church ministry. Small groups can have their own outreach ministry in their local community and even travel together to do mission work.
There are a few basic principles of managing small groups that can help you to make them more productive and fruitful.
- Limit the size. It’s often recommended to keep them to no more than 12 people because is difficult to build strong relationships if the group is too large.
- Designate and train small group leaders. Selecting the right leader is critical to its success. They must be trained and willing to submit to church leadership and oversight.
- Define the purpose. Small groups can have different purposes (e.g. – Bible Study, Fellowship, or Outreach), but they must always focus on Christ and faith development.
- Chemistry of the group matters. All members must be committed to the group. There needs to be unity in purpose and they must care for, and about, each other.
There are also some ways that church leaders can manage small groups to make them a more effective tool for discipleship.
- Hold small group leaders accountable. Request annual plans and updates and ask for faith stories and group spiritual growth assessment. Also, meet with them regularly to assist them or get feedback.
- Keep track of small group meetings and members. Know who is in the group and when and where they are meeting. Ask to attend a meeting occasionally.
- Oversee small group study materials. Know and approve their Bible study materials and offer training or other assistance to Bible study leaders. Recommend church–wide studies or other resources that you know to be effective for discipleship.
- Have regular meetings with small group leaders. Schedule regular meetings to review progress and activities or to provide ongoing training for leaders.
- Encourage church members to participate in small groups. It will build community and create connections to other members. It will strengthen discipleship in your church and create an outlet for outreach.
Small groups can be one of the most effective tools a pastor or church leader has to disciple people in their church or community. It is a wonderful way for people to share their faith, experience encouragement and caring from others, and grow as a disciple of Christ.
(from chapter 7 of our Management for Church Leaders™ Volume #2 Training Manual, © 2010)