The Benefits of Small Groups in Church
Being part of a local church is a rewarding thing. When you’re part of a larger church, though, it’s easy to feel disconnected or unnoticed. That’s where the benefits of small groups in church come into play. A small group is simply a small gathering of believers outside of Sunday morning, and it’s typically in a more personal and intimate setting than the entire church.
Each small group has the overall intention to bring people closer to God spiritually while also allowing for individual connection and interaction. While the basic principle and goal of the gathering is similar from group to group, many of the focuses, types of members, and overall activities vary. It's the uniqueness of each group that appeals to different people, and when a small group is effective, it benefits both the individual and the church overall.
Here are five ways small groups benefit a church!
1. Unifying the Church Body
Small groups have substantial and lasting benefits to the members of a church and the church as a whole because of their unified spiritual focus. Parkway Church’s groups have periodic small group series that allow the whole church to focus on the same topic at the same time. This is a powerful act of spiritual unity between members of our congregation.
At other times, a small group can choose to follow topics related to the teaching of the church and intentionally study the preaching more in depth. Many of the small groups at Parkway meet weekly to do what we call “Sticky Notes.” These are small group devotions that flush out the past week’s sermon topic more fully with extended teaching and discussion questions that encourage personal application. This benefits the church by:
Encouraging members to dive deeper into the church’s weekly teaching
Developing critical thinking on spiritual topics
Answering questions about the church’s teaching that might have otherwise gone unasked
2. Personal Spiritual Development
Another major benefit of small groups is their focus on personal spiritual development. Members of groups focus on and discuss spiritual things, leading to stronger and bolder spiritual lives. There is versatility in Bible study methods from group to group, which allow for variety in individual spiritual growth opportunities. Groups can engage in full Bible studies, dive into a specific topic from scripture, or study a specific book of the Bible.
The uniqueness of the studies even gives members opportunities to invite friends or family to learn about a relevant topic that might benefit them spiritually. It’s a great way to engage in the Great Commission as a unified church!
3. Like-Minded Personal Connection
There is a lot of versatility in small groups when it comes to their members and specific walks of life. Many groups are focused on women, men, families, or certain stages of life like parenting, overcoming grief, etc. This allows people to connect with others in similar stages of life for support, understanding, and personal growth.
Other groups focus on hobbies or interests like hiking, biking, food, book clubs, or prayer. These groups allow opportunities for connection with others who have similar passions and pursuits in life.
There are many opportunities to interest people, and small groups ultimately help us encourage both belonging and personal connection to others.
4. Encouraging Involvement
While the content and purpose of small groups is important, these gatherings also encourage interaction and activation among believers. Jesus is specific about the importance of gathering together when he said, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)
Our lives are busy, and many find it difficult to connect, serve, or grow for periods of time. However, as part of a small group, members benefit from the encouragement of others and become more invested in living the life that God has planned for them.
Small groups encourage members to grow spiritually, connect relationally, and activate into their purpose in the family of God. Simply taking time to pray, study, and just enjoy each other's company can go a long way to build a common purpose and encourage participation.
5. Enabling Discipleship
Lastly, a small group benefits a church as it helps facilitate the critical practice of discipleship. Small group gatherings are perfect opportunities to invite friends and family to experience God in a more intimate and personal setting. They also open the doors to mentoring others and being mentored by others. Discipleship is crucial in a church since it produces leaders by allowing people to teach, encourage, and pray for others.
Experience the Benefits of Small Groups in Church!
If you're not part of a small group now, we urge you to start one or find one that matches your interests or helps meet your current needs. A small group offers many benefits when you are open to growing spiritually, connecting with other believers, and sharing Jesus with others. In the Book of Hebrews, the example of gathering for encouragement and ministry is evident as it shows a framework for small groups:
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 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. ”