Why Join a Small Group?
You will understand the Bible better in a small group.
If you’ve ever listened to a Bible teacher or preacher and wanted to stop that person and say,
"But what about..."? or "I don’t understand" then a small group is for you! Preaching and teaching
is one way communication - you listen while the speaker speaks. It’s fine for imparting knowledge
but not as effective for personal application as a small group. In a small group setting, you can ask
questions, participate in a discussion of the text, and hear others share insights and illustrations of
the truth you are trying to grasp. The Bible must be applied to your own personal situations and that
happens best in small groups.
You will begin to really feel like part of God’s family.
Most people who have been a part of a group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and
friendships that develop. They will frequently telephone each other during the week to share an urgent
prayer request or an exciting answer. You’ll discover that your needs and problems are not unique -
we’re all in the same boat. It helps to know that others are facing the same difficulties, or have
lived through them and learned spiritual principles in the process.
Prayer will become more meaningful to you.
Many people are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large church. In a small group
of 6 to 12, you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one
is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you’ll be able to pray sentence prayers and
join in. In praying together with a few others, we are drawn together and we find answers to the needs in our lives.
You will be able to handle stress and pressure better.
Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You’ll have a
sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and are committed to
standing with you.
You will have a natural way to share Christ with unbelieving friends, relatives, and work associates.
It may be that some of your friends who don’t know the Lord wouldn’t be caught dead in a church. They have a
preconceived idea and just the thought makes them defensive. But those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual
Bible discussion in a home or office setting. In a small group, your unbelieving friend can ask questions and express honest
doubts without feeling "put on the spot". When your friend sees the love and and honesty of your group, it will make him more
receptive to the Good News.
You will develop leadership skills you never knew you had!
The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents of "gifts" to benefit others in the
family of God. Unfortunately most Christians remain as Sunday morning spectators all their lives because
large group meetings are primarily "sit and listen" situations. As you share and participate in a relaxed
small group setting, you’ll discover your confidence and self-esteem rising. This will help you at
work, at church, and in every other relationship.
You will deepen your understanding of worship.
Many believers mistakenly believe that worship can only happen on Sunday morning in a large group with a sermon, a choir, and an
offering plate! Worship happen anytime we focus on God. Sometimes that happens best in a small group in praying or singing together.
You will be a New Testament Christian!
The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for his people to grow and have their needs
met in the church. God never intended it to be the job of the professional pastor to meet all the
needs of the individuals within the church. In small groups, the members meet each others needs as God designed.
"Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 5:42