Discussion Thread: The Importance of Small Groups
The Importance of Small Groups
When it came to discipleship, Jesus Christ demonstrated the importance of small groups
by choosing a small group of twelve individuals and pouring his life into them for the next three
years. Simply expressed, the most effective discipleship tool is small groups.1 As a result, the
modern church cannot afford to depart from this paradigm; she must imitate its creator, the Lord
Jesus Christ. Small groups are also beneficial because they promote honest accountability. All
Christians must struggle with habits at some time in their life. “Therefore confess your sins to
each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed,” James says. The prayer of a
righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16 NIV). As a result, in order to be healed,
some of our habits must be addressed. Accordingly, a small group provides an environment in
which this can happen. When a Christian commits a sin, they can easily confess their
transgressions to others and receive assistance in overcoming the situation.
Small groups are especially important because they aid Christians in understanding the
body of Christ in all of its giftedness diversity.2 Everyone has something to contribute that others
do not. Small groups provide the ideal setting for people to exercise and practice their gifts, as
opposed to the Sunday service, where there is not time for everyone to do so. Similarly, believers
are nourished in small groups as they develop and mature in the word. Future leaders are taught
in these small groups, believers are weaned off carnal wants, and members get comprehensive
care.
Finally, small groups are beneficial because they allow believers to form real
relationships.3 Since small groups are more intimate and personable, each member receives the
attention they require, such as invitations to weddings, birthday parties, and anniversary
celebrations from other members. As they participate in these activities, they learn to know one
another better.
Growth Group Model
Members of a Growth Group Model are encouraged to grow in their connection with
Christ, with one another, and with His mission.4 Members spend time in God’s word and in
prayer in order to relate to Christ (Upward). Members confess their sins to one another, use their
spiritual gifts to benefit one another, and care for one another when they relate with one another
(Inward). Finally, a neighborly connection (Outward) implies that members seek out
opportunities to communicate the gospel with the unsaved world.5 If all of these relationships are
1 Earley, Dave, and Dempsey, Rod. 2013. Disciple Making Is...: How to Live the Great Commission with
Passion and Confidence. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 150.
2 Pettit, Paul. 2018. Foundations of Spiritual Formation: A Community Approach to Becoming Like Christ.
Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 22.
3 Dempsey, Rod. 2022. “The Importance of Small Groups.” Course video in DSMN 500 at Liberty
University, Lynchburg, VA.
4 “Growth Group Model.” Course content in DSMN 500 at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA. February 7,
2022.
5 Ibid.
nourished and strengthened, the disciple will be healthy as a result. This strategy is intended to
be straightforward, relational, and repeatable.6
Small group structure can be described in three ways: ‘With’ small group, ‘Of’ small
group, and ‘Is’ small group. The traditional ‘with’ small group structure is marked by a strong
reliance on the clergy. The clergy does almost everything. There is no need for others to be
trained because the clergy only see themselves as leaders for a long time. The emphasis is on
keeping the congregation together rather than attracting new members.
The ‘Of’ small group structure emphasizes small groups, but it does so in the same way
that everything else does. Small groups are considered an important aspect of the church's
programs. The goal of the trainings is to improve Sunday ministry.7 Discipleship occurs in the
classroom.
The "Is" small group structure does not place a premium on small groups, but it does
allow them to adopt the church's identity. The saints are equipped for ministry by the leaders.
The pastor assists church members in reaching their greatest potential.8 The framework also
prioritizes quality and makes provision for quantity.9
In conclusion, a religious body is made up of people from many walks of life who share a
common faith. In most circumstances, there are no restrictions on who can join a ministry or
church; the only stipulation is that they follow the rules of that denomination.10 We can draw
analogies from the life of Jesus Christ. During His ministry on earth, He drew people from all
around the world. When it came to choosing His disciples, however, He chose a small group of
twelve. Consequently, we comprehend the importance of small groups in a church or ministry.
Smaller groups are more efficient in all working institutions. As a result of the preceding
discussion, we can conclude that churches should consider having smaller care units. It will aid
in the strengthening of ties among brethren, the propagation of the gospel, and ensuring that
people reach their maximum potential in terms of talents.
6 Ibid.
7 “With, Of, Is Small Group Chart.” Course content in DSMN 500 at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA,
February 7, 2022.
8 Ibid.
9 Ibid.
10 Park, JongKil. 2021. “A Study on the Small Groups for the Vitalization of Young Adult: with a Focus on
Dang-IL Church.”
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