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Discussion Thread: The Importance of Small Groups.
The Importance of Small Groups
A religious body comprises people from diverse places who profess a common faith. In
most cases, there are no restrictions as to who should join a ministry or church: the essential
requirement is adherence to the rules of that particular denomination (Park, 2020). We can draw
parallels from the life of the founder of Christianity- Jesus Christ. While on earth, he attracted
multitudes from all over the world. However, while choosing His disciples, He opted to go with a
small group of twelve members. Thus we have the question, 'how important are small groups in a
church or ministry?'
After creating human beings, God endowed them with the agility of socializing and living
dependent on each other. It proves the fact that human beings live together on earth, and
churches allow unlimited attendees. As much as there is that unlimited allowance, efficiency
calls for small groups.
First, it is easier to follow up in small groups than crowded ones. In churches and
ministries, people have different degrees of faith: thus, the Bible says, "When thou art converted,
strengthen your brethren" (Bible, 2018). Therefore, it is necessary for those stronger in faith to
strengthen those of little faith. In most cases, the new members in faith tend to evade prayer and
worship meetings: it becomes hard to recover them when the groups are significant. It ensures
easy contact tracing and effective communication.
Besides, it is easier to enact honesty and accountability in small groups than in large
groups.1 In churches, it is mandatory to elect leaders in different positions. These leaders ensure
the effective running of events and other regular programs within the ministry. One of the most
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Small groups ensure efficiency in church property management.
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delicate departments in churches is the treasury. People expect church leaders to be naturally
honest and upright morally. However, it is not the case because to ere is human. Therefore, small
groups help ensure the proper handling of church properties and accountability for all treasuries
and project management. We can draw an example from the Bible when Christ fed the five
thousand men and collected twelve baskets as leftovers. They collected the remains without
hardship because their leadership comprised a small group.
Small groups give room for members to reach their full potential. Within the church,
people have different gifts and talents: and God calls them to cultivate these talents and improve
them daily.2 The best way of improving a skill is by practice, and smaller groups give the most
efficient environment for people to participate in activities (Park, 2020). During the regular
worship days on Saturdays or Sundays, people never get an opportunity to express their abilities.
This participation is essential mainly for youths. During their young age, they tend to shy off
from church roles. The influence from their peers may also hinder them from developing the
good morals they received while young. Therefore, keeping them active in small groups helps to
retain them and nurtures their talents.
It is easier for church members to narrate the power of God through testimonies in small
groups. It is natural for ties emotional ties to exist in smaller groups than larger ones. The
creation of bonds brings the enthusiasm of sharing ideas and experience, hence easing the
gospel's spread.
In conclusion, in all working institutions, smaller groups are more efficient. From the
discussion above, we can draw that churches should consider having smaller care units with a
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It is easier to improve God-given gifts using small groups.
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maximum of around ten people. It will help strengthen bonds among brethren, encourage
spreading the gospel and ensure people reach their full potential in talents.
