What is a Group?
Gaspar A. Cortez
DSMN630 D02: Small Group Ministries
April 6, 2025 (Late)
Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................1
Arnold Summary.....................................................................................................................1
Dempsey and Earley Summary................................................................................................2
Cliques and Small Groups........................................................................................................5
G.R.O.U.P................................................................................................................................6
4 Questions.............................................................................................................................8
Inward, Outward, Upward.......................................................................................................9
Bibliography..........................................................................................................................11
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Introduction
Few things are more certain than Jeffrey Arnold’s claim in The Big Book on Small Groups,
“Disciples are intentionally made.”1 Strong, mature disciples are hardly ever formed in isolation,
they are shaped, challenged, and supported through intentional relationships, most often within
the context of small groups.
While small groups can be defined in a variety of ways, this paper will draw from the
definitions and insights offered by Jeffrey Arnold, Rod Dempsey, Dave Earley, and other
contributors. The discussion will begin with a summary of the ideas presented by Arnold,
Dempsey, and Earley in the assigned readings for DSMN630 D02: Small Group Ministries (Mar.
30–Apr. 6). This will be followed by a comparison between small groups and cliques, a
breakdown of the G.R.O.U.P. acrostic, an exploration of four key questions Arnold poses in
chapter one of his book, and a final reflection on three key relationships reflected in the book of
Ephesians.
Arnold Summary
Small groups serve as a cornerstone of spiritual formation and Assembly growth, as
noted in chapters one and two of Jeffrey Arnold’s The Big Book on Small Groups. The
transformative potential of these communities is demonstrated through the story of Rob and
Jenny, who, through active participation and service in a small group, progressed from spiritual
seekers to mature believers who now lead and mentor others into the faith.2 This model reflects
Yeshua’s own approach to disciple making, inviting individuals into close relational proximity,
imparting truth through daily interaction, and commissioning them for ministry. The early
1 Jeffrey Arnold, The Big Book on Small Groups: revised edition (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press,
2004), 23.
2 Ibid., 17.
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Assembly had a similar strategy, meeting in homes to disciple believers and provide mutual
support during times of persecution. In the context, small groups remain essential for cultivating
biblical disciplines, combating the isolating effects of modern individualism (cliques), and
sustaining genuine community.3
Arnold also points out the Assemblies united nature, drawing parallels to a strong
beehive where each member plays a critical role.4 Many Assemblies suffer from low
engagement, often following the 20/80 rule, where a small fraction of members put in most of
the work while the others take on passive roles.5
He goes on to say how small groups offer a solution by fostering involvement across
three key relationships reflected in Ephesians: inward care, upward devotion, and outward
mission, these will be broken down later. Arnold used stories of believers who were enabled to
identify and utilize their spiritual gifts, nurture their relationship with Hashem and His Son
Yeshua through Scripture, prayer, thanksgiving and praise, while participating in service and
evangelism.6
Dempsey and Earley Summary
Chapters seven through fifteen of Rod Dempsey and Dave Earley’s book, Leading
Healthy, Growing, Multiplying, Small Groups collectively present a framework for developing
spiritually impactful small group communities. Chapter seven introduces the G.R.O.U.P.
acrostic, which will be broken down further on in this paper, but basically highlighting essential
functions of a healthy group. Highlighted are spiritual leadership, consistent fellowship, biblical
3 Ibid., 22.
4 Ibid., 28.
5 Ibid., 30.
6 Ibid., 38.
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engagement, servanthood, and intercessory prayer as pillars that transform small groups from
social gatherings into communities of spiritual formation and mission.7
Chapter eight outlines the “Five W’s” of healthy groups Welcome, Worship, Word,
Witness, and Works, emphasizing the need for a balanced integration of hospitality, spiritual
focus, scriptural engagement, outreach, and service to ensure powerful results, taking the group
to a new level.8
Pulling from the “one another” commands in Scripture, Chapter nine recognizes love,
hospitality, honor, acceptance, and encouragement as foundational practices for relational
depth and trust.9
Chapter ten speaks about building and maintaining community, advocating conflict
resolution, forgiveness, humility, understanding the effects of sin and its destruction, and
encouragement. 10 These relational disciplines enable small groups to become safe, resilient
environments for spiritual and interpersonal growth.
Chapters eleven and twelve focus on the roles of worship and the Word. Worship is
presented as a transformative act that prepares hearts, centers lives on Hashem, and invites His
presence into the group.11 Meanwhile, Bible study is framed as a disciple making process that
requires observation, interpretation, and application. Effective group leaders are encouraged to
7 Rod Dempsey and Dave Earley, Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Small Groups (Nashville, TN: B&H
Academic, 2018), 31-33.
8 Ibid., 35-36.
9 Ibid., 38-39.
10 Ibid., 41-43.
11 Ibid., 45-47.
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facilitate Scripture centered discussions that engage members actively and lead to life
transformation.12
Chapters thirteen and fourteen speak to the outward expressions of small group life—ministry
(Works) and evangelism (Witness). A healthy group must engage in service, both inward and
outward, to avoid spiritual stagnation. Every member is viewed as a minister, with
contributions of all kinds seen as valuable and necessary for the mission. There are no
insignificant parts.13 Evangelism is approached as a relational and process driven activity,
encompassing ten keys to success. They include faith, prayer, love, invitation, gospel, process,
party, testimony, and celebration. 14
And finally, Chapter fifteen introduces the L.I.F.E. acrostic as important components
inside group life. Love provides the relational foundation; instruction facilitates spiritual growth
through Scripture; fellowship fosters unity through shared experiences; and example
emphasizes the leader’s role in modeling Messiah like living.
When these parts of the house are in place, small groups function as transformative,
multiplying communities that disciple believers and reach the lost.
Cliques and Small Groups
According to Arnold, there are several key distinctions between cliques and healthy small
groups. First, cliques are exclusive by nature, they are closed off to outsiders and typically only
welcome those who fit a narrow, predefined mold. In contrast, small groups are intentionally
12 Ibid., 48-50.
13 Ibid., 52-53.
14 Ibid., 55-57
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open and inclusive, warmly welcoming anyone seeking connection and spiritual growth,
because salvation is the most important aspect of thought.
Closely tied to this is the fact that cliques tend to be inward focused. Their concern lies
primarily with the needs of those already within the group, often to the neglect of others, thus
causing a lack of spiritual vitality and the group dies out over time. In extreme cases, there may
be little to no prayer for the lost, the hurting, or the spiritually hungry beyond the group's
immediate circle.15 On the other hand, small groups are outward focused. They actively seek
opportunities to love, serve, and minister to others, embodying Messiah’s call to go and make
disciples (Mt 28:19).
Cliques repeatedly display controlling or self-appointed leadership, whereas healthy
small groups are led by the Holy Spirit, fostering a healthy environment of mutual care and
empowerment. While cliques tend to dwell in the past and resist change, small groups are
forward looking, seeking innovative ways to reach the lost and fulfill the Great Commission.16
Cliques may harbor an elitist mindset, seeing themselves as superior to others (Ya’acov/James
2). In contrast, small groups embrace humility and inclusivity, reaching out to uplift and support
others (Phil. 2:3). Whereas cliques remain static and content with the status quo, small groups
thrive through growth, transformation, and multiplication.
Furthermore, cliques often engage in gossip and idle talk that remains confined within
the group. Small groups, however, are action oriented, putting their conversations into practice
by reaching out in love and service (Ja. 1:22-23, 2:14-26). While cliques are typically fragmented
15 Thiago Silva, “The Danger of an Inward Focused Church,” March 17, 2025, accessed April 5, 2025,
https://byfaithonline.com/the-danger-of-an-inward-focused-church/.
16 It should be noted that when change is spoken of here, it is only in the context of making disciples and
not stepping into another person’s shoes as Shaul speaks about in 1 Corinthians 9. For example, Shaul would never
sacrifice a child to get in good with the pagans in order to save them.
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and isolated, small groups are integrated into the larger body of Messiah, striving to further the
mission of the Church and contribute to the spiritual growth of the community (Acts 2:42-47,
4:32-37.) .
Finally, cliques act primarily out of self-interest and often lack a clear purpose. In
contrast, small groups are intentional, and mission driven, operating with deliberate focus to
glorify Hashem and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.17
Arnold summarizes it best by stating that cliques are unhealthy, inward focused, lacking
intentionality, and function as scattered, undisciplined gatherings within congregations and
fellowships, often weakening the unity and overall health of the body of Messiah.18
G.R.O.U.P.
The G.R.O.U.P. acrostic serves as a practical framework for cultivating healthy and
effective small group ministry. Each piece of this framework without the other would lead to an
unbalanced house, weirdly enough, built on a solid foundation. But, like any house without each
piece fitting together tightly, no matter the foundation, the house can fall. The acrostic is as
follows:
Guided by a Leader – Every fruitful small group begins with strong, Spirit led leadership. A
committed leader plays a vital role in helping members transfer from salvation to active service
within the body of Messiah, nurturing spiritual maturity through intentional and deliberate
discipleship.19
17 Jeffrey Arnold, 9-11.
18 Arnold, 22.
19 Dempsey and Earley, 31.
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Regular Meeting Times – Consistency is key to community. Regular gatherings, ideally on a
weekly basis, provide the structure and accountability necessary for deep relationships and
ongoing spiritual support to flourish.20
Opening Hashem’s Word – Scripture must remain central. Diving into the Word of Hashem
anchors the group in truth, allowing His Word to shape hearts, renew minds, and align lives with
His will.21
United in Service – Small groups are not only for personal edification but also for the collective
mission. When members serve together, each contributing their spiritual gifts, they strengthen
and build the body of Messiah and extend His Father’s love to the world.22
Prayer for One Another – Prayer is the heartbeat of a Hashem centered group. Through
intercession and shared prayer, the group invites Hashem’s presence, power, and peace into
their midst, cultivating unity and mutual encouragement.23
When these elements are present and functioning well, small groups become more than
gatherings, they become life giving communities marked by spiritual depth, authentic
connection, and transformative impact. They become the visible extension of the hands and
feet of Yeshua to the world.24
4 Questions
The first question asked by Arnold in chapter one is if the Assembly is introducing
believer disciplines into small groupings? The answer is yes. The Vineyard Fellowship has several
20 Ibid., 32.
21 Ibid.
22 Ibid.
23 Ibid., 33.
24 Ibid.
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small groups that target different audiences so that disciples are made in an intentional and
deliberate way. A few examples are children’s groups, youth groups, women’s and men’s
ministry groups, outreach and evangelism groups, prayer groups, Bible study, worship, along
with one of the most important one, leadership groups.
Within each of these group’s disciplines of the believer are instilled in certain ways
making it easier for those within the group to understand. For example, the children and youth
may not be ready to completely understand certain disciplines such as fasting or quiet reflection
to include meditating on the Word. They are being taught the milk of the Word, whereas the
adult groups are more involved with intimate fellowship of one another. And within each of
these groups, the leaders are being taught how to introduce and teach these disciplines in the
hearts and minds of families in the house setting.25
The second question is, are the small groups building or hindering the kingdom? This is
an interesting question as it is difficult to see any imitation of Messiah Yeshua as hindering the
kingdom. So then the answer would be yes, they are building and strengthening the kingdom
and the body.
The third question is, are we training leaders who bring biblical disciplines into small
groupings? The answer is yes. The Vineyard Fellowship trains future leaders through the
program called the Hebraic Ministers Alliance. It exists to establish, support, and launch
ministries and congregations worldwide, to include small groups.26
And the last question, is the entire congregation working to develop a disciplined small
group mentality? The answer should be a yes. I am not there in person to witness this, and I do
25 Joel Comiskey, Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church: New Testament Insights for the 21st
Century Church (Moreno Valley, CA: CCS Publishing, 2012), 83.
26 “Hebrew Ministers Alliance,” 2017, accessed April 6, 2025, https://www.hmatn.com/.
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not want to insert an answer that I may not be certain of. I do know they conduct small groups,
and many people are a part of them.
Inward, Outward, Upward
Building off everything above, Arnold mentions that healthy small groups create
transformative environments. These environments include, accountability, which involves
entering into a mutual covenant with others in which each is giving authority to hold one
another to their commitments.27 They offer opportunities for growth because a light always
attracts others. And finally deeper relationships, which many once they see the light, seek
deeper relationships which give into vulnerability with others. The more honest and transparent
people are with others, they begin to entrust their life to Hashem and what His Son has done for
them.28
Then within the environment believers begin to reflect three different relationships
reflected in Ephesians. 1) Inward (Group Care): the individual’s relationship within the group.
Members provide support, discover spiritual gifts, and develop lay leadership.29 2) Upward
(Nurture and Worship): Groups facilitate Bible study, prayer, and worship, strengthening
members’ connection with Hashem.30 And 3) Outward (Service and Evangelism): Small groups
create outreach opportunities, drawing new believers into the faith.31
27 Greg Ogden, Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ (Downers Grove, IL:
Intervarsity Press, 2007), 15.
28 Ibid.
29 Jeffrey Arnold, The Big Book on Small Groups, 32-34.
30 Ibid., 36.
31 Ibid., 38.
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In sum, it is evident that small groups are vital to the impact spiritual leaders have on
discipleship to those who are there to grow in faith and maybe even become future leaders
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themselves. Small groups are a key method that Yeshua used to build His body, and believers as
good and faithful servant should look to hear and do what He did.
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Bibliography
Arnold, Jeffrey. The Big Book on Small Groups: revised edition. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity
Press, 2004.
Comiskey, Joel. Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church: New Testament Insights for the
21st Century Church. Moreno Valley, CA: CCS Publishing, 2012.
Dempsey, Rod, and Dave Earley. Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Small Groups. Nashville,
TN: B&H Academic, 2018.
“Hebrew Ministers Alliance.” 2017. Accessed April 6, 2025. https://www.hmatn.com/.
Ogden, Greg. Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ. Downers Grove, IL:
Intervarsity Press, 2007.
Silva, Thiago. “The Danger of an Inward Focused Church.” March 17, 2025. Accessed April 5,
2025. https://byfaithonline.com/the-danger-of-an-inward-focused-church/.
