LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Analysis Paper 2
What is a Group?
Submitted to Dr. Clay Anthony
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
DSMN 630- B02
Small Group Ministries
by Margaret Humphrey
September 2020
Table of Contents
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………. p. 3
Small Groups & Cliques ……………………………………………………………….… p. 4
Small Groups.…………………………………..………………………………….. p. 4
Cliques ………………………………………………………………………………p. 5
G.R.O.U.P. ………………………………………………………………………………… p. 5
Chapter 1 – Questions – The Big Book on Small Groups …………………………….… p. 7
Summary ………………………………………………………………………………….. p. 7
Bibliography ………………………………………………………………………………. p. 9
What is a Group?
Introduction
Groups gathering in the name of Christ have historically met to study the word of God, to
create intimacy among fellow believers and to experience a Christ-centered relationship with
others. “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship,
to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”1 The mission of small groups have not changed over the
course of 200 years – actually the art of meeting together in groups has grown deeper and more
intimate as discipleship has become more of a hot topic. Small groups need to be effective to be
considered healthy, to be growing and to be a group that sends out well equipped disciples.
Small Groups & Cliques
There is a difference between a small group and a clique and although from the outside
they closely resemble each other, we must be intentional in our ideology to maintain a stance of a
healthy small group. Having group leaders who are aware of the differences between small group
and cliques will ensure that healthy small groups are productive and are purposeful. “When
leaders are recruited and groups formed without intention, disaster lurks. You have heard the
phrase, “Aim at nothing, hit nothing.” Actually, the phrase should be restated. “Aim at nothing,
hit the wrong thing.”2 In an attempt to create healthy and productive small groups we need to
know the difference between a clique and a small group.
Small Groups
1 Acts 2:42, NASB
2 Arnold, J. (2017). The Big book on Small Groups, Revised. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Small groups can be defined when “highly mobile and disconnected people of all ages began to
seek deeper fellowship and spiritual nurture in groups.” 3 A small group that is healthy and
productive, will need to remained focused on the task at hand, “A Small group is intent on
participating with Christ in building his ever-expanding kingdom in the hearts of individuals, in
the life of the group and, through believers, into the world. “4 “As the text of Acts 6
demonstrates, Christian leadership is more than outward moral behavior which adheres to certain
Christian values, but also includes moral actions which flow from inward moral transformation
and the power of the Holy Spirit.”5 There are several differentiators between cliques and small
groups, “Unlike cliques, however, these communities or groupings are intentionally small,
outward in focus and intent on participating with Christ in the building of his kingdom.”6 In
being healthy and productive, small groups should have three characteristics not typically seen in
a clique;
Inward – “which includes group care and fellowship” 7
Upward – “encompassing prayer, worship and spiritual training” 8
Outward - “outreach, multiplication, apprenticing and mission”9
Each character trait is a positive reinforcement and a byproduct of becoming a disciple of Christ
whose personal relationship is deepening. Developing small group sessions that encompass all
three characteristics helps to ensure that needs are met, members are engaged, and the Biblical
foundation and mission is aligned with the standards set by Christ.
3 Arnold, The Big Book on, 10.
4 Ibid, 23.
5 Pao, D.W. (2011). Waiters or preachers: Acts 6:1-7 and the Lukan table fellowship motif. Journal of Biblical
Literature, 130(1), 127-144.
6 Arnold, The Big Book on, 10
7 Ibid, 54.
8 Ibid, 54.
9 Ibid, 54
Cliques
Identifying a clique is often easily done by looking for the negative energy in a room. Cliques
focus on the opposite attributes of a small group, we should focus on the components that make
“cliques unhealthy, so that we are not trapped by the inward, unfocused and random nature of the
undisciplined groupings scattered throughout our congregations and fellowships.” 10
By definition in Websters Dictionary, a clique is “a narrow exclusive circle or group of
persons; especially one held together by common interests, views, or purposes” Small groups
are the opposite of a clique, they are all inclusive rather than exclusive and are focused on
building others up rather than tearing them down. “The primary purposes, passions and
practices of the healthy small group are focused on developing community. 11
G.R.O.U.P
Often group leaders struggle with leading a small group and prayerfully leading those we
are shepherding into close intimate journeys with Christ. Our textbook created the perfect
solution; G.R.O.U.P, the perfect 5 letter acronym that is useful in reminding group leaders how
to effectively lead and mentor disciples. These philosophies help to contribute to a healthy small
group while encouraging leaders.
Guided by a Leader – “In order for a group to be successful, the leader of the group
needs to view their role as drawing out the new creation that God has in mind for every
individual in the group.”12 If there is not a leader often times thing do not get done. Leading is an
art where one individual moves the group in a direction both timely and healthy. “This also tells
10 Arnold, The Big Book on, 22.
11 Dempsey, R.,& Earley, D. (2016). Leading healthy growing multiplying small groups. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty
University Press.
12 Ibid, 31.
us that good leaders usually have a clear vision for the company and therefore can easily identify
the problems and obstacles that currently stand between them and the aims of the organization.”13
Regular Meeting Times – consistency is important for accountability as well as for ever
changing schedules. Having a set meeting time will encourage members to attend as well as
allow empower group members to learn and share effectively. When one knows what to expect,
and when it allows for ease in collaboration and sharing. “Meeting weekly is best because people
need to gather to serve and share God’s love and gifts with one another and with the world.”14
Open God’s Word –The reading of God’s word is the foundation in which small groups
should be built. When a group of people study God’s word together there are foundational truths
that can be discussed, and perspectives can be changed. Reading the Bible with others
encourages collaboration and is often how viewpoints are altered.
United in Service - Spiritual gifts are designed to strengthen the body and to serve the
world. “When we are using His gifts in our small groups or in our community it is just as if
Christ were still present in the world today.”15
Prayer for One Another - one of the best aspects of a small group is the ability to carry
each other’s burdens. Prayer within a small group is often more transparent and authentic. We
will share our deepest fears, desires and aspirations with those with whom we are in community.
“When we feel prayed for, we believe that God is working in and through the prayers of
others.”16
Chapter 1 Questions – The Big Book on Small Groups
13 Hao, M., & Yazdanifard, R. (2015). How Effective Leadership can Facilitate Change in Organizations through
Improvement and Innovation. Global Journal of Management and Business Research: A Administration and
Management, 15(9), 1-7.
14 Dempsey & Earley, Leading Healthy, Growing Multiplying, 32.
15 Ibid, 33.
16 Arnold, The Big Book on, 109.
Are we introducing Christian disciplines into our small groupings?
Yes, we intentionally invite others, both new believers and regular church members.
Are our small groupings building the kingdom or hindering the kingdom?
My specific small group is building the kingdom by deliberately studying the Bible and
encouraging other members to share and form assumptions on the word of God.
Are we training leaders who bring Christian disciplines into small groupings?
We regularly multiply our group. Once we reach an ongoing attendance number set by
our church we break off and create a like group. Thereby having an opportunity to invite
more people to the group.
Is our entire congregation working to develop a disciplined small group mentality?
Yes. Specifically, since CoVid, my church has created home groups with an intentional
purpose to grow bigger by growing within our small groups.
Summary
Having a clear and concise understanding of the vision and mission of a small group will
enable one to create a mindset that is earnestly focused on empowering others to reach their
greatest potential for Christ. Cliques and small groups are polar opposites and those invested in a
clique rather than a small group will suffer relational setbacks rather than spiritual improvement.
Having an awareness that small groups can do substantial damage if they are not healthy,
relational and committed should alter our viewpoint on small group leaders and the impact they
have.
Bibliography
Arnold, J. (2017). The Big Book on Small Groups. Downers Grove, IL, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Dempsey, R., & Earley, D. (2016). Leading healthy growing multiplying small groups.
Lynchburg,, VA: Liberty University Press.
Hao, M., & Yazdanifard, R. (2015). How Effective Leadership can Facilitate Change in
Organizations through Improvement and Innovation. Global Journal of Management and
Business Research: A Administration and Management, 15(9), 1-7.
Pao, D.W. (2011). Waiters or preachers: Acts 6:1-7 and the Lukan table fellowship motif. Journal
of Biblical Literature, 130(1), 127-144.
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