People are far more likely to remember people than presentations. If you asked me what I remember most, it would be those who have loved, cared for, and taught me life lessons. This is the very reason biblical, healthy, small groups are so important in the life of a local church. Simply put, the win is in building healthy small groups that will reproduce. Why? Most of the time, this is where people are known, come to Jesus, and are discipled in their faith journey. Can you experience life change in pews? Sure, you can. Are you more likely to experience life change in a community of people loving and praying for you? Absolutely.

Regardless of the size of the church, people yearn for a sense of belonging. Even those who are uncertain about their relationship with God and have no interest in joining a local church still seek community in their lives. This often revolves around shared interests, beliefs, or hobbies, which small groups can provide.

Let me share three reasons why I believe small groups are the key to spiritual growth within the local church context. First and foremost, we must remember that small groups are an integral part of the local church. Why is this so crucial? Because it was Jesus who established the local church, and small groups are a direct reflection of His design.

Biblical small groups are built on relationships; you are known, loved, and ministered to. The key here is community. Living in the digital age, it “seems” as if everyone is “connected” in some shape or form. Yet, many people say they are lonely. Just because people seem as if they are really busy texting or updating a social media status does not mean they have a group of people they are doing life with. God created us to be relational beings that interact and live in community. It is the very reason God says in the second chapter of the Bible, “It is not good for the man to be alone…” (Genesis 2:18 CSB). Think about it this way… when life throws you an excellent surprise (job promotion, your child excels in an area and is recognized, etc.), who will you tell first? The people you do life with…your family and closest friends. When life throws you a curve ball and an unexpected hurt comes along, who will you pick up the phone and call? Your closest friends and family. We can resist it and put it under the label of “I’m an introvert,” but ultimately, we thrive on relationships. In small groups, we are ministered to, but we have the blessing of ministering to others.

Biblical small groups are centered on reading, studying, and applying God’s Word. If the Word of God is not the centerpiece of the small group, then it is not a biblical small group. It is a social club. While it is very appropriate for small groups to fellowship with one another, we must place the foundation on God’s Word. The key is not simply head knowledge but applying the text and looking more like Jesus.

Furthermore, knowing Jesus, His mission, and His purpose apart from the Word of God is impossible. A small group is vital in this process—people doing life together and growing in their faith together.

Biblical small groups create an atmosphere of accountability. Accountability is scary for most because we must do three challenging things: ask hard questions, be truthful, and practice humility. However, accountability is essential for growth to take place. If we are dishonest with the people we are doing life with, we are cheating ourselves and missing the point. The book of Proverbs speaks to this when it says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 CSB) Remember, the people who keep you accountable care for you, or they would not be asking you hard questions. You may be the one asking the hard questions, but you must also be sure you are the one answering questions as well.

Hopefully, this blog post will give you a deeper understanding of the importance of being in a small group. Recently, someone asked me if I knew of a solid church in a particular city. Why were they asking? They knew a person having a hard time and needed a small group of people to be the Church to them.

May we live in community together and on mission together for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.