What has been the result of such effort and energy?  On the positive side, most congregations in the Western world have identifiable groups.  Within the broad context of group life, small groups assume a variety of formats, focuses and names.  Churches and fellowships offer prayer circles, Bible studies, mission fellowships, sharing and caring groups, evangelistic teams, new member classes, house churches, cell groups, and more.

Even though the groups differ in size and focus, the vast majority possess several common elements.  They are small and Christian in orientation, some study occurs, and people feel loved and cared for.

On the other hand, much work remains if this movement is to continue to be vital.  Research conducted by academicians, polling firms, publishers, and even secular businesses and institutions has uncovered issues that need to be addressed.  Information gained about group dynamics, training and structure issues, and multiplication methods needs to be intentionally taught and modeled if groups are to remain viable and transformative.

For example, although the movement has grown rapidly, many (if not most) groups have become ingrown or focused inward.  Why does this matter?  First, if churches and ministries are unable to find ways to multiply or create new group opportunities, the vast untouched public will not participate in groups.  The movement could die within a matter of generations.

Second, inward-focused groups die.  At one time in the small group movement, “family style” life commitments were in vogue in some circles.  The idea was that you would make a lifelong commitment to your group, so that the bonds could imitate those of a family.  Unfortunately, these long-term groups were nothing like families, because even (especially?) families have an “outward focus.”  That is, from generation to generation, children are born, move out, find partners, form new families, and so on.  A family tree is not a straight line.  If it were so, families would die.  Inward-focused groups face the same problem.

Another significant concern related to the small group movement is how to touch congregations that have not yet invested in significant group life.  Entire books have addressed the subject of bringing renewal to dying Western churches.  Yet the inertia, the force that keeps many congregations moving in a slow death pattern, is difficult to overcome.

The current deficits and problems, including the vast number of nonparticipants in life-giving groups, provide a setting for a new generation of leaders to step forward and create new opportunities for group life.

Small groups were an integral part of the early church structure.  They were small enough to allow individual members to minister to one another, use their spiritual gifts, and be discipled in the teachings of Christ.  In addition, they were vibrant and life-giving communities where evangelism could take place as unchurched people watched a loving and compassionate community in action.  Small groups not only built up the church as the first living examples of biblical community but were vehicles for reaching a lost world for Christ.

–Bill Donahue

A pastor went to see a man who didn’t attend church very faithfully. The man was sitting before a fire, watching the warm glow of the coals. It was a cold winter day, but the coals were red hot, and the fire was warm. The pastor pleaded with the man to be more faithful in meeting with the people of God, but the man didn’t seem to be getting the message.

So the pastor took the tongs beside the fireplace, pulled open the screen, and reached in and began to separate all the coals. When none of the coals was touching the others, he stood and watched in silence. In a matter of moments, they were all cold… The man got the message.

Do you feel like a solitary piece of coal? Maybe it is time that you sought out a community where you can enjoy life together. We can help.

“Jesus did not entrust his ministry to independent believers–he established a spiritual family.  He used words like “brother” and “sister” to convey the idea that he did not expect his disciples to be in this alone.  Paul continued Christ’s mission by instructing new believers to gather together in churches for fellowship and corporate worship.  Christians need each other–especially in times of trial.  When one believer falters, fellow believers rally in support and encouragement.  This is why the New Testament regards the duty of living by example as a necessity in the Christian faith.  One person’s example of faith and courage can inspire and unite others to follow suit.  Conversely, when one believer cracks under the pressure of persecution, it is easier for others to give in as well.  History holds high the camaraderie of Christian community–especially during persecution”.