Small group ministry is the intentional formation of 6–12
people, who come together with the common purpose of developing in
Christ. The ministry is "small" because the trust,
participation and openness essential to the effectiveness of an
individual’s development in Christ are difficult to obtain in larger
settings.
In the Early Church, small groups would gather
together in each other’s homes. During these gatherings, people
were encouraged to be themselves, to express their difficulties and
their joys. In their imperfectness, they encouraged each other to
continue being disciples of Jesus; to develop in Christ. These groups
formed a support structure to help one another live the example Jesus
gave them in the midst of extreme persecution. The most important
"work" toward being a disciple went on in these homes.
Although times have changed and Christians are no
longer persecuted as they once were, it is still extremely difficult to
be authentically Christian in today’s society. And because Jesus’
mission was based upon the relational ministry of discipleship, the
small group setting remains an essential component of Jesus’ mission
for the church: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations"
(Matthew 19:28). By
definition, without personal relationship, there is no
discipleship. Small groups provide the participation, trust and
openness required for true discipleship and growth in Christ.
Small Groups draw us nearer to God because
they …..
