By T. W. Parker

The relationships formed in small groups help form strong leaders within the Church. The idea is to have three or more people interested in spiritual growth. Small groups are important because (1) small groups foster close relationships and an integral community. (2) small groups provide a comfortable setting for non-believers of the Christian faith. (3) Small groups provide an ideal way to care for the needs of the people within the Church. (4) Small groups also allow Christians to recognize needs quickly and help people meet them. (5) Small groups participate in focused prayer for one another. (6) Further, small groups provide a comfortable atmosphere for openness. (7) Likewise, small groups allow for mutual edification among believers. (8) Small groups also encourage better learning (9). Accordingly, small groups provide a source of encouragement and accountability (10). Consequently, small groups help cultivate leadership within the Church. 

Moreover, the small group structure is a community of believing friends who help one another in their walk with Christ. The author of the book Spiritual Formation penned, “The blessings and challenges of knowing, loving, serving, listening to, eating with, worshipping with, and simply being with others is a primary tool the Holy Spirit uses to shape us into the image of Jesus” (Earley 2018, 158). Also, inviting someone to a small group meeting provides a way to involve a believer directly in a community of other believers. The small group is also biblical; the (NT) talks about believers meeting in their homes or being part of a household (Acts. 2:46 & 47, Rom. 16:5, 1 Cor. 16:19, Phil. 1:2). Indeed, small group ministry is another way to help people connect outside of church and forge new connections. Also, it is a time when men and women can put into practice what they have learned in the church as they deepen their faith and belief.     

For this reason, the growth group model comes to mind: how can we create and nurture a group environment with true intimacy, understanding, empathy, and Christian growth related to developing healthy disciples? According to the growth group guide, we make healthy disciples by focusing on spending time with God and reading Scripture and focusing inward by connecting with other believers and building each other up in the Lord, likewise, looking outward or praying for those opportunities to share the faith with others in the community. Growth groups should be committed to contributing to the whole church as each member is fulfilling the Great Commission. The authors of the book DiscipleShift wrote, “As Christ changes us, we become more mature. This maturity manifests as a growing desire to love and serve God and others, leading us to become spiritual parents who carry on Jesus’ mission” (Putman et al. 2013, 74).

In today’s communication age, digital discipleship is needed more than ever. According to the article’s author, “Christians need to go where there is a need for more of Christ, and the internet is in dire need of Him” (Sagnor 2022). The author talks about how we can reach those we would not be able to through the internet. Also, the author talks about the many digital tools at our disposal, like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. However, some caution must be used. (1) the temptation to let whether something is entertaining determines the endeavor’s worthiness. (2) We see spiritual maturity or discipleship as a product instead of a process. (3) The intimacy we need to sacrifice on the altar of efficiency, and social media is not made to promote intimacy.      

Bibliography

Earley, Dave. “Doing Life Together,” in Spiritual Formation Is…: How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2018.

Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman, DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013.

Sagnor, Holly. Digital Discipleship: Definition, Strategies, & Warnings, A Bethany International Website, 2022.