Would you lead a small group?

How you measure or define its success? How will you establish what small group growth should look like or feel like? How will you keep your small group moving forward within the overall mission of the Gospel?

In my experience, success, growth and forward motion comes down to 4 key components. These components should be intentionally introduced into the group, but organically fostered within the group.

In the next 4 blog posts, I’ll be highlighting 4 Keys for Small Group Growth.

Key #1: God’s Word

The Bible can and should be easily taught, explored and applied within the small group context. This component is the most important to your small group ministry, but it can also be the most abused or neglected.

On one end of the spectrum, a leader can legalistically treat the group like a seminary class, which could seriously hinder the relational component.

On the other end, a leader who turns a small group into a church-based social club could seriously hinder the group’s overall and individual spiritual growth.

The pendulum must remain central.

It’s always good to have a base text and a few questions to move the conversation forward. Each person should be given an opportunity to share their thoughts on what God is showing them.

Remember, we’re ministering to real people who have real struggles. Interpretation and opinions can very from person to person.

Navigate these discussions very carefully.

In the end, application is a vital conclusion to any Scriptural study.

Therefore, don’t be regimented with study questions. Instead, be flexible with where the discussion leads. Follow the conversational bunny trails to discover how the passage is relating to each individual’s needs and concerns.

Each perspective will open an opportunity for application.

Once the nugget of truth is being revealed, bring it to the forefront of the discussion and connect it to an area of life application. This will help each individual walk out of the study with something tangible to take with them.

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

How has God’s Word impacted the individual and/or overall growth of your small group?