1. The Bible becomes more meaningful to you in a small group.
Preaching and teaching is one way communication, you listen while the speaker speaks at you. A small group is two way communication. You get to ask questions, participate in discussion questions, get other’s insight on God’s word, and see how God’s word is transforming other lives.
2. You feel more connected to God’s family when you join a small group.
This is probably one of the biggest benefits of a small group. You begin to discover that you are not alone in your struggles. There is nothing worse than feeling alone. In a small group you share prayer requests, you share resources, you share your life with others; WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER. Not only do you help each other through difficult times but you also get to share answered prayers, exciting news, and celebrate those together.
Over fifty times in the New Testament the phrase “one another” is used to describe our relationship to other believers. We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another´s burdens, and build up one another. The only way you can obey these commands is in a small group! We really do need each other. God never meant for you to go it alone in the Christian life.
3. Prayer becomes more meaningful to you.
Most people are afraid to pray in a large group setting. In a small group you get to pray with 8 – 12 people that you know on a personal level. In a small group you begin to learn that when you pray you are connecting with God on behalf of those in your small group.
4. You are more equipped to handle the pressures of life.
Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change, and stress. You´ll have a sense of stability and security knowing there are people who really care for you and are committed to standing with you.
When someone loses a job, or a family member has an extended illness, or a mother needs a babysitter – these are practical needs that will be naturally taken care of through your small group. Your group will coordinate the sharing of hot meals to be brought in when your family is in need. Many people in our church could testify that they would not have made it through a difficult time if it hadn´t been for the support of their group. In addition, we have a number of special support groups that deal with problems like alcoholism, financial difficulty, abuse, and other needs.
5. You have a safe place to bring those that you hang out with.
You may not be able to get your friends to come to church but they would come to someone’s house. Small groups are a place for unbelievers to ask questions and express doubts without feeling awkward.
6. You will become a better leader.
Weekend services are full of spectators, in a small group you become a participator. God has given all of us gifts and talents. These gifts and talents are to be used to build others up. God will use your gifts and talents in your small group so that your small group can accomplish great things in your personal life, community, and world.
7. Worship becomes more than music.
In a small group you will pray together, praise GOD together, and live out the five purpose in your group life. Worship is doing everything to the glory of GOD. One of the most powerful ways we worship together in a small group is through communion. You have not experienced real communion until you have done it with a small group of people that you are connected to.
8. You will be a New Testament Christian!
The truth is Pastors are not to do all the work of the church. Pastors are overseers of the church. The church is the believers. The believers are the mouth, hands, and feet of God. A small group is a place to be a doer of the word not just a hearer of the word. One person by themselves has little impact, but put several of them together in the name of Christ and they can change lives, communities and the world.
Look at these verses:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together… they broke bread in their homes and ate together… and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47
“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Christ.” Acts 5:42
“Greet also the church that meets at their house.” Rom. 16:5
“Aquilla and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord and so does the church that meets at their house.”
I Cor. 16: 19
“Give my greetings…to Nympha and the church in her house.” Col. 4: 15