Small Groups

SMALL GROUPS

Introduction

It is time for Jesus to come and yet there is a great work to be accomplished. Big plans need to be set in operation. One method by which those big plans and that great work can be accomplished is through small groups. The potential for church growth in Christ centered, Spirit-led, and well organized small groups with proper goals is unlimited. To think big and set into action big plans, the church needs to think small groups.

We will begin by reviewing briefly the Biblical, Adventist, and recent history of small groups, and then discuss how to organize and operate them for the greatest results.

 

 

Biblical, Adventist, and Recent History of Small Groups

 

The Bible story and the experience of the church both confirm that from the very beginning of human history to the present, small groups of one kind or another have been part of the divine plan for the human family.

  • The family unit was the first and most important small group ordained by God. As far away as many individual families might be today from His ideal because of sin, the family is still the backbone of society worldwide.

  • After the Exodus, God gave His approval to the suggestion of Jethro that Moses should divide the entire new nation of Israel (perhaps as many as two million men and women or more) into groups of ten, not just to make Moses’ work easier, but to make God more accessible to the people (Exodus 18, note especially verse 23).

  • Although Jesus had many disciples, He invested much of His time and energy in developing His own small group of twelve. (Mark 3:13-15; Luke 6:12,13). He taught them to be completely dependent on Him and on each another. continue reading