Philosophy of Small Groups

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

The Philosophy of Small Groups

DSMN 500

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Introduction

A leader of disciples must have the basic idea of how much impact small groups have in the success of the church and in the teachings of Christ. Small groups are effective tool in building up people in church, as well as spreading the gospel to the community. Successful small groups don’t make themselves, it takes an understanding of how they are implemented, and what purpose to serve in Christ. To reach this understanding, we must look at the role and fit of the small group in the church and what is needed to make it work. The purpose is to show how a small group can be used to spread Christ word and teachings, and how I have seen in relation to my church’s use of small groups.

Philosophy of Small Groups

The ideal philosophy of small groups, is a group of believers that learn about Christ together, while ministering to each other and the community. This type of group fits in best with the concept of an “is” church. Am “is” church is an organic church model with a simple leadership structure that is composed of small groups that equip and empower everyone in the body of Christ to be able to perform the Great Commission. This is a central body of church composed of these small groups. In order for groups to be most, effective they must be healthy and thriving gatherings of disciples. An “is” church has the greatest potential for effective disciple making. Putman and Harrington write that “the relational small group forms the backbone for discipleship.” Without having a relational small group, it can’t make authentic disciples of Christ. These groups should love each other and have a bond with each other in Christ before they can reach others for Christ. Putman and Herrington tell us “the key is that the small group’s purpose is defined as encouraging...