In North American culture we have long tried to take people who gather for worship and then divide them up into small groups. With some notable exceptions in a few churches, this has not worked all that well. In most churches, there are many more involved in worship than in small groups.
Why is this a problem? Because it is usually only in smaller communities that true, lasting transformation takes place. I am not denying the power of worship and a biblical message from God. I love preaching and worshiping together with the full assembly. But most people say, that was a fine message--and then do not change their lives.
In smaller communities, however, people have a much greater chance of being real with one another, breaking down barriers, and holding one another accountable. This is why AA does not have a 3000 person assembly. If they did, the power would still be in the small AA groups.
Church planters have discovered this. They are forced to start with small groups because there is no large group to assemble. And they often have more in their small groups than they do in the assembly when they begin to worship. Obviously, both are good and should be encouraged. (It should also be noted that some people due to their personality or background will never make a small group their entry point, but will consider a public, more anonymous assembly as a point of entry.)
But these small groups should not be closed groups for Christians to get together and fellowship and study the Bible. They should be open groups, which they invite others into, that serve together, do mission together, and study along the way. Then, when all of the groups assemble, they celebrate what God has been doing amongst them.
What do you think should be the place and role of small groups in a missional church?
Comment by James Nored on November 10, 2010 at 10:23pm
Jayaraj, much of what I write applies to American culture. In American culture, most people do not have close relationships. People live in one place, work in another place, shop in still another place , go to worship someplace else. In many less industrialized societies, however, people live and work in a village or smaller community. So there, the need for "small groups" may be less pressing than in the US, because people already have close relationships.
What is the situation in India? Do most people know their "neighbors" well? Do most people have many friends? Do most people live, work, worship in the same community?
Comment by Jayaraj.E on November 10, 2010 at 9:14am
yes small groups are better to reach many people .
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