5 Surprising Ways to Become a Healthy Small Group

“How was small group last night?”

“It was good.”

That’s probably the most common answer you give to someone who asks you about your small group. But have you ever wondered what makes a good small group good? Or better yet, what does a healthy small group look like?

A healthy small group balances the five purposes (worship, fellowship, discipleship, service and evangelism) that God created for the church including small groups. This means that your group practices these purposes in one way shape or form. It may not happen every meeting, but a healthy small group strives to balance these purposes during the life of the small group.

Here are some ideas and thoughts to help your small group become healthy.

Small group grows deeper through DISCIPLESHIP

Discipleship is helping believers mature in their faith especially during tough times. Small groups help you navigate that through that through the Word of God.

Have each person share a lesson that God taught them this week
Talk about Sunday’s message and what you learned about God
Choose a curriculum or a book study (Chrisitanbooks.com, pastors.com)
Memorize some verses and discuss

Small groups grow closer through FELLOWSHIP

Fellowship is about building connections and community. It’s about helping people grow closer together and feel like family through food and fun.

Share a meal together (potluck style) before small group
Split the group and have a guys and girls night out
Schedule a fun activity (baseball game, beach day, picnic day, concert)
Share what you are thankful for and take communion together

Small groups grow outward through SERVICE

We are all designed to serve and give according to our unique gifting and passion. Small groups can help you identify your passion as you serve the church and the community.

Choose a study to help discover your gifting or S.H.A.P.E. by Erik Rees

Pick a way you can serve each member in the group (yard work, wash car)
Encourage each member to volunteer and serve at church
Have your group do a service project together outside of church

Small groups grow stronger through WORSHIP

Worship is more than music. Worship is an attitude of surrender to God. Worship in a small group remind us to focus on God in every part of our life.

Attend a Worship Night at your church
Have a time of worship through music (acoustic guitar or youtube of a song)
Encourage everyone to print out lyrics to a worship song and share how it influenced them
Have everyone share one thing that they need to surrender to God

Small groups grow larger through EVANGELISM

Evangelism is about helping others experience the love of Jesus Christ. Small groups help you share your story locally to your neighbors as well as globally to the world.

Have one person write down a name that is unchurched and pray for that person
Do a walk around your neighborhood and pray for each family
Bake some goodies and pass it around your neighborhood
Go on a local or global mission trip together as a group

When your group balances these purposes, you’ll discover more health and purpose. Your group will grow and mature in ways you may not have imagined.