It doesn’t matter if you call it “small groups,” “life groups,” “home groups,” “community groups,” “Sunday School,” or any other myriad of names.  What matters is that your church has them.  Here are 5 reasons that small groups matter.

1. They provide opportunity for stronger relationships.  Small groups allow for people to get to know each other better than simply sitting next to them in a large sanctuary.  They give a chance for more and better conversations.
2. They provide opportunity for deeper study.  Typically the lessons are heavier on the application but they often allow for more personalized interaction in fuller conversation regarding the topic.
3. They provide opportunity for more in depth prayer requests.  Usually small groups give time for more specific prayer requests that allow someone to not only be prayed for but also to be followed up with.
4. They provide opportunity for more specific service projects.  As a result of deeper relationships and more in depth prayer requests more specific service projects can be developed and carried out.  These points of ministry can be extremely helpful to those within the group.
5. They provide opportunity for initial introductions.  The fear of a large group can often be intimidating for a first time guest to attempt a visit in a sanctuary.  However,  a small group provides a more casual and comfortable atmosphere for a first time guest.

If you aren’t in a small group at your church, find one and give it a try!