I think small group ministry is vital to the health of a church.

My congregation does not have a small group ministry, which I consider a large reason why it is dying (or on a long-time downward trend). We have tried to develop small groups several times in the past, but for whatever reason they never took hold and firmed up. I really think it's one of the few things that would have a large positive effect on our congregation.

Small groups (or L.I.F.E. groups as we call them) are an integral part of our congregation. We have an average Sunday morning attendance of 125 and growing. We have 13 L.I.F.E. groups currently to take the place of the traditional Wednesday night meeting. There are groups of mixed ages ages and experiences, groups especially for women, and a teen ministry. They meet at various times on various days. Each is led by a person who has gone through small group leadership training.

For us, the small groups and one-on-one studies are the methods that lead to indidual and congregational growth.

We do have small groups. I am afraid they don't work as well as they should. I think we could benefit from a retreat without the kids. That would really allow us to better get to know eachother.

Denny, I like the name L.I.F.E. group (Love, Involvement, Fellowship and Evangelism.) Most small groups serve one of two purposes - they are evangelistic or they are nurturing. It's been my experience that most of the small groups are very nurturing (not evangelistic,) and that is very vital. There is a certain level of deeper fellowship that you cannot reach with a large assembly, that can be attained in a smaller setting. I wish more churches knew how to use them effectively to build up the body. The concept is very Biblical.

Our church has small groups. For us, it has been a wonderful experience. We live about 30 mins away from our church and our group has chosen to meet after church on Sunday morning. Many people go out to eat nowadays, and all of us take turns making the main dish, while everyone else brings sides, dessets, etc. After eating we have bible study, some singing and always prayer requests. At the moment, we only have 5 couples (plus kids) in our small group. It is probably the smallest in our church, but we have tried. I am becoming convinced, however, that we are small for a reason.

We are a very close group that have gotten honest and open. We have gone thru work issues, job losses, job gains, moves, infertility, older kids that have fallen away, past secrets that have haunted us, current sin that has entangled us, parenting issues and the list goes on. I think the bigger the group, the less chance for complete honesty. I know that for some, if it weren't for the small group, situations might not have turned out like they have. Their kids are our kids, ours are theirs, we cry with them, rejoice with them and certainly laugh with them.

Just about a month ago, two of my kids were baptized on the same day. We knew a few days ahead and made sure that the small group was going to be there. We had one guy say the prayer, one lead the singing while we were waiting, and one read a scripture. It was important for me to have them involved.

I just can't say enough about the small group we are in. It has been such a blessing.

Karise

I believe small groups are great tools for the church to encourage fellowship, accountability, evangelism, encouragment, and edification.

small groups are active at our church, but they only meet ince a month. Our preacher is putting a presentation for the elders about meeting in small groups on Sunday evenings due to our attendance dropping at that time. We have about 200 on Sunday mornings but less that half on sunday nights