There are four components of a small group: Know, Grow, Care, and Share. The type of small group is identified by the focus and the amount of time a small group spends in each of these areas.
1. Know (fellowship and support) – This is the time spent learning about your small group members. Some groups have a social time after their Bible study and include snacks. Other groups have planned social events at different times throughout the year, for example, a Christmas party or a movie night. Groups also have a time of “Highs and Lows” where they share how their week went. Some groups get to know one another at a deeper level and work toward a support format. Groups that are primary “Know” groups are:· Fellowship Group: This group gathers primarily for social reasons.· Support Group: This group has a high emphasis on individual support, prayer, encouragement, and accountability.
2. Grow (Bible study, worship, and prayer) – Through reading the Bible and prayer we learn more about each other, God’s will for ourselves and for our life. This is an important aspect of a group. How will your group grow? Study Group: This group involves a variety of ingredients, · but emphasizes Bible Study. It is good for those with a deeper desire to study God’s Word.· Discipleship Group: This group is generally more structured with more specific accountability and spiritually grown goals. It can be designed to meet the specific needs of new Christians or emerging leaders.· Topical Group: This group meets for a specific period of time to meet a specific need or interest such as marriage, family or career.
3. Care (ministry, spiritual gifts) – How will your group members reach group members and others for Jesus Christ by using their spiritual gifts? For example, someone with the gift of hospitality might make a meal for someone who is ill. · Ministry or Task Group: The focus of this group is ministry, but members continue to support and encourage one another.
4. Share (mission and evangelism) – A natural outcome of faith in Jesus Christ is to serve others. How will your group share the love of Christ with the community or others in the body? · Recovery Group: The 12-step groups are meeting a variety of substance abuse and emotional recovery needs. They are effective for community outreach.· Mission Group: Group’s primary purpose is outreach and to make visible the love of Jesus Christ through tangible deeds.
