Small group ministry

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2009 in the subject Theology - Miscellaneous, grade: B, Prairie Bible Institute, course: Church Planting & Development, language: English, abstract: Generally speaking the influence of small groups within churches is increasing significantly. While some congregations do not see a high value in small groups and are consequently very slow to start and engage in small group ministry, others are so convinced of them that they claim that ¿small groups are the pillar of church growth. ¿ Since there are such a variety of opinions about the usefulness and purpose of small groups, one may ask what exactly is a small group? What role does it play in the bigger picture of building the church? What is the biblical foundation for it? Do we need small groups? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a small group? Why do people oppose small groups? This research paper will on one hand answer these and other questions, and on the other hand demonstrate how small groups are an importance place for ministry, community and discipleship.