Most of us are aware of an increased in­terest in small home groups in the Chris­tian world. And most of us have heard some reports about their impact — both good and bad. Usually the reports state the extremes: "Small groups are the answer to the health and welfare of our churches;" or, "Small groups are divisive, destructive and dangerous to the body of Christ."

As you might expect, the truth lies at neither extreme. Small groups are not the panacea to cure all of the church's ills. But neither are they inherently destructive. Given the right context and the right oversight, small groups can be a wonderful blessing to the people of God. Potential dangers will always require the church's watchful care, but small groups can be used of God to bring amazing blessing to the church.

I would like to share seven benefits small home groups can bring to our church structures. These are based on our experiences at New Life Presbyterian Church where small groups have become an increasingly important part of our basic church structure. Vital centers of meaningful prayer for one another.

1. Application of the Word of God to In­dividual Lives⤒🔗

A small group where the Bible is studied and discussed provides an ex­cellent context for the application of the Word to our lives. Discussing the im­plications of a passage with other believers can open up new insights as we seek to be doers and not just hearers of the Word.

2. Personal Fellowship←⤒🔗

Small groups have the potential of be­ing intimate and personal. How often do members of our churches get lost in the crowd? How often are they struggling with burdens alone, because no one else is close enough to know? Small groups give us the potential to know each other well enough to provide support and help when it is needed. They can function as vital centers of meaningful prayer for one another.

3. Effective Discipleship←⤒🔗

Scripture exhorts us to minister to one another as fellow disciples of the Lord Jesus. In the context of mutual commit­ment and support, group members can learn what it means to "love one another" (John 13:34, 35), "be devoted to one another" (Romans 12:10), "serve one another" (Galatians 5:13), "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2), and "encourage and build one another up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Do we know each other well enough to obey these one another commands? Small groups can be a great help.

4. Effective Pastoring←⤒🔗

As pastors and elders seek to provide meaningful shepherding to the church, small groups can be a lifesaver. Normal­ly, a good deal of preventive pastoring and counseling will take place as people minister to one another. As more serious problems develop, leaders of the church will become aware earlier, if the proper oversight channels are set up.

5. Discovery and Development of Gifts←⤒🔗

Gifts and abilities frequently lie dor­mant in our churches because they are never discovered or developed. Church members may have a hard time finding where they fit in, and how they can con­tribute to the church. In small groups, gifts often emerge that surprise everyone involved. For instance, gifts of music, hospitality and art may blossom and grow bringing blessing to all around.

6. Leadership Training←⤒🔗

Whether small groups are led by elders or "reliable men" (men who may function as elders-in-training 2 Tim­othy 2:2), they provide an excellent con­text for the testing and training of leadership gifts. Men gifted for the offices of deacon and elder will often demonstrate their qualifications in the groups. Under the supervision of other leaders they can be given responsibility, encouraged in their development and trained on-the-job.

7. Evangelistic Impact←⤒🔗

Neighborhood Bible studies have been used by the Lord in introducing many to Christ in recent years. A small group committed primarily to edification will always face the danger of becoming ingrown, but a conscious commitment to outreach can be blessed in effective evangelism to non-Christian friends and neighbors. In our own congregation, many people have been introduced to the gospel through the ministry of our small groups.

Any structure used in the church of Christ is wholly dependent on the work of the Holy Spirit for blessing. Small groups will not automatically lead to blessing in the above seven areas. But in home situations they can be used by God to bring fresh life and vitality to the body of Christ. Praise God for the work of his Spirit in our midst.