Why Have Small Groups?

For many years, we've been in the habit of having small group Bible studies in association with a worship service or other church event. We traditionally have assigned people to groups based on their ages because... well... we really don't have a good reason!

Nowhere else in the adult world do we force people into groups based on how old they are. This practice makes it uncomfortable for those who greet guests to assist those guests in locating a class. Should we check for a valid AARP card before letting someone into the "Seasoned Adult" class?

For several years, I have been teaching non-traditional students at a university. The students have ranged in age from mid-twenties to mid-sixties. What I have discovered is that my classes are enriched by the varied experiences of the students. The common thread isn't their ages; it is their educational status. They are in my class because they are new to the adult degree program and my class is required in the first semester.

Should we reconsider how we assign adults to small group studies? I think so! We no longer can assume that every adult who walks into the church has the same biblical background and understanding. Our congregations are more diverse than ever. Therefore, I believe we should provide basic foundational classes for every new member regardless of their past spiritual upbringing.

These foundational classes will teach the church's view of Scripture and will provide an overview of the Old and New Testaments. This is comparable to the survey courses offered in many colleges and universities.

The second level of courses will take people deeper in their understanding of the Bible and how it relates to life. The third level will prepare people to assume leadership roles within the church by teaching them biblical leadership principles.

Far-fetched? Maybe. But our practice of moving people from "young adults" to "not so young adults" to "we wish we were still young adults" to "we're not young but we're acting like young adults" isn't working so well. Maybe it's time to try something different.

A Sunday School/Discipleship hybrid might be the answer to the energy crisis many churches are experiencing.

Think about it!