1. Small groups: God’s idea first. Should it surprise us that the God of all the universe, including the earth where we live, likes dealing with His people in small groups? How does the Bible help us conceptualize the godhead as a small group? Is anything small about God? In what way or ways is God a group? Or a group of leaders?
2. Small groups in Scripture. Are you even a little bit surprised by the idea that small groups considered together comprised a huge congregation among the Children of Israel?  What was the typical size of a small group in the days of the Israelites? What were some specific tasks that were tailor-made to be addressed and solved by small groups? Share with the class any experience you may have had as a member of an active, helpful small group working for God.
3. Organized for service. How can our physical bodies demonstrate the effectiveness of a group organized around systems? Have you ever felt that you have been pushed into a system or task and were the only one involved? Did early church leaders such as Ellen White provide leadership without group involvement?
4. New Testament small groups. From dozens to hundreds of thousands, the early Christian church exploded in size. Did a small group structure contribute in any way to this rapid growth? Consider Peter and Paul as soon as they found release from prison. Where did they go? What would be your first goal after finding freedom from capture of any kind?
5. Small group dynamics. In what ways do small groups function differently from larger congregational sized groups? Do some church activities prosper in small groups but not in large ones? What are some advantages of a small group setting in Christian activity? How should small groups be encouraged and supported in your church group?
6.  

Another note: We’ve been going through a lot of stress with the CovidID plague. Can any small group activities take place in such an environment? How can we comfort and lead others to a closer walk with Christ when disease can follow any kind of physical contact with infected persons, even just sharing space in a room? 

Print/PDF/Email