Small group bible study:

Small group bible study is an essential part of Christian Church. It is extremely important to be part of a small group with which you can relate to. Today, many churches offer a variety of small groups, depending upon the demographics of the church. These small groups can be singles group, Couples group, Seniors group, Family groups, Youth group, Men's or Women's bible group.

What is Small Group?

Just as the name implies, Small group is a group of 7-10 people getting together on weekly basis for the time of fellowship, sharing and bible study. It is not a church,or a church event which happens every once in a while. It is a group of like minded people, meeting weekly with a goal of personal and corporate growth in their christian walk. It provides personal, safe, open and intimate environment for group members to share their life with others. While Church on Sundays is a great time of corporate worship, it often cannot provide the similar venue for such fellowship. Small group is not a newly found concept. Jesus himself had a 'small group' of twelve disciples.

However, Small group is not just a friendly gathering. The purpose of it is to spend time in Bible and Prayer, with time of fellowship. Small group should remain 'small enough'. It is good to separate group into two, if it continues to grow. It might be hard at first, but can yield great results, later on.

Why to join Small Group:

Someone has said,"Christian life is never meant to live alone." Christian Fellowship is essential to anyone sincerely seeking God. While our culture promotes the individuality, Our walk with God cannot be perfected without fellowship with other believers.

There are times in our Christian walk, when we feel discouraged, depressed or simply feel like not pursuing God. In these times, the Christian fellowship keeps up motivated, encouraged and rejuvenated. It is like a Coal in the fire, if you take a coal from fire and put it in cold, it will soon be extinguished. But, in fire, it will continue to be burning!

Which Small Group to Join:

While Churches may offer variety of small groups to participate. It is upon your own phase/stage of life. People feel more connected, comfortable and at home, with those who have similar interests or life experiences. Couples can relate to couples, families can relate to families, since they all share similar experiences.

So, select a group, with which you can relate. If your church do not provide such group, you can request your pastor, or you can start one. (If there is enough interest and scope in the congregation.)

What to do in Small Group:

It is almost up to the Group to decide their activities. One of the goal must be some form of Inductive bible study. Bible studies can be of various types. It can be according to the demographics of the group, such as

• Men of Bible
• Women of Bible
• Youth of the Bible

Or it can be topical, such as

• Doctrinal Study
• Bible Character Study
• Missions Study
• Gospel bible study

The opportunities are endless. The key however, is to make sure that it is a time of discussion and sharing, rather than preaching. The group leader needs to know that he is more of a facilitator and not a preacher. It should allow an open environment for questions, answers, comments, and personal sharing.

There should also be time of Prayer. It allows time for

• Personal prayer requests
• Praise Reports
• Prayer of Healing
• Church Events etc

Other group activities can include sharing meals, fellowship time, group games, visitations etc.

So, these are some of the basic principles of Small Group. If you are not part of any small group bible study yet, Join today. You will be amazed at the wonderful and lasting friendship and fellowship, you will build through it.