You will begin to really feel like you are a part of God’s family.

Most people who have been a part of a small group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop. The small group is not just a weekly meeting. This is a community where you share your struggles, your doubts, your joys and celebrations.

Prayer will become more meaningful to you.

Many people hesitate to pray or to share their prayer needs in front of others, especially in a large church. In a small group of six to twelve people, you will learn to participate in prayer as you build the trust of these people. No one will force you to pray or to share but we have found that over time you will want to participate.

You will experience an environment where you are encouraged to become more like Christ.

God did not call any of us to be lone ranger Christians. It is difficult to mature in Christ-likeness when we do not have accountability, support and encouragement. In a small group, people are real with one another. As the masks come off, the power of sin or temptation is broken. Then, as we are freed from these things we are released to grow in all of the fullness of Christ, displaying the wonderful fruits of the Spirit.

You will have a natural way to share Christ with unbelieving friends.

It may be that some of your friends who do not know the Lord wouldn’t be caught dead in a church. They have a preconceived idea of what church is and they want no part of it. But those same people may be open to an invitation to a casual Bible discussion in a home or to hanging out with some small group members on a camping trip. The love that small group members display to one another is one of the greatest “draws” we have in a seeking person’s life! It is God’s love through us (together) that draws people to Christ.

You will find a place to use your God-given gifts.

Often, Christians have the preconceived idea that the only venue for them to use their spiritual gift is in the church building on Sunday. Nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, many of the gifts that God gives are best used in the context of a small group – encouragement, hospitality, faith, prayers for healing, serving, giving, mercy and leadership.

A small group is the perfect place to grow leaders.

You may be a leader in the making. In a small group, you can gain confidence as you contribute and learn and grow. In may be that one day you will lead your own small group. What could be more fulfilling than to invest your life in the direct building of God’s kingdom and in serving other people?!