THE POWER OF SMALL GROUPS

The inspired word of God tells us the first-century church in Jerusalem was “continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people” (Acts 2:46-47). In other words, they were meeting together as a whole but also in smaller groups. What was the result of this constant interaction with one another? “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

The apostle Paul gave instructions to Titus in Crete that put the “older men” and “older women” to work in the congregation teaching the “younger men” and “younger women” (see Titus 2). Many of these small groups help us to accomplish this role as we serve as mentors, encouragers, and uplifters of one another in smaller settings.