Paul Stewart: Small Groups are Passe. Why We're Doing Them Anyway.

On Sunday night we had our first-ever small group leaders meeting in our new office space downtown Des Moines. The room was packed with over twenty incredible leaders! Honestly, I have never had such an enthusiastic response in leadership recruiting. Ever.

In February it looks like we’ll be able to launch 10 - 12 brand new small groups, which is absolutely incredible.

What is interesting is that I’ve actually received quite a bit of push back on starting small groups (at least this early on) from some church planters and leaders I respect around the country. It seems that small groups might be becoming a bit passé.

Here is why we’re doing them anyway.

Theological - Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see God calling people together in groups to advance His purposes. Even Jesus placed himself in a community of twelve men. Jesus’ strategy for reaching the world was simple: He invested Himself in twelve men and then charged them to go out and do the things that He did. Discipleship can be stated that simply: teach others what you know and equip them to go out and teach the same to others. I can’t think of a better way to reproduce leaders within the church than in the context of small groups.

Philosophical - We want to create a new community with the gospel. This will happen as people live out their faith in community: growing in truth, sharing their lives, and living out the values of the New Testament church. We believe that small groups are the best environment for that to occur. Our vision has always been to build The Gateway upon a network of small groups that meet throughout each neighborhood, then gather weekly to share how the kingdom of God has become a reality in their lives.

Organizational - “Find some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as judges over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten" (Exodus 18:21-26). As The Gateway grows, we need leaders in place to help pastor the people.

Relational - "They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity" (Acts 2:43-47). True community cannot occur unless we are intentionally sharing our lives.

Missional - "You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them along to others" (2 Timothy 2:2). Discipleship and ministry are communal activities. We believe small groups provide the optimal environment for sustained life change.

Practical - Gateway groups will meet on a semester system to allow specific entry and exit points. Groups will meet at least 2x month to discuss the sermon from the previous Sunday with a focus on applying God’s word to our lives. Groups will be geographically based with everyone encouraged to join a group in their neighborhood and will be expected to serve their community together at least 1x month. We’ll also work hard to creatively incorporate children into the life of the groups.

What do you think? Are small groups passe?