The world is growing increasingly more disconnected. People are craving deeper relationships, meaningful community, and a place where they are needed and known. Small groups provide an answer to this longing, and they are essential for building authentic Christian communities.
But small groups are more than just gatherings—they are where life happens, faith grows, and disciples are made. Here’s why everyone in your ministry should be in a small group—and why they matter now more than ever.
People long to belong to something, and in a small group, everyone has a role. Whether it’s leading, serving, listening, or praying, each person contributes to the life of the group.
When people are needed and known, trust grows, and community flourishes.
In a world of surface-level relationships, small groups create space for more immediate and direct connections. They allow people to go beyond “How are you?” and dive into the deeper questions of life and faith.
In a small group, you find:
Jesus didn’t build His ministry through crowds alone—He built it primarily through relationships. His disciples were His closest community. This is where He taught, mentored, and modeled the life of the Church that He came to institute and pass on.
Small groups reflect this model in many ways. Specifically, small groups offer a space where faith is not just learned but lived. They provide a practical way to fulfill the Church’s mission of making disciples, one relationship at a time.
Discipleship happens best in the context of relationships. In small groups, people can:
Small groups are where people grow in their understanding of God and deepen their relationship with Christ.
Small groups are not one-size-fits-all—they can be tailored to meet the unique needs of any community.
This flexibility ensures that everyone, no matter their background or circumstances, has a place to belong.
The relationships built in small groups often go beyond weekly meetings. These are the people who will:
Over time, these relationships can become a second family—a community of faith that supports you no matter what.
In a small group, leadership isn’t confined to one person. Members have opportunities to step into leadership roles, whether it’s facilitating a discussion, organizing an event, or mentoring others.
This shared leadership not only strengthens the group but also equips individuals to lead in other areas of their lives and faith.
The Church is not only a building or an institution—it’s the Body of Christ (i.e. people). And small groups are a perfect place for Her members to come together to grow, serve, and live out their faith.
When you join a small group, you’re not just signing up for another activity—you’re stepping into a community where you’ll be needed, known, and loved. You’ll find a place to belong, a purpose to pursue, and a group of people who will walk with you every step of the way.
If you’ve ever felt like something is missing in your faith journey, maybe it’s time to take the next step. A small group could be exactly what you need—a space where your faith becomes real, your relationships grow deeper, and your life finds greater purpose.
Because everyone belongs in a small group—including you.
Called is the all-in-one community engagement platform for churches and ministries. Called offers everything you need to effectively create, manage, and grow a single small group or an entire small group program for your ministry.
Ready to kickstart your small group journey? You can create a community (completely free) here today. If you're looking for more tools to manage and grow your small groups, you can start your 14-day free trial of Called+ today, and experience the difference for yourself.
Together, let's build communities built on small group programs that lead people to Christ and make disciples in the modern world.