Small Groups Page

8 reasons why being a member of a small group is valuable

You may understand the Bible better in a Small Group atmosphere. In a small group setting you can ask questions, participate and hear others share their insights and illustrations of the truth you are trying to grasp.

You will be connected with the church family. Most people who have been a part of a small group say the greatest benefit is the close relationships and friendships that develop. It is an encouragement in this chaotic world to be able to share joys, sorrows and victories together. You will discover that your needs are not unique and that others are facing similar difficulties, have lived through them or have learned spiritual principles in the process

Prayer will become more meaningful to you. Many are hesitant to pray in front of others, especially in a large church. In a small group, you will learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God. No one is pressured to pray, but as you become comfortable, you will begin to appreciate the power of small group prayer. By praying together, relationships are strengthened with God and with one another.

You will handle the stresses and pressures of life better. In our area of Cleveland, the mobile, high-tech, politics, etc world , there is a loss of roots and community. Small groups allow a place to belong and to become more like Christ as we share the joy and struggles of life together. Small groups provide excellent support in times of crisis, change and stress. There is security and stability in finding people who really care and are committed to stand with you.

You will have a natural way for reaching out to those who do not know Christ. It may be that some of your friends who do not know Christ would never enter the church, but might be open to an invitation to a casual night of visiting or a Bible discussion in a home. In a small group, all can feel comfortable asking questions and expressing honest doubts without feeling "put on the spot." Small groups also need to be involved in serving others, providing a time of bonding as a group as well as expressing Christ's love to others. There are many options for outreach through the many ministry opportunities at Broadview Road church of Christ.

You will develop leadership skills. The Bible teaches that every believer is given certain talents or "gifts" to benefit others in the family of God. A small group is a perfect environment for discovering your gifts! Becoming confident in your God-given strengths helps you at work, at church and in every relationship.

Your understanding of worship will deepen. Worship should not happen only at services on Sundays! Worship happens whenever we focus on God and sometimes that happens better in a small group through intimate prayer, praise and singing.

You will be a New Testament Christian. The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends his people to grow and have their needs met in church. We will never be able to hire enough full time ministers to meet all of the individual needs of the church family and God never intended to be that way. Small Groups provide that caring environment.