Here at MRBC we don’t only just meet as a large congregation, but we also have small groups meeting during the week. Two groups meet during the day, whilst the others meet in the evening.  We meet together in homes, at Church or where convenient, as small groups to enjoy fellowship and to earn from God's word together. In the past small groups were called bible study or home groups, but the role of the small group is not limited to the home or simply bible study.

In a move that echos the life in the early church, we aim to grow the small group into the first place in the Church were people get discipled and get pastoral care. Changes in the organisation of the small groups and the training of the leaders is aimed to help this growth take place. However, we recognise the need of those who do not want or can't be a small group member. If you are not already part of a small group we would encourage you to join a group and would love to hear from you.

Most groups have about 8-10 members and meet most weeks for about 2 hours.   An important part of the small group is refreshments, catching up on the weeks news and the art of good fellowship. Some evenings or on a special occasion it may simply be a meal in someone's house, a barbecue in the garden or meal at the local pub.

What is a small group and why are they so important?

Jesus had his own small group - the 12 disciples. He cared for them and treated them as family. In a society where there are so many broken homes and where people do not feel a sense of community - small groups offer an excellent place for people to get together to eat, drink, share, encourage, learn, and have fun.

A small group, cell group or home group, it doesn't matter what you call it, is the most fundamental unit within the church community. It provides a secure, intimate place where you can explore your gifts and walk of faith.  In these small groups people are free to voice their personal needs and find the help and support that they need.  Another key element of belonging to a group is to simply spend time with each other, having fun and especially eating together - this all builds relationships and a sense of belonging.

Who: Everyone

When: Evening & Daytime

Contact: Mark Reid
Phone: 01394 27272435 or smallgroups@mrbcfelixstowe.org.uk

If you're in a group or a group leader - read on

This article hopefully will give you some ideas to extend the scope of your group. If you’re not already part of a group, why not give it a try? It’s an opportunity for fellowship, study and prayer during the week and an opportunity to get to know others in a friendly setting. Most people find it a blessing to share God’s word and their Christian experiences together. We grow most as believers when we grow together with others and a smaller group is one way of doing that . We read in Acts 2 how people met in each other’s homes and broke bread together. Their shared lives were all part of their spiritual growth.

Some of you in our small groups have seen the table which is based on Acts 2:44-47 which I just referred to. The early church is a model of the characteristics of what being church is about and is worth looking at as it was at a time of rapid growth. These characteristics can be summed up under four “W” headings – Welcome, Worship, Word and Witness. As a church congregation we do all these things as part of our ministry.

However, there is of necessity of there being a certain level of formality in our main church activities. This serves us well, but most people also benefit from a much more informal and smaller version of church and we have for some years promoted our small groups because they can “reach the parts” that other church meetings and activities can’t. The table gives us some contrasts between being church in a larger congregation to a smaller group.

Adapted from Steven Croft, Transforming Communities, DLT, 2002

The small group then doesn’t replace church but helps us to enrich our experience of God and of fellowship with one another in ways that may otherwise not happen. If you are in a small group, you may want to reflect on what your group adds to your experience of church and your Christian walk – the table is there to help you do this. Perhaps you can study and discuss this in your small groups to see how you can enrich your times together as a small group.

One unusual entry is Witness. Most Christians don’t associate witness with small groups – we see it as something the church does and see small groups as just fellowship outlets. However, studies show that people who are searching for their faith often find small groups a much more welcoming introduction to the faith and even church. Some of the fastest growing churches in Britain are cell churches where the main activity of the church is as small groups.

How can small groups be evangelistic? I know some of you have tried one or two of these before with varying levels of success,but you may find that your small group will open a door to encouraging your friends, neighbours and the family to follow Jesus.

Ideas for witnessing as a small group

Open sessions which may be social – parties, BBQs, teas, meals, outings

Seeker friendly Bible studies – there are quite a variety of materials around – see me for details

Inviting people who are searching to come along. It isn’t “forbidden” - it's encouraged and you may find yourselves learning new things as the “not yet” Christians ask you things you need to find the answer to! Go on, have a go. Pray about possibilities and seize the opportunities God gives you.

Mark Reid

 (c) Maidstone Road Baptist Church 2010