Are Small Groups Necessary For Spiritual Formation?

I would “argue” that being involved in a Connection Group (that's what we call our small groups at SCBC) is important because of its impact on your spiritual growth.

In the book, When the Church Was A Family, the author states:

Spiritual formation occurs primarily in the context of community. People who remain connected with their brothers and sisters in the local church almost invariably grow in self-understanding, and they mature in their ability to relate in healthy ways to God and to their fellow human beings. This is especially the case for those courageous Christians who stick it out through the often messy process of interpersonal discord and conflict resolution. Long-term interpersonal relationships are the crucible of genuine progress in the Christian life. People who stay also grow.

Hellerman, Joseph H.. When the Church Was a Family: Recapturing Jesus' Vision for Authentic Christian Community (p. 1). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Spiritual Formation. As I have stated previously, I believe that we can all agree on the fact that God’s plan for our lives is that we grow; that we experience spiritual formation. So, I’m not going to go back over that.

Spiritual formation occurs primarily in the context of community. “But I can experience spiritual formation/growth by myself!” That might be the mindset of some. And I’m not going to argue with you. However, I didn’t state that spiritual formation only occurs in the context of community.

Is community – a group; a Connection Group; a small group; etc. – necessary for spiritual formation to take place in a person’s life? I would say, “Yes.” Consider these verses:

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

Allow me to give you a practical example…

My wife and I have a wood burning fireplace in our living room. We love to have a fire going on cold nights and 99% of the time it is my responsibility to keep the fire burning. Sometimes, a piece of wood will fall into the corner of the fireplace. Often, if I do not purposefully, with a shovel, place that piece of wood back onto the fire, it may continue to smolder for a while but often it will stop burning. Even being near the fire isn’t enough to keep it burning. The piece of wood needs to be as close to the middle of the fire as possible.

The same is true of each of us. Being a part of a small group allows for our growth in a much greater way than simply attending the 11 AM service. Being a part of a small group allows us to 1) be encouraged/challenged by others to grow spiritually and 2) to encourage/challenge others to grow spiritually.

Consider this statement again:

“People who remain connected with their brothers and sisters in the local church almost invariably grow in self-understanding, and they mature in their ability to relate in healthy ways to God and to their fellow human beings.”

Simply put, they grow!

If you are not an active part of a Connection Group, I want to encourage you to join us at 9:45 AM every Sunday morning and start getting to know others in the context of a small group. God will use you to encourage others just as God will use others to encourage you.