DSMN 500 Discipleship Ministries Module 5_Week 5 Discussion Thread: The
Importance of Small Groups 2026 Liberty University
Discussion Thread: The Importance of Small Groups
A Church body consists of individuals from various locations who share a common faith. In
general, there are no limitations regarding membership in a ministry or church; the sole
prerequisite is adherence to the specific regulations of the respective denomination. During Jesus'
earthly ministry, He selected a small group of twelve to be His disciples. He was their small
group leader and provided them with knowledge and guidance, a little at a time, as He sent them
out. They learned through observation and did not always get it right. An example of this was the
boy who suffered from epileptic seizures: "Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said,
'Why could we not cast it out?' So, Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I
say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to
there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go
out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matt. 17:19-21, New King James Version). As their leader,
Jesus did not condemn them for their lack of understanding and weak faith, He used the situation
to become a teachable moment. Similarities may be seen in the life of Jesus Christ, the creator of
Christianity, who, while on earth, drew people from all over the world, but only selected a select
twelve to be His followers. This prompts an inquiry into the significance of small groups within
a church or ministry context.
Small groups play a crucial role in the Church as they facilitate the development of
relationships both within the group itself and extend to the broader Church community and
surrounding neighborhoods. The vertical relationship individuals maintain with God is
paramount, as it serves as the foundation for establishing horizontal relationships and fostering
the trust necessary for collective strength and growth among group members. “Making Disciples
is the main reason why a church exists, so everything in a corporate body needs to funnel people
toward a relational small group in which discipleship can best happen.”1 Leaders must also to be
careful not to place new converts in charge of small groups so it is imperative for individuals
possessing a stronger faith to assist those who exhibit a lesser degree of faith. New adherents to
the faith often refrain from participating in prayer and worship gatherings; re-engaging them
becomes challenging when the groups are sizable. It ensures straightforward contact tracking and
effective communication.
Another advantage of small groups is the ability to grow and learn. We can use the Bible as
an example, where Christ fed the five thousand men and collected twelve baskets as leftovers,
(Matt. 14:13-21, NKJV) they collected the remains without difficulty because their leadership
comprised a small group. People expect church leaders to be naturally honest and upright
morally, but this is not the case because they are human. Small groups allow members to reach
their full potential. Individuals within the church are encouraged to recognize and cultivate their
distinct gifts and talents, striving for continuous improvement each day. Engagement in practice
1
Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman. DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make
Disciples Who Make Disciples. 2nd. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2013). 184
, serves as the most effective pedagogical approach, with smaller groups facilitating optimal
participation in activities.
For small groups to be effective, they should meet regularly, preferably once a week or
alternatively every other week. “It needs to have regular meeting times, and then of course need
to open God’s Word. We are going to spend time in Bible Study and prayer and fellowship and
meeting needs, but we are going to spend a good portion of our time opening God’s Word.”2
People have very little, if any, chance to show off their skills during the regular Sunday worship
service or Sunday school. This is especially important for young people, who often shy away
from church responsibilities due to peer pressure, which can also prevent them from growing up
with the morals they were taught. Therefore, keeping them involved in small groups helps to
retain them and develop their skills. This is also true for the new convert or new believer, it is
essential that they become involved in small group discipleship as soon as possible so they can
learn and grow.
According to Earley and Dempsey, a small group of Christ's disciples should love God first,
then each other, and finally, humbly, their neighbor.3 Small groups play a crucial role in the
overall health of a church or ministry context, as it is essential for a church to establish a clear
purpose, goal, and objective for its groups. The elements mentioned above, along with the
duration, occurrences, and heterogeneity of the congregation, can influence believers'
perceptions of the church.
I think that a global audience allows disciples to interact with people in other countries. I
recall the first time I held an online Bible study group; I contacted believers in four locations in
Kuwait in addition to believers in Iraq and Afghanistan through Microsoft Teams. I connected
with people from different cultures and environments to help grow our faith. Digital discipleship
fosters small gatherings that grow into packed online Bible meetings, which are in fact a
testament to the importance of online platforms in today's world. They increase visibility locally,
regionally, and globally and can provide a diverse way for disciples to bring their study and
fellowship of the Work of God into our home lives across borders.4
The digital platforms for me, are very helpful when handled properly and focus remains on
the purpose of God’s Word and Biblical Discipleship. The same rules should apply as much as
possible as small groups that are held locally in a physical location. In both cases, the focus is on
God and developing disciples that will eventually make disciples.
Responses
2
Rod Dempsey. The Importance and Role of Small Groups. https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/813214/pages/watch-
the-importance-and-role-of-small-groups?module_item_id=88077957 (accessed July 23, 2025).
3
Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey. Spiritual Formation Is... How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence. 1st.
(Brentwood, Tennessee: B&H Academic, 2018). 165
4
Rod Dempsey. The Importance and Role of Small Groups. https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/813214/pages/watch-
the-importance-and-role-of-small-groups?module_item_id=88077957 (accessed July 23, 2025).
Importance of Small Groups 2026 Liberty University
Discussion Thread: The Importance of Small Groups
A Church body consists of individuals from various locations who share a common faith. In
general, there are no limitations regarding membership in a ministry or church; the sole
prerequisite is adherence to the specific regulations of the respective denomination. During Jesus'
earthly ministry, He selected a small group of twelve to be His disciples. He was their small
group leader and provided them with knowledge and guidance, a little at a time, as He sent them
out. They learned through observation and did not always get it right. An example of this was the
boy who suffered from epileptic seizures: "Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said,
'Why could we not cast it out?' So, Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I
say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to
there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go
out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matt. 17:19-21, New King James Version). As their leader,
Jesus did not condemn them for their lack of understanding and weak faith, He used the situation
to become a teachable moment. Similarities may be seen in the life of Jesus Christ, the creator of
Christianity, who, while on earth, drew people from all over the world, but only selected a select
twelve to be His followers. This prompts an inquiry into the significance of small groups within
a church or ministry context.
Small groups play a crucial role in the Church as they facilitate the development of
relationships both within the group itself and extend to the broader Church community and
surrounding neighborhoods. The vertical relationship individuals maintain with God is
paramount, as it serves as the foundation for establishing horizontal relationships and fostering
the trust necessary for collective strength and growth among group members. “Making Disciples
is the main reason why a church exists, so everything in a corporate body needs to funnel people
toward a relational small group in which discipleship can best happen.”1 Leaders must also to be
careful not to place new converts in charge of small groups so it is imperative for individuals
possessing a stronger faith to assist those who exhibit a lesser degree of faith. New adherents to
the faith often refrain from participating in prayer and worship gatherings; re-engaging them
becomes challenging when the groups are sizable. It ensures straightforward contact tracking and
effective communication.
Another advantage of small groups is the ability to grow and learn. We can use the Bible as
an example, where Christ fed the five thousand men and collected twelve baskets as leftovers,
(Matt. 14:13-21, NKJV) they collected the remains without difficulty because their leadership
comprised a small group. People expect church leaders to be naturally honest and upright
morally, but this is not the case because they are human. Small groups allow members to reach
their full potential. Individuals within the church are encouraged to recognize and cultivate their
distinct gifts and talents, striving for continuous improvement each day. Engagement in practice
1
Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman. DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make
Disciples Who Make Disciples. 2nd. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2013). 184
, serves as the most effective pedagogical approach, with smaller groups facilitating optimal
participation in activities.
For small groups to be effective, they should meet regularly, preferably once a week or
alternatively every other week. “It needs to have regular meeting times, and then of course need
to open God’s Word. We are going to spend time in Bible Study and prayer and fellowship and
meeting needs, but we are going to spend a good portion of our time opening God’s Word.”2
People have very little, if any, chance to show off their skills during the regular Sunday worship
service or Sunday school. This is especially important for young people, who often shy away
from church responsibilities due to peer pressure, which can also prevent them from growing up
with the morals they were taught. Therefore, keeping them involved in small groups helps to
retain them and develop their skills. This is also true for the new convert or new believer, it is
essential that they become involved in small group discipleship as soon as possible so they can
learn and grow.
According to Earley and Dempsey, a small group of Christ's disciples should love God first,
then each other, and finally, humbly, their neighbor.3 Small groups play a crucial role in the
overall health of a church or ministry context, as it is essential for a church to establish a clear
purpose, goal, and objective for its groups. The elements mentioned above, along with the
duration, occurrences, and heterogeneity of the congregation, can influence believers'
perceptions of the church.
I think that a global audience allows disciples to interact with people in other countries. I
recall the first time I held an online Bible study group; I contacted believers in four locations in
Kuwait in addition to believers in Iraq and Afghanistan through Microsoft Teams. I connected
with people from different cultures and environments to help grow our faith. Digital discipleship
fosters small gatherings that grow into packed online Bible meetings, which are in fact a
testament to the importance of online platforms in today's world. They increase visibility locally,
regionally, and globally and can provide a diverse way for disciples to bring their study and
fellowship of the Work of God into our home lives across borders.4
The digital platforms for me, are very helpful when handled properly and focus remains on
the purpose of God’s Word and Biblical Discipleship. The same rules should apply as much as
possible as small groups that are held locally in a physical location. In both cases, the focus is on
God and developing disciples that will eventually make disciples.
Responses
2
Rod Dempsey. The Importance and Role of Small Groups. https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/813214/pages/watch-
the-importance-and-role-of-small-groups?module_item_id=88077957 (accessed July 23, 2025).
3
Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey. Spiritual Formation Is... How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence. 1st.
(Brentwood, Tennessee: B&H Academic, 2018). 165
4
Rod Dempsey. The Importance and Role of Small Groups. https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/813214/pages/watch-
the-importance-and-role-of-small-groups?module_item_id=88077957 (accessed July 23, 2025).
