The Power of Small Groups
One of the most common themes in the Bible is the power of small groups. We tend to be impressed by massive gatherings of people, but Jesus makes it plain that “where two or three are gathered together” in His name, He is there in their midst. (Matthew 18:20)
The account of Gideon, as found in Judges 6:11 – 7:25, is a well known example of a relatively small group. After all, the 300 men with which Gideon defeated the Midianites is less than 1% of 32,000 men that he started out with.
A small group with God, is far more effective than a multitude without God. As Jonathan remarked to his armor-bearer: “there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6)
God calls each of us to service, and it is far easier to serve in small groups, than in large groups, because it is harder to get lost in the crowd. Ever wonder why Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, and later the seventy disciples in groups of twos? And yet, we try to do His work in larger gatherings that fail to give each person a chance to be engaged in the work of God.
Small groups encourage personal interaction and bonding.
Small groups stimulate participation and undermine anonymity.
Small groups are engaging and invigorating.
Small groups are dynamic, energetic and focused.
Small groups nurture and cultivate natural leaders.
God can use small groups, because small groups are more apt to rely upon God for guidance and strength than to rely on sheer numbers.
If your ministry is struggling to make a difference, and is bogged down with indecision and doubt, consider breaking it up into small groups. You’ll find that far more can be accomplished – particularly in God’s service – when you are part of a small group that is willing to go and do.
So, try it today: divide your big, ineffective team into several smaller groups, each with 2-5 members, and see if God won’t bless your efforts.
While King Saul sat around with over 600 men, accomplishing nothing, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were getting ready to engage in a partnership with God to deal with the Philistine issue. While King Saul was busy exercising his authority over the people, Jonathan was preparing himself to follow God into battle.
God is waiting to perform a miracle for you. Isn’t it time you joined in a small group for the purpose of going God’s will and bringing glory and honor to Him? Go ahead: He’s waiting to bless your efforts in His name.
Luke 9:1-2,6
(1) Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
(2) And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
(6) And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.
Luke 10:1,17
(1) After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
(17) And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.