Small groups are integral parts of the church. In these groups, believers have the opportunity to establish friendships and brotherhoods, being encouraged to grow in Christ-likeness through and through.

That said, some Christians don't want to be a part of any small group. They are content to go to church on Sundays, but don't want to spend some time on another day of the week to join fellow believers for fellowship.

Do we really need to be part of a small group in church? What are they for, anyway?

Small groups

Small groups exist in many different local churches around the globe. They are sometimes referred to by different names -- like "small groups," "life groups," "Bible study groups" -- but they all function in the same way: they allow churchgoers and church members to have closer, more intimate relationships with others in the church.

These groups serve various purposes: for members to be discipled, i.e. taught the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ; be a place for church members to build deep and valuable friendships with others; be a means for people to have accountability and support on a personal level; and be able to pray for one another's issues and needs.

In essence, small groups attempt to imitate what the Lord Jesus did to His disciples, or what the early church did together:

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42)

What some think

Some people, however, don't join a small group in their church.

• Some only go to church with no intention to be involved in any activity or group other than attend the Sunday service;
• Some go to church but think they don't need a small group because they spend personal time reading their Bibles and praying;
• Some don't go to small group because they think it is unnecessary for their faith life and relationship with Jesus.

God has designed all of us to be in relationship with one another. We will not be able to thrive and do His will without helping one another.

In essence, God wants us all to be in fellowship with others who love Him and follow Him (see Psalm 1, for example).

So, to answer the question posed by this article's title, the answer is: it depends on your situation.

While we really do need to undergo discipleship and be in fellowship with other Christians, we need to be careful with the people we choose to be with.

• If the small group doesn't teach Christ but is instead focused on eating and spending time talking about temporal matters only, don't join it.
• If the small group is focused on getting more people to come, instead of focusing on discipling those who are already there, there's going to be a problem here.
• If the small group doesn't allow for Godly teaching, correction, instruction, encouragement, and prayer, think again.

In closing

Friends, we all need to be in a small group for the Lord's purposes. We must, however, be careful with the small group that we join.

Does it do what the Bible tells it to do? Or does it have its own agenda to elevate or exalt man's desires in the name of Christ?