Small Group Toolbox: What’s the best size for a small group?
Summary: Groups that are between 3-8 people are the best size for healthy accountability, full participation, spiritual growth and multiplication.
In the “Toolbox” series of blog posts we’ll answer some of the most common questions about leading small groups. If you have questions you’d like answered, drop us a message!
What’s the best size for a small group?
Size of a small group is actually an important element. Groups that are between 3-8 people are the best size for healthy accountability, full participation, spiritual growth and multiplication. There can be limitations when a group is too small or too large.
For we instance, we may be eager to meet with one person who wants to follow Jesus. We pull them out of their context to meet in our home, our context. And although one-on-one can be a helpful dynamic in a persons discipleship to Christ, it’s important for new followers of Jesus to learn to be open in a community of believers too. It is healthy for a person to share with a body of believers and to hear Jesus through them. When each person hears the Holy Spirit speak to them through scripture, they share it and others are blessed. So, if we find a spiritually hunger person we can ask them if there is anyone in their circle of friends or family who would be also interested in studying the bible. It may not happen, but if we at least try, one person who wants to follow Jesus may turn into a small group of seekers.
Groups that become larger than eight people may limit the participation by every person. It is too easy for some to stay quiet or hide, making it far too easy for the outgoing ones to be the only ones who share. But full participation in the simple church practices like prayer, generosity, and accountability is great soil for spiritual growth. Their life in Christ is being observed and experienced by others. When every believer is accountable to share with lost people and they are growing in practicing sharing the gospel, a healthy small group is actually training to become a simple church.
