Philosophy of Small Groups Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Philosophy of Small Groups - Research Paper Example Wilson (2003) states that the importance attached to small face to face groups within the congregation is what allows many church members to personalize their contribution.1 The small group is the starting relational unit which is beyond family where ministry to one another starts, it is the arena of primary care. A small group is a highly effective means of individuals entering the spiritual growth process. It is made up of 5-10 members who get together weekly with the specific purpose of growing personally and spiritually. It entails open mindedness and encourages honesty in all aspects. Thus, the primary way to be connected in churches is through the small groups. The fruit of entering the spiritual growth process is one of the greatest things that people may have anticipated. According to Djupe (2006), feeling similar to other members in the church small group is positively related to practicing skills, confirming the importance of incorporating a social dimension into theories posting an organizational influence on individual behavior.2 One of the most fundamental steps for a small group ministry is developing a personalized philosophy of the ministry. This mainly entails defining priorities, defending actions and determining the next steps to take for the upward success of the individual’s personal life. The philosophical distinctiveness of churches differ with the churches core values, but all aim at ensuring the goals of the small groups are taken into consideration and that they are effective and beneficial for all the members involved in a particular group. The four-session trial period is one of the philosophies and this mainly entails people having a four meeting trial period in a particular small group. Thus if the small group does not satisfy an individual’s need, then one is likely to seek another group but this involves no hard feelings. Another philosophical detail can emanate where the