10 Myths About Groups

I want to dispel a few popular myths that exist about small groups:

• Groups are for everyone – all of the time. It’s ok for people to take breaks from group life occasionally. Even Jesus retreated away from his small group from time-to-time.
• Home groups are always better than Sunday School. I think that Sunday School type classes still have their place in some churches for certain people. A few churches do both pretty well.
• Group leaders have to be well trained before starting a group. We teach that leaders just need to be one step ahead of the people they are leading. I am a big believer in “as-needed training.” More about that in another post.
• Small groups are not weird. I guarantee that for most people, attending a small group for the first time was pretty weird. It was for me. But so was eating sushi.
• Groups have to meet every week to be effective. I do believe that groups who meet more consistently bond quicker, but we have successful groups that have met every other week for years.
• Only women really enjoy small groups. While it is true that women’s groups tend to gel faster, we have men’s groups that are changing the world.
• Small groups are no longer effective in churches. As long as it’s still true that Jesus created disciples in a small group of 12 guys, I am going to keep following that example.
• Groups are only for committed believers. More on this in a future post that may make you think a bit.
• There is a perfect groups system. Because there are no perfect people. Community is messy.
• A good community group can exist without food. This one may just be about me.

Anything that you would add?