The Disciple-Maker: Vol 1, Issue 2

Vol. I, Issue 2

When is a "Bible Study" a Bible Study?

Did you know that there is a growing interest among Christians in small groups? In fact, participation in small groups among evangelical Christians (is there any other kind?) has increased from 42% in 1994 to 61% in 2005 (source: The State of the Church 2005 by George Barna). What is especially interesting is that this is happening at the same time when overall church attendance in America is declining at a rate of one million people per year.

When believers find out that I write discipleship materials, they are often excited to tell me about the Bible Study they are attending. I have learned that many of them really mean to say that they are in a small group, not a Bible Study. If I ask the question, "What kind of Bible Study is it?" their answer often reveals that they are involved in one of three types of small groups.

1.	The Fellowship Group - The primary goal of these small groups is relational. The small group meets to interact and fellowship with one another. The emphasis in this type of group is on inter-personal interaction and fellowship - not Bible Study.
2.	The Affinity Group - The primary focus within this small group type is a particular spiritual goal, cause or need (i.e., coping with family loss, prayer for the persecuted church, etc.). The particular need or cause is the cohesive force that binds the group together. When the group’s goal is met, or the cause is realized, the group must reinvent itself or it will often dissolve. Like the fellowship group, the central focus is not on the study of God’s Word.
3.	The Bible Study Group - The primary focus of this group is to study God’s Word. The members are seeking to understand His Word and how it relates to the various aspects of their daily lives. Christian fellowship is not the central focus of the group, but it becomes a natural by-product when believers join together to study God’s Word.

Why is it important to know the different types of small groups? If you are a Christian who is looking for a particular type of small group, this will help you identify the core objective of various groups so you can find the right one for yourself. If you are a pastor, knowing the three types of small groups can help you educate your people and organize small groups according to various needs.