Why Small Groups?

By: Pastor Joe Moore, Liberty University Theological Seminary Student

INTRODUCTION

In Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church, Joel Comiskey shows that small groups are not a modern strategy but a biblical design for how the church was meant to function. Comiskey states that the goal was “to discover the biblical underpinnings for small groups.”[1] He further states, “When a church does not develop a strong foundation upon which to build cell-groups, the reason for doing cell ministry will also shift like sand.”[2] From the house gatherings of Acts 2 to the modern church, Comiskey reminds us that “small groups have been crucial to church life for a long time.”[3] One can gather from Comiskey’s writings that the strength of the larger church is directly tied to the health of its smaller gatherings.

In Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Small Groups, Rod Dempsey and Dave Earley build on that foundation by describing how the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) establishes a biblical model for “going where people are, baptizing them when they surrender to Christ and then teach them the ways of Christ.”[4] They emphasize that healthy groups don’t just meet, they grow and multiply. By focusing on relational connection, spiritual growth, practical service, and intentional outreach, small groups become “connected to the mission.”[5] Their model challenges leaders to raise new disciple-makers and multiply groups so that the church expands naturally and sustainably.

As a church planter in the biker community, I’ve seen these truths come to life. Just nine weeks ago, our church launched its first small group with a handful of young riders gathering around food, Scripture, and honest conversation. What started as one group has now multiplied into two additional groups just this past week. Seeing riders open-up about faith, praying for one another, and stepping forward to lead has confirmed everything Comiskey and Dempsey & Earley describe.

BUT WHY SMALL GROUPS?

There are several reasons I believe small groups are essential in our ministry. First, bikers thrive on brotherhood and authenticity, qualities small groups naturally foster. Second, discipleship happens best in circles, not rows; people grow when they can talk, ask questions, and apply the Word together. Third, small groups create new leaders and new opportunities for outreach.

My primary reason for developing small groups is to see transformation happen through authentic relationships, where bikers don’t just attend church but become the church. My hope and dreamis to see a network of biker small groups across our region: riders discipling riders, praying together, serving their communities, and reaching others for Christ. In that vision, the rumble of motorcycles becomes a soundtrack to revival, where fellowship, freedom, and faith ride together for the glory of God.

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[1] Joel Comiskey. Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church, (Moreno Valley, CA; CCS Publishing, 2016), 13.

[2] Ibid., 20.

[3] Ibid., 35.

[4] Rod Dempsey and Dave Earley. Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Small Groups, (Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Press, 2016), 7.

[5] Ibid., 8.