One of the ways that we can deepen the learning experience is to be involved in a ‘small group’ learning process. This is where we meet together with two or three others in order to share our understanding and experiences, to give feedback to one another, and to help each person keep the commitments that they make. Such groups go under different names: small groups, learning cells, learning clusters. Whatever we choose to call them, when they work well they become centres for encouragement, discussion, deeper relationships and accountability.

Small groups have been a significant force for renewal in the Christian church throughout history, and their place is being rediscovered in our time. Examples of leaders that used small groups include Jesus, the Apostle Paul (Acts 20:20) and John Wesley.

Jesus Used a Small Group

At the heart of Christ’s strategy was a small group. During His three years of ministry here on earth, Jesus spent time preaching and teaching to multitudes of people. However, watching and working alongside him was his ‘small group’ of disciples.

At the outset of his ministry, Jesus gathered twelve ordinary men and called them to follow him. He then proceeded to invest time and energy into their personal development, preparing the twelve for the day when he would leave this world. Their lives were so impacted by their involvement with Jesus that they committed themselves to the spreading of His message to the ends of the earth, even giving their lives for the sake of the gospel. Jesus shows us the importance of a small group in producing transformational learning and growth.

The Biblical Model for Education

Jesus’ small group approach is consistent with the ‘Biblical’ model for training and education, which was traditionally used by the Hebrews. This method is similar to that of an apprentice who watches his teacher, copies whilst receiving instruction and feedback, and then is released to do the work. The teaching method was relational, not just one-way communication, with an emphasis on doing and not just knowing.

Contrast this method with the Greek method of learning, which is the one that is commonly used in the Western world today. This is the classroom method where the teacher seeks to communicate information in academic, theoretical terms to students that passively listen and take notes. There is little emphasis on doing, but a great emphasis on knowing. This method is very efficient at producing graduates who know a lot of information, but the Biblical model is more effective in producing learners and disciples (those who live out the lessons).

We believe that the ‘classroom’ method of teaching is valid and can be of great value in communicating large amounts of information in a short time, and we continue to use this format in our Leadership Training Conferences. However, the ALP supplements this form of teaching in order to deepen the influence of the life-giving leadership principles presented.

Small Groups Help to Ensure Effective Learning

Learning is a process, not a one-off event. We cannot say that we have learnt something just because we have heard a message preached, read a book or been presented with a new concept. Real learning involves a change in our thinking and the way we act, which is a process that takes time and energy. There is a world of difference between knowing and doing. This learning process is referred to in the Bible as ‘being transformed by the renewing of the mind’ (Romans 12:2).

Changing the way we think and act can be a difficult journey, and the learning process can stagnate without feedback, encouragement and accountability. A small group environment can provide these necessary ingredients to ensure that the learning process is advancing.

Get Started!

If you’ve never experienced the power of the small group learning process for yourself, why not get started. Find two or three people with whom you want to deepen your friendship. Start meeting together on a regular basis (start with once or twice a month). Take the opportunity to share some of the journey that God is taking you through, and help them to understand some of the challenges that you are facing. Ask them for feedback, let them share their insights into your situation. Encourage to share what’s happening in their lives, and take the opportunity to pray with one another. We’ve found courses like the Effective Leadership programme are ideal for these small groups. There’s a Small Group Study Guide available for these situations. Once you start, you’ll find why so many people have so positive about these learning experiences.