Every small group experience in Church is unique and nearly impossible to replicate. What truly makes these gatherings special isn’t the curriculum but the people themselves – their diverse backgrounds, willingness to share, current life circumstances, and how conversations naturally unfold. Each meeting creates its own distinct dynamic, even with the same leader and materials.

The main thing that I want group leaders to know is to embrace this natural variation. Don’t feel pressured to cover every point in your guide or force discussions in predetermined directions. Instead, create space for authentic sharing and knowledge exchange while guiding with thoughtful, spiritually centered questions.

On the other hand, I want people who attend small groups to understand that each small group will differ significantly from their previous experiences. If you disliked a past group, don’t let that deter you; your next experience could be transformative. Likewise, if you had a fantastic previous group, approach new ones with open expectations rather than direct comparisons.

At our Church, we envision everyone participating in both weekly large gatherings and smaller groups throughout the week. While the latter often causes hesitation due to past negative experiences, I encourage you to try again. The next group you join might profoundly impact your life. You will never know what God might teach you through fellow believers unless you show up with an open heart and mind.