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Why Small Groups Are So Popular
Small groups are all the rage these days. You will find them in house churches as well as larger, institutional fellowships. More often than not, they are a part of the new calvinist movement, and will reflect that in the materials, books and discussions that are read and discussed within said groups.
So why are they so popular?
The answer to that is simple. The small group sensation, while itself a relatively new phenomenon, is driven by a motivation which is not new at all. In fact, it is ancient. We can read about it early on in the Old Testament.
The reason small groups are so popular is because people desire to share their thoughts and feelings about Scripture and Christianity in general, rather than hear objective, biblical truth and instruction from a biblical authority, the pastor-teacher.
Myriads of articles are written, and videos made, about small groups, providing tips and materials on everything from A to Z, but the reality of the driving force behind the popularity of these groups is ultimately a rejection of authority. Sola Scriptura may be on many lips, but it is not always planted in the heart.
“….and everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” – Judges 17:6
5 Pt. Salt 
One of the elders at our church is doing his doctoral dissertation on the Small groups trend, their ineffectiveness and problems they’ve caused.
I appreciate your article. ONe thing I would question is your statement “More often than not, they are a part of the new calvinist movement, and will reflect that in the materials, books and discussions that are read and discussed within said groups.”
I do not know where you live, but in my area there are 4 churches currently using the small group format and NONE of them are Calvinist in any way shape or form. Ditto the material they are using.
Thanks for the posting.
Personally, having gone to some of them from time to time, find them boring. I feel the same way about Sunday School. SS is a way to separate the family which we never did. Especially for the kids, all they would here are stories with a moral to it. Utterly wrong. Same goes with Childrens Worship. We have CG’s, a small church. From time to time we go, but we go for the fellowship, we eat pray, enjoy the company. But the other part(which at least it’s rather short) I could do w/o. But on the whole, they struggle.