Finding Strength in Biblical Community: Why Groups Matter

In a world that often feels disconnected despite our digital connections, the concept of true biblical community remains as vital today as it was in the early church. When we examine Scripture, we see that God never intended for us to walk our faith journey alone.

What does the Bible say about community?

Throughout Scripture, we see powerful examples of community in action:

• Jesus had his twelve disciples, but even within that group, he had three (Peter, James, and John) who formed his inner circle
• When Jesus sent people out for ministry, he sent them in pairs, not alone
• In the Old Testament, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood together against pressure to compromise their faith
• Moses had Aaron to support him in leadership
• Abraham took his nephew Lot with him on his journey of faith

Acts 20:20 reminds us that the early church leaders taught “publicly and from house to house.” This house-to-house ministry was crucial because while we gather publicly on Sundays, life happens quickly, and we often miss connecting with each other in meaningful ways.

Why do we need community?

There’s a saying that “decisions happen in rows, but life change happens in circles.” This captures an important truth about spiritual growth. While we might make important decisions during a Sunday service, the real transformation happens when we’re in smaller groups where we can be known, loved, and held accountable.

Acts 2:42-47 paints a beautiful picture of early Christian community:

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

This passage shows believers doing life together—eating, worshiping, celebrating, and caring for one another’s needs. This is how the church grows larger while simultaneously growing smaller through intimate connections.

How do groups transform our lives?

When people share their experiences in groups, several common themes emerge:

Deeper relationship with God

Groups challenge us to go deeper in our faith. As one group member shared, “My relationship with God has changed immensely through groups because especially as men, we’re very tempted to try to do everything alone, and isolation is one of the best schemes of the enemy.”

Another person noted that despite growing up in church, being in a group made them “take a hard look at what I was doing with my relationship with God.” This highlights an important truth—having a church background doesn’t automatically translate to a personal relationship with Christ.

Breaking isolation

One of the most powerful aspects of groups is discovering you’re not alone in your struggles. When we see others facing similar challenges, it breaks down the walls of isolation that make us feel like we’re the only ones struggling.

As one participant put it, “You see leaders in the church, and these guys that you think have no problems are, you know, so holy. And you learn that we’re all fighting the same battles.”

Accountability and growth

Groups provide natural accountability. When you know you’ll be meeting with others who are working through the same material, it motivates you to stay engaged. “It holds you accountable… you better do your reading this week because you know you can think of every excuse by yourself, but when you’ve got other people depending on you and other people doing the same stuff, it holds you accountable.”

Transformed relationships

The principles learned in groups don’t stay there—they transform our other relationships. One man who participated in a marriage group shared a profound insight: “I gained personally a greater understanding of what love looks like in marriage, what God’s expectations are… I realize that my wife doesn’t have to do anything for me to love her. I get to honor God by loving her.”

Another person added, “When you realize God’s love and how much he loves you, you can turn that to the other people in your lives and your marriage will thrive and your relationship with your kids will thrive, and your friendships will thrive.”

What if I’m hesitant about joining a group?

If you’re on the fence about joining a group, consider these insights from those who’ve taken the step:

• “You never know what you might learn. God’s always got something new, and you never know who you might meet.”
• “Growth never happens inside your comfort zone.”
• “Any move that you make that’s going to bring you closer to God is the right move.”
• “Just do it. You can go as deep as freedom, or you can do something as simple as a walking group, but get out there.”

Remember, no one expects perfect attendance. If you miss a session, you’ll still be welcomed back with open arms the next week.

Life Application

The most important relationship you can have is with Jesus Christ. Without that foundation, everything else we’ve discussed is like going to an amusement park when you’re just a little too short to ride all the rides—you can participate in some aspects, but you’re missing the full experience.

This week, I challenge you to take one step toward deeper community:

• If you haven’t yet made a decision to follow Christ, consider what’s holding you back. The peace, comfort, and joy that comes from this relationship is worth any hesitation you might feel.
• If you’re already a believer but not in a group, sign up for one this week. Summer groups are only six weeks—a perfect low-commitment way to test the waters.
• If you’re already in a group, consider how you might deepen your participation or even prepare to lead a group in the future.

Ask yourself:

• What area of my life would benefit most from the support and accountability of a small group?
• What fears or excuses have kept me from deeper community in the past?
• How might God want to use me to encourage others through group participation?

Remember, as one participant wisely noted, “God loves us in ways we don’t understand.” When we draw close to Him through community, He shows us how to love others in that same transformative way.