A new survey shows that a shrinking number of churchgoers are participating in small groups as pastors stress that such ministries are essential to fostering community within their congregations.
Lifeway Research found that just 44% of churchgoers were engaged in a small group at their congregation in 2022. The percentage was 50 percent in 2008.
Like many other negative impacts on the church, the survey attributed the drop to the coronavirus pandemic. And researchers said, “As churches continue ministry in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many are finding it increasingly difficult to grow their small groups.”
The trend concerns pastors.
Johnny Blevins, senior pastor of the Elkin Valley Baptist Church in North Carolina, told The Christian Post that small groups are necessary for every church to function and thrive.
And John Reichart, the associate pastor of The Experience Vineyard Church in Rockville Centre, New York, said, “Small groups, led well, are the engine of character development, discipleship, mentorship and leadership development in a local church.“
Adding, “It is difficult to see how any church can flourish for the long haul without that structure.”
Lifeway Research Executive Director Scott McConnell warned, “Groups and relationships that are centered on the Word of God unify a congregation and motivate people to work together on the mission of the church. Churches with few people participating in groups are not in a healthy position to be making more disciples.”