Small groups by the numbers

By Deborah Bruce

Most congregations offer some type of small group experience, whether it's church school classes, Bible study, prayer groups, fellowship groups, or educational or spiritual development groups. Which small groups are most common?

1. Religious education classes.  Almost all congregations offer a variety of religious education opportunities to their worshipers. Most (95%) hold church school or Sabbath school for children younger than 12 years old. Almost nine in ten offer similar classes for youth between ages 12 and 18 (87% ) and for adults (89%).
2. Small groups for sharing and support.  Eight in ten congregations offer small groups that give worshipers a time and place for sharing and spiritual growth.
3. Small groups for spiritual development and discipleship.  Almost as many congregations (42%) say their small groups foster spiritual development and discipleship.
4. Small groups for service.  Two in ten congregations (22%) rely on small groups as a means of involving worshipers in community service or other ministries of the congregation.
5. Small groups for prayer.  Prayer groups meet in eight in ten congregations. Some prayer groups focus on spiritual growth. Others are part of the congregation's small group program, are groups attached to specific programs or ministries, or meet at specific times of the year.

For what purpose?  Almost half of congregations that rely on a small group strategy (44%) say these groups are an important part of their strategy to involve people in their congregation.

Do worshipers participate?  Somewhat less than half of worshipers (45%) participate in their congregation's small groups. Fellowship groups, clubs, and other social groups associated with the congregation draw the largest share of worshipers (28% overall). Two in ten worshipers (19%) take part in Sunday school, church school, or other religious education classes sponsored by their church. Similar numbers (19%) are involved in prayer, discussion, or Bible study groups.

Faith group differences.  In Protestant congregations, six in ten worshipers participate in small groups. In Catholic parishes, small groups are less prevalent—only three in ten Catholics are involved in any small group activities in their parish.

What matters?  Congregations where worshipers actively participate in many ways—including in small groups—are more likely to be growing churches. Involving more people in the congregation's ministries makes the difference.

How can your congregation increase participation in group activities?

Resources:

Learn more

Read How to increase adult Sunday school attendance

Read How to grow strong youth groups

Read about best practices for Christian education

Find resources on adult education or small group ministry