From the Sidelines to the Frontlines: Why Small Groups Must Be the Heartbeat of Your Church
In the American church today, we’ve got a system that, quite frankly, isn’t producing what Jesus intended. If we’re honest, many of our churches are filled with spectators—people who gather weekly, understand the content, maybe even take notes—but they aren’t in the game. They aren’t building up the body of Christ, they aren’t discipling others, and they certainly aren’t coaching the next generation. If that’s the fruit, then our system is broken.
If we’re honest, many of our churches are filled with spectators—people who gather weekly, understand the content, maybe even take notes—but they aren’t in the game Share on XWhen I think about what we’re called to do as pastors—equip people for works of service (Eph. 4:12)—I can’t help but reflect on my wrestling and coaching background. If I ran a wrestling program and my athletes showed up, listened to some lectures, watched a few matches, but never actually learned to wrestle, something would have to change. It’s the same with the church. Our systems must produce disciples who make disciples.
Small groups aren’t just a “nice to have” addition to the weekend service. They are essential environments where discipleship can happen. But not all small groups are created equal. A group that merely regurgitates information but never moves toward life-on-life transformation is still falling short.
The New Testament shows us a rhythm: large group gatherings in the temple courts and intimate gatherings in homes (Acts 2:46). That wasn’t a strategy for numerical growth—it was the model for spiritual formation. Jesus used relationships to shape lives. So must we.
Small groups aren’t just a “nice to have” addition to the weekend service. They are essential environments where discipleship can happen. Share on XIn our church, we’ve always said we’re a church of small groups, not just a church with small groups. From the beginning, when there were only a handful of us, we embedded small groups into our DNA—not as an add-on, but as the core. That early commitment meant I was flying in from Oregon to lead a group on Sunday nights before we even had a weekend service. Because the church isn’t a weekend event—it’s a people on mission, living in biblical community.
And let me be clear: small groups aren’t the destination either. They’re a means—a training ground—where people move from content to practice, from audience to army. Think of them like positional coaching on a football team. You start with a team meeting, lay out the game plan, and then break into units. That’s where players are coached, relationships are built, and skills are developed. In church terms, that’s where discipleship lives.
But we’ve got to redefine what a “win” looks like in our groups. It’s not just attendance or engagement—it’s transformation. It’s men and women learning to follow Jesus, being changed by Him, and taking others with them. It’s moving from the big group, to the small group, to walking daily in intentional, discipling relationships.
So here’s the challenge, church leaders: What’s your system producing? Is your church churning out spiritual spectators or spiritual athletes—disciples who know how to get on the mat and wrestle with real-life faith?
The proof isn’t in your weekend attendance—it’s in the lives changed through relational discipleship. And if small groups are aligned with that mission, they become the vehicle God uses to unleash His church.
Let’s stop settling for fans in the stands and start raising up players in the field. That’s what the body of Christ was made for.
Let’s stop settling for fans in the stands and start raising up players in the field. That’s what the body of Christ was made for. Share on X—Jim Putman
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