by Carlina

Created on: January 21, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

A wave of spiritual renewal is beginning to grow among many American church congregations, and it's not happening in revival services, or in big stadiums or mega-church worship centers.

It's happening in living rooms among small groups of 8 to 12 people, where the focus is on experiencing Biblical community and spiritual transformation.

Several local churches have picked up on and embraced the growing trend toward "small group" worship. Local ministers who lead or support such groups say they are more than just another program in an array of church offerings. For churches that have embraced this concept, small groups actually have become the church.

The First Baptist Church in Kerrville integrated small groups into its program about seven years ago. The Rev. Dave McFadden, pastor of the church, said the church currently has approximately 20 "life groups" that meet weekly in lieu of a mid-week worship service. Groups vary according to type, members, meeting time and agenda. Some have workbooks and some use DVD or video resources, while others don't engage in traditional "Bible study" at all.

Of the church's small groups, some are formed around interests, hobbies and lifestyles. For instance, one group is comprised of motorcyclists and another is made up of quilters. Whether the group is exploring Christ on the open road or in a church classroom, McFadden said, they all are for the purpose of growing spiritually.

"It's more than a Bible study; it's a group that shares in life together," McFadden said. "It's where the life change actually happens."

He added that it is not the place or the activity, necessarily, but the depth and intimacy of relationships that brings transformation.

Jenny Gentry, a small group leader, said Bible study often is an integral part of these groups, but the life change that happens in them is a direct result of the relationships, where the Biblical principles that are learned can be immediately applied. The living room full of other people that you are called to love and support, she said, requires that you put what you've learned into practice.

"If you don't have relationships around you to walk that (teaching) out and be vulnerable and accountable to people, it stops the growth process right there," she said.

For the First United Methodist Church, small groups also are about spiritual growth and building intimacy among church members. Director of Christian Education Judi Mayne said the church's many small groups offer a sense of belonging.

"That's

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