So, we decided to have the best of both worlds, to be together and separate at the same time. The original plan was to be all together for part of the hour and to break up into small groups for part of the hour. I would prepare discussion questions for the discussion leaders to use during this part of the time. As time went along, there were requests for more time in the smaller groups. When people feel the warmth of a small group, it will meet a need in their lives that the large group experience cannot touch.
Large groups are by their nature content oriented, whereas small groups are relationship oriented.
In a group as large as thirty, few people will talk on a regular basis, but in a group of eight, nearly everyone will talk often every week. This is how relationships are born. Everything rises and falls on leadership. If you have a capable person who is willing to do so, they can single-handedly form a new group. This assumes that there are people willing to follow, but that is implied when we say they are a strong leader.