To move from a congregation with small groups to a congregation of small groups involves more than just starting up more small groups. The sign-up sheets certainly have to go up, but alongside this, the congregation needs to be willing to examine itself and take steps to implement a new way of being church. The congregation will need to think seriously about power structures. When intentional Small Group Ministry is embarked upon, committees, Boards, and Councils all potentially become small groups. Small groups are therefore not just add-ons to congregational life, they are foundational to its existence.
Small groups are where faith is experienced and developed regardless of the purpose of the group.
The success of Small Group Ministry depends in large part on the development of sound leadership within the congregation. Facilitators can be trained through training sessions offered within the congregation or perhaps by a resource person from outside of the congregation, for example through an education centre. While even a short facilitation course can be helpful, facilitation skills do not develop in a day. Leadership skills develop through experience and over time. While the facilitator has something to offer the group by way of her or his skills, the facilitator will always be learning from the group and with the group.