Persons who will become incorporated into the body must have two friends in the church besides the pastor. In this context, they'll be known by name, feel needed and wanted, and be missed if they're absent. This kind of bonding occurs most frequently in small groups. Christ is most effectively communicated through the context of a relationship. The building of relationships promotes the opportunity for conversion to occur.
Small groups are the bonding arm of the church.
When people are both attending worship and participating in a small group, they've become incorporated participants of the body. Our culture promotes loneliness. The church needs to provide fellowship opportunities. It is particularly helpful if food is provided. Worship doesn't provide sufficient instruction for needed spiritual growth.