A concern for doctrine, for the apostolic teaching, which includes all the points of the gospel. A concern for fellowship, for meeting with one another, sharing with one another, eating with one another, all in response to the gospel. The principles above help us keep our practical ministries in perspective. Small groups are not an end in themselves, for example. We do not create small groups just because other churches have them, or because some book said that this was a way to facilitate evangelism or growth.
Small groups can help, but they are a method, and the goal is more important than the method.
The goal is to meet together for worship, fellowship in Christ, sharing, and helping one another. If they don't, then their focus should be changed. It has a theological basis, the fact that Jesus died for each of us, and has been gracious to each of us, and has commanded each to serve others. The way in which each one serves may be shaped by health, finances or other circumstances out of our control, but we are to serve in whatever way we can. We are to share our time, talents and treasures, because our lives have been bought by the blood of Jesus Christ.