The Value of Small Groups:

Growing in Competence, Confidence, and Community

by Cackie Upchurch

As fall Bible studies begin, Cackie Upchurch highlights the power and purpose of studying God's Word in small groups.

At a recent parish adult formation session, the speaker invited us to form small groups for a brief discussion. I caught a few people rolling their eyes, heard one person audibly sigh with exasperation, and saw another person leave the room, not to return. Most, mind you, joined into groups and seemed to enjoy the conversation.

It's not the first time I’ve noted that some folks are uncomfortable or do not appreciate being in small groups in a faith setting. Sometimes the speaker is just so engaging that we hate to stop listening to the insights being shared. Sometimes we fear being “put on the spot” to contribute something interesting or even profound. And sometimes we may be in a group that simply loses its focus and feels like a waste of time.

So why bother with small groups? And what makes a small group setting ideal for Bible study, particularly Little Rock Scripture Study? The most important reason we believe in the value of small groups is because they facilitate the three-fold purpose of LRSS:

To grow in our understanding of the Bible and its use.
To grow in community with other people of faith.
To encounter God in a personal way and grow in discipleship.

In my experience, when the group members know these purposes and are reminded of them periodically, the value of their small group becomes clearer, and the dynamics of the group are given the attention they deserve.

Let me offer some examples:

Beyond learning how to find chapters and verses or quote passages of Scripture, we want to explore the meaning of the Bible’s teachings and the significance of biblical faith. To do that, we learn to use the Bible’s footnotes and cross-references, as well as commentaries. We pay attention to the original context and languages. In our small groups, those with more experience can be helpful to those just starting out, encouraging each other to share what we are learning from the commentary and wrap-up lectures. We also pay attention to body language such as raised eyebrows or leaning forward to indicate a person wants to contribute to the discussion. Engaging each member in the group to the extent they are comfortable will promote competence and confidence.
As important as it is to learn the content and context of the Bible, it is most valuable to allow God’s Word to shape us as individuals and as faith communities. Certainly, we hear God’s Word proclaimed in our gathering for Eucharist. In addition, by sharing our insights, experiences, and prayer in smaller gatherings, we strengthen one another in faith and deepen the bonds of community. This goal alone is reason enough to create an atmosphere of trust, respectful of others’ experiences and struggles, mindful of not dominating the discussion, and coming together prepared and willing to contribute to the group’s growth. The content of the Bible was born in ancient times in believing communities guided by the Spirit. It is within the community of believers that God’s Word comes to life for every generation.
The Bible offers us a privileged place to encounter God. While we do the work of understanding its original settings and cultures, and wrestle with applying these ancient texts to our contemporary lives, God is at work within and among us. Our small group becomes a sacred place to explore how God is working in our lives, affirming our gifts, and smoothing out the rough interior roads that prevent us from encountering the Divine in our midst. Our group’s encouragement and mutual sharing helps us to embrace this important spiritual work, this process of maturing in discipleship.

I encourage you this fall to recommit yourself to the process of studying the Bible with others. Be assured that as you explore the Bible together, you are accompanying each other on a journey that is worthy of your best efforts.

Catherine (Cackie) Upchurch is the former director of Little Rock Scripture Study and the general editor of the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible. In her retirement, she cares for her mother and continues to write, teach, and offer occasional retreats. Cackie is the author of a variety of Alive in the Word books, including Hospitality, Welcoming the Stranger and Christmas, Season of Wonder and Hope.

It’s time for Fall Bible Study!

Many of you are starting fall Bible study sessions this month or next. You are in our prayers as your small groups reconvene, spending time with one another and God’s Word. Let us know how we can support you and what you are studying! You can reach Amy Ekeh at aekeh001@litpress.org.

Facilitator Pro-Tip: Splitting lessons into two sessions

We’ve recently had several calls from facilitators asking what we think about groups dividing individual lessons into two sessions. We think it’s a great idea! If your group would like less reading each week and more time to discuss the questions and pray together, this may be a very practical solution for you. Simply decide in advance how you will divide the reading and questions for each session. Another option is to meet every other week so group members have more time to prepare between sessions.

LRSS Fall Catalog

Have you received your Fall 2023 Little Rock Scripture Study catalog in the mail? If you do not receive a paper copy and would like to be on our mailing list, you can sign up here. Or you can view our digital version here. Check out our newest studies: The Holy Spirit in the Bible by Fr. George Smiga, and Scripture and the Rosary by Cliff Yeary.

Coming in 2024!

We’re excited to announce the upcoming release of our 50th Anniversary Studies: Women in the New Testament by Catherine Cory (coming in January 2024), and Women in the Old Testament by Irene Nowell with updates and essays by Jaime Waters (coming in August 2024). Both studies will have all-new videos with both fresh and familiar faces. You can preview Women in the New Testament by viewing the free Introductory Lecture here (see “View Introductory Lecture” under book image).