My concept of Spiritual Growth Groups is taken from Neil Cole's book, Cultivating a Life for God (cover photo pictured on the left).

Put simply, a Spiritual Growth Group is composed of 2-3 adults of the same sex. Individuals in the group commit to meet together once a week for approximately an hour at a time. The purpose of these meetings is to encourage each other to read the Bible, hold each other accountable for their actions, and to pray regularly.

These types of groups have been given many different names, but I like to call this activity a Spiritual Growth Group, or SG2 for short. 

Introduction

The concept of building each other up in personal community is a biblical mandate (Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25; James 5:16).

Historically, some of the most influential religious movements in Christianity--like the early Methodists and the German Pietists-- used something akin to spiritual growth groups to help their members mature in their faith. Somewhere along the way the church neglected this important ministry tool. Fortunately, many Christians today want to improve their walk with God and are interested in learning how a small, accountability group can help them grow spiritually. Read on to discover more about my version of a Spiritual Growth Group and the benefits it provides.

Goals

• Encourage Regular Bible Reading

• Facilitate Personal Accountability

• Develop a Heart for Prayer

Spiritual Disciplines Involved

• Meditation on Scripture

• Prayer

• Confession of Sins

• Quiet Time

• Discipleship

What Participants Will Gain

• Spiritual Friendships

• A Safe Place for Accountability and Confession

• Increased Biblical Knowledge

• An Opportunity to Reflect on One's Life

• A Greater Concern for Others

• A Deepening of One's Faith

Assumptions

A Spiritual Growth Group (SG2) is not just another ministry option. Instead, it represents a confession by the believer that he or she has not been growing in their fellowship with God as much as they desire. Moreover, it is a realization that he or she will not be able to fully grow without encouragement and accountability from other believers. It is the commitment to partner on a weekly basis with one or two other Christians who agree to work together to build each other up.

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An SG2 is only successful when participants accept that they will have to make room in their busy schedules for spiritual growth. Like a physical exercise program, an SG2 requires regular dedication to activities that are not always easy or convenient.

Paul the Apostle reminds us in 1 Timothy 4:7-8 that training oneself in godliness results in great personal benefit. By agreeing to be part of an SG2 the participant is committing to a new type of spiritual training that can help them become a deeper more confident follower of Christ.