Small groups have proven to be one of the most effective ways for churches to nurture relationships, foster community, and inspire spiritual growth. Pastor Steve Robinson of Church of the King has long been an advocate for small groups, and his work with the Association of Related Churches (ARC) has helped many church planters incorporate this model into their ministries.
Recently, Robinson and ARC President Dino Rizzo spoke about how small groups can be a driving force in church growth and why they are essential for building healthy congregations.
The Role of Small Groups in Church Ministry
For Robinson, the power of small groups lies in their ability to create a more intimate setting for individuals to connect, share, and grow in their faith. When discussing his approach to church ministry, Robinson often tells others, “Our heart has been to reach people and build lives.” Small groups provide a space where this vision can flourish, allowing church members to engage in deeper relationships and find support outside of larger weekend services.
As the Association of Related Churches knows, small groups represent a way for people to live out their faith in community. Robinson’s own church has seen how these groups allow members to experience personal care, biblical teaching, and meaningful friendships—all key factors in spiritual growth and church health.
ARC’s Vision for Supporting Churches
As part of his leadership role within the Association of Related Churches, Dino Rizzo has emphasized that small groups are central to helping churches grow and thrive. ARC exists to support church planters and pastors in their mission to create healthy, growing churches, and small groups are a cornerstone of that mission.
“We believe in the power of relationships,” Rizzo often notes. “It’s about bringing people together and building something that lasts.” This focus on relationships extends not just to church members but also to the leaders and pastors of ARC churches themselves. The Association of Related Churches encourages mentorship and networking between church planters and seasoned pastors, which fosters a culture where leaders can support one another.
Robinson echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for young pastors to connect with other leaders. “You’ve got to find a group—find somebody to come with you, to walk alongside you,” he advises. The relationships that the Association of Related Churches fosters among pastors and church leaders have created a network of support that allows churches to grow in both size and spiritual depth.
Providing Resources Through Small Group Curriculum
One of the challenges many pastors face when implementing small groups is finding the right resources to engage their congregation. Robinson has been passionate about helping churches overcome this challenge by creating and sharing small group curriculums covering topics that range from biblical studies to emotional health. His work in developing studies on biblical texts like Philippians and James has been instrumental for both his own church, others around the world, and churches connected to the Association of Related Churches.
Robinson believes that these resources are crucial, especially for young church planters who may feel overwhelmed with the demands of ministry. “Church planters are looking for mentors, models, and messages,” he says.
By offering a downloadable curriculum and small group resources through his platform, he helps church leaders provide their congregations with engaging, biblically sound content.
A Model for Future Growth
The Association of Related Churches continues to be a driving force in helping churches adopt and thrive with small group models. As Robinson and Rizzo emphasize, small groups foster an environment in which church-goers can experience real community. And they serve as a tool for churches to reach people on a deeper, more personal level.
This model has worked both for ARC churches in the United States and around the world. Whether through mentorship, resources, or simply providing a structure for personal connection, small groups are becoming an increasingly important part of church planting and growth strategies. For pastors looking to make an impact, building a culture of small groups is an essential step toward creating a thriving church.
About the Association of Related Churches (ARC):
The Association of Related Churches (ARC) represents a collaborative network comprising independent congregations from various denominations, networks, and backgrounds. Its primary mission is to provide essential support and resources to church planters and pastors, enabling them to effectively share the teachings of Jesus Christ. ARC’s operational approach revolves around empowering and equipping church leaders, thus helping them foster the widespread dissemination of Christ’s life-changing message. Established in 2000, the Association of Related Churches has evolved into a worldwide entity and has played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of over 1,000 new churches globally.
