I recently attended a breakout session at a conference where the speaker referenced research from Barna Group showing that if someone does not find a meaningful connection within six months, they are likely to leave the church. At the same time, research continues to reveal growing trends of isolation. When we look at the rise in anxiety and depression, it becomes clear that—perhaps now more than ever—people desperately need community. I believe that the pandemic in 2020 only intensified this problem of isolation, and we are still seeing its effects. People are searching for a place where they belong, where they are known, and where someone genuinely cares about them.

A Personal Reminder of Why Community Matters

Nearly 25 years ago, when my wife and I first got married, we moved to a city far from our parents and home churches. For the first time, we had to find a church on our own. We visited several congregations near our apartment but ultimately chose one that required a 25-minute drive. We stayed at that church because the preaching was biblical and the worship was meaningful—but the primary reason we joined was the community we found in our life group.

The first Sunday we visited a small group for young married couples, they were hosting a fellowship after church and invited us to attend. The class was led by an empty-nest couple who opened their home to everyone. We hesitated at first since it was our very first visit, but we decided to go. We were welcomed with warmth, laughter, and genuine hospitality. The leaders treated us like their own children. We never visited another class after that Sunday. Even today, though many of us have moved away, some of those relationships remain strong. Biblical teaching matters deeply—but community often determines whether people stay.

What the Research Shows

In 2024, Barna Group launched a study called Discipleship in Community. The research revealed a stark difference between small groups that intentionally cultivate a sense of family and belonging and those that do not.

When asked, “Does your church do a good job of building deep and meaningful community?”

• 68% of those in intentional groups said yes.
• Only 28% of other small group attendees said the same.

When asked, “Do you feel you are able to be authentically yourself in your church?”

• 66% of those in intentional groups said yes.
• Only 31% of other small group attendees said the same. 

Additionally, 71% of those in intentional groups said they want to help their church keep the priorities Jesus intended. The pattern is clear: intentional community makes a measurable difference.

What Intentional Community Looks Like

At the church where I serve, we call our small groups “Life Groups” because we want the people in them to truly do life together. We want to be intentional about building community. 

Some characteristics of intentional groups:

• Notice when someone is missing and reach out.
• Know what is happening in each other’s lives.
• Care for each other when sick or hospitalized. 
• Are vulnerable and share prayer requests and burdens. 

Recently, a couple had stopped attending church. In the same week, their assigned elder called them, a church member invited them to try their Life Group, and a member of our women’s advisory council checked in on them. The following Sunday, they returned. This is the goal of developing intentional community. 

I will never forget when our first child was born and ended up in the NICU. The couple who led our first small group came to the hospital. So did several class members. They were with us when we were scared and unsure of parenthood, especially with a premie. 

The Biblical Foundation for Community

When Paul wrote to the Ephesians about unity in the body of Christ, he said: “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16)

We need the body of Christ to grow. We need one another for encouragement and accountability. When one part of the body suffers, the whole body should feel it. I often tell our leaders that I hope they hear about a group member’s struggle before the ministerial staff does—because their relationships are that close.

The Role of Trusted Leaders

The Discipleship in Community study also found a significant difference in groups led by trusted leaders.

When asked:

• Would your group support you in a time of need?
  • 81% (trusted leaders) vs. 42% (others)
• Does your group feel like family?
  • 75% vs. 37%
• Is your group inviting to new people?
  • 75% vs. 37%
• Would your group support you if you had doubts about your faith?
  • 71% vs. 34%

Trusted leadership fosters safety. Safety fosters vulnerability. Vulnerability fosters growth.

The Danger of “Going Through the Motions”

These findings may seem obvious, but there is a real danger in simply “going through the motions.” A teacher may know how to prepare and deliver an excellent lesson—but not know how to shepherd people well. Small groups should be more than another sermon for people to sit through.

There should be interaction within the class, room for discussion and questions, shared life experiences, and relational growth. Community and discipleship are not competitors—they are partners. As relationships deepen, people become more like Christ together. And as groups grow stronger internally, they should also look outward—seeking those who are on the outside and need a place to belong. When we intentionally cultivate this kind of community, we begin to see the unity in Christ that Paul described—a body joined together, building itself up in love.

Drew Baum is the Adults Minister at Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Ridgeland, MS.