The large church hasn't always existed throughout history—but the small group has. If you had to decide between doing large church or small groups, you could very well end up deciding that the more biblical model is the latter.

Here's a thought: Do a study of Exodus 18, especially verses 13-27. You’ll read there about another "senior pastor" (Moses) who was on the verge of collapse from overwork (feeling his pain yet?). Moses' father-in law, Jethro, spent a very long day watching Moses in action, then came up with a strategic idea that changed Israel forever: Divide everyone into groups of ten, then appoint capable leaders over those smaller groups.

While this idea isn't rocket science—well, perhaps it is to those of us who are like Moses and try to do everything ourselves—there are some very important principles imbedded here that should also be considered. Beyond the obvious ones of spiritual formation and discipleship (which, in themselves, are great ones), consider these benefits to your church:

1. Small groups are the most efficient way to do congregational care. Moses was exhausted from ministering to people, and in turn the people were dissatisfied because their "pastor" was stretched too thin. Not only are effective small groups the best way for people to share their lives and needs, but they maximize the amount of care your church you can give. If you care for your congregation—and what good shepherd doesn't?—divide your camp into care groups so they can receive quality care on an individual, as-needed basis.

2. Small groups are the best way to train leaders. Small groups give you the best vehicle for discovering and raising up quality lay pastors already in your midst, through on-the-job training. If a group succeeds, consider its leader for other leadership roles or as a trainer of other leaders. It's my belief that every board member should first have proven his or herself by leading a small group for at least a year—the ins and outs, ups and downs of your group are a microcosm of church life in general.

3. Small groups provide friendships and community. Sometimes when I visit a church, I look at a worship service and wonder, "Why do people come here?" Then it hits me, "It’s the community, stupid!" People who grow spiritually usually don’t attend a church primarily because of the worship, preaching, or youth programs—they do so because it’s a place to belong. You can’t really "belong" in a church of more than 100 (the average-sized church in America), but you can in a group of 10. If you want quality stick-to-itiveness in your church, elevate your small groups.

4. Small groups grow intergenerational and family life. As you study the Bible, you discover that the primary vehicle of spiritual formation was the family, not organized worship structures. It was the responsibility of parents to instill scriptures and holy practices into the lives of their kids. Small groups are especially good for families—it allows them to be in Christian community outside the walls of the church, where you can do life together, coach marriages together, and swap parenting skills together. This is one of the most important yet underrated benefits of small groups.

While it is easy to take these values for granted, those of us who are pastors need to rethink the importance of giving small groups top priority in our churches. Good groups don’t just happen; they require a lot of effort—and just as you get a few going great, a few begin to wobble. But when small groups become a part of your church culture, you've taken your church to the next level spiritually. You cannot be what God wants you to be as a pastor if you’re not taking Jethro’s advice to Moses seriously, by making sure your congregation is divided into cared-for groups.

Don't forget either that Jesus based most of his ministry around a group of twelve. Rethink how much effort you place in casting vision and developing those who lead your small groups. It's a vital part of growing a healthy church.