Can small groups “mix” churches? Should they? Or does it hurt unity, depth, and discipleship?

In this episode of the Crossline Community Podcast, Pastor Jordan Gash tackles a real-world issue every group leader eventually faces: What do I do when someone joins our group… but doesn’t attend our church?

Drawing from Scripture, small group leadership experience, and real tensions Jordan has walked through, this episode explores why this issue exists and how the early church faced similar challenges. Jordan addresses the dilemmas mixed-church groups navigate such as denominational differences, church culture differences, alignment issues, different weekly experiences, awkwardness, shallow connection, and the challenge of depth when group members aren’t embedded in the same church community.

He also highlights the unexpected benefits such as broader reach, the “big-C Church” unity perspective, fresh ideas from different church traditions, and how multiple teaching influences can deepen biblical insight.

Jordan walks through the disadvantages honestly and helps leaders understand when mixed-church dynamics become a barrier to connection and spiritual growth.

He then shares his pastoral answer on whether group leaders should allow mixed-church participation, when it’s wise, when it may be limiting, and how to handle these situations with grace, unity, and clarity. He also speaks directly to small group pastors on how to guide leaders through this without division or legalism.

The episode ends with Jordan’s blessing from Philippians 1:9–11, praying for love, discernment, and depth of insight for every listener.

This episode is helpful for small group leaders, group pastors, anyone navigating community in a multi-church environment, and churches wanting clarity on group alignment.

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Something powerful happens when we shift our focus from creating resources to investing in people. After seven years of developing nine comprehensive small group curriculum packages, we're taking a bold new direction at Crossline Community Church for 2025.

The revelation came through a simple question: What if we redirected the many hours typically spent on writing books, filming videos, and creating materials toward personally investing in each of our small group leaders instead? What if, rather than giving them another fish (curriculum), we taught them how to fish more effectively?

Small groups occupy a strategic position in ministry—meeting in homes, coffee shops, and neighborhoods where people who might never enter a church building are willing to engage. As one person told me bluntly, "I'll never go to church with you, but I will sit with you at a coffee shop and talk about the Bible." This presents an extraordinary opportunity for gospel advancement when leaders are properly equipped and empowered.

Our new approach combines relational investment with practical resources. We're building an online library of concise training videos (7-10 minutes each) addressing specific leadership challenges while prioritizing face-to-face mentoring, encouragement, and prayer with each leader. The theme—"Let's Go Fishing"—calls us back to Jesus' original invitation to become fishers of men.

This isn't about abandoning structure but embracing a higher purpose. When believers move beyond curriculum-following to active disciple-making, exponential kingdom growth becomes possible. Whether you lead a small group at Crossline or elsewhere, I invite you to consider your role in God's grand narrative. How might your group become a beacon of Christ's love in your community? The harvest awaits—let's go fishing together.

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Small groups provide a unique space for communal growth, fostering deep relationships among participants. Through questions sourced from Reddit, we explore various experiences within small groups and how to enhance engagement, navigate challenges, and revive group dynamics.

• Importance of feeling connected in smaller vs. larger churches
• Couples navigating group participation together vs. separately
• Value of community and personal growth in small groups
• Suggestions for fostering relationships without formal ministries
• Differences between small groups and Bible study groups
• Strategies for addressing oversharing or imbalances in group discussions
• Ideas for revitalizing stagnant small group experiences through outreach and service

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