"Our goal should not simply be to 'get people into small groups'. Unless Christians are taught and trained to meet with each other, to read the Bible and pray with each other, and to urge and spur one another on to love and good works, the small-group structure will not be effective for spiritual growth. People may get to know each other in small groups, feel a sense of togetherness and community, develop warm friendships, and be more bound in to regular attendance and involvement in the church as a result - but none of these things amounts to growth in the gospel "
Colin Marshall & Tony Payne, The Trellis and the Vine