What is a Small Christian Community and How to Start One
- Written by: Frank Callus
What is a Small Christian Community and How to Start One
October 21, 2026
Sponsored by Spirit Unbounded, We Are Church Int'l,
Catholic Church Reform Int'l and Int'l Church Reform Network
Small Christian Communities (SCCs) are small groups who gather regularly—usually in homes, online, or parish settings—to live and deepen their faith together. They are sometimes called Small Christian Communities, Basic Ecclesial Communities, Basic Christian Communities, or Small Faith Communities, depending on the country and context. A SCC is more than a Bible-study or social group. Ideally, it becomes a small expression of the Church itself—a community where people pray, read Scripture, share their faith and life experiences, and respond to the needs of one another.
A typical community might include 8–15 people in varied formats:
- sharing their insights into the coming Sunday readings in their homes or online.
- gathering in parish centers to share their faith, build lay leadership, or search for ways to build a synodal community.
- University settings with young people sharing their concerns on social and environmental justice issues and offering support for various life issues they face.
- a Eucharistic community where they celebrate the liturgy, have dialogue homilies, and break bread together.
Read more: What is a Small Christian Community and How to Start One
Synodality Lab
- Written by: Alex Walker
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