A Band of Sisters: The Impact of Long-term Small Group Participation: Forty Years in a Women's Prayer and Bible Study Group

Abstract

This article reports on a case study of a women's prayer and Bible study group that has met for over forty years. The report focuses on factors contributing to the group's longevity and vitality over time, how it changed over the years, and its impact on the lives of the women who participated in it. It also addresses how this long-term group survived the loss of members and leaders, how it has continued to be welcoming of new participants, and the perceived benefits and drawbacks of long-term groups compared with short-term groups. Ministry implications and questions for further research are raised.