Small Groups
Small Groups (SmallGroups.com), a digital ministry platform operated by Christianity Today, provides subscription-based Bible studies, training tools, and curriculum resources to small group leaders, pastors, and church members across U.S. Christian communities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersCarol Stream, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What Small Groups does
Small Groups (SmallGroups.com) is a digital ministry training platform and content library operated by Christianity Today, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Carol Stream, United States. The platform serves small group leaders, ministry directors, pastors, and individual church members within Christian churches and faith communities, providing curriculum, training resources, and practical guidance for running small group ministries. Its product is organized around four content pillars — Build Your Ministry (vision, team-building, organization), Train Your Leaders (recruiting and developing leaders), Lead Your Group (meeting facilitation, trust-building), and Bible Studies (a library of hundreds of studies) — supplemented by training tools, video courses, books, a podcast, icebreakers, ministry models, and a free weekly newsletter.
The underlying technology is a web-based content platform and membership management system. The platform has no mobile app, no public API, no disclosed SDK or integrations, and no proprietary AI features. Distribution is digital-first through SmallGroups.com and cross-promoted via the broader Christianity Today network of newsletters, websites, and social channels.
The business model combines recurring revenue from membership subscriptions (Annual Plan for individuals and Multi-User Plan for teams/groups) with one-time revenue from an A La Carte online store selling Bible studies, training tools, books, and courses, plus physical product sales (e.g., 10-pack book bundles, orientation guides). Prices are not publicly disclosed. Go-to-market is product-led growth combined with community-led engagement: free content marketing, SEO, newsletter captures, podcast, and social media drive organic inbound traffic in a niche where paid acquisition channels are limited. The entity is a nonprofit subsidiary, not an independent venture-backed company, with no disclosed funding rounds, acquisitions, or M&A activity.
Small Groups firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Small Groups
- Legal name
- Christianity Today
- Website
- https://smallgroups.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Small Groups (SmallGroups.com), a digital ministry platform operated by Christianity Today, provides subscription-based Bible studies, training tools, and curriculum resources to small group leaders, pastors, and church members across U.S. Christian communities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Small Groups industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Christian Ministry Training Resources
- NAICS
- Religious Organizations (8131)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)
Keywords
Where Small Groups is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Carol Stream
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Small Groups business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Membership Subscriptions: Annual and Multi-User subscription plans providing full access to Bible studies, Training Tools, and articles. Recurring revenue model with individual and team pricing tiers.
- A La Carte Store Purchases: One-time purchases of Bible studies, Training Tools, books, and courses without requiring a membership subscription.
- Physical Products: Sale of physical books and training materials through the online store, including 10-pack bundles and orientation guides.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Annual Plan for individual access |
| Subscription | Annual | Multi-User Plan for team/group access |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | A La Carte individual purchases |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Small Groups product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Small Groups operates a web-based ministry training platform (SmallGroups.com) providing hundreds of Bible studies, training tools (video courses and leader programs), books, and ministry resources for small group leaders, pastors, and ministry directors. Content is organized around four pillars: Build Your Ministry, Train Your Leaders, Lead Your Group, and Bible Studies. Access is delivered via individual Annual Plan subscriptions, Multi-User Plan team subscriptions, or A La Carte purchases through an online store.
Product overview
Small Groups (SmallGroups.com) is a ministry training platform operated by Christianity Today, offering a subscription-based content library and e-commerce platform for small group and ministry leaders. The core product is organized around four interconnected pillars: Build Your Ministry (vision casting and organizational growth), Train Your Leaders (leader development), Lead Your Group (facilitation skills), and Bible Studies (curriculum library). The platform offers hundreds of Bible studies as both subscription content and individual purchases, plus training tools including video courses, programs, and books available through the online store. Additional resources include a podcast, ministry models, icebreakers, and articles. The platform is accessible via individual Annual Plan or Multi-User Plan subscriptions, or through individual A La Carte purchases from the store.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Bible Studies Library Collection of hundreds of high-quality Bible studies available for subscription members and individual A La Carte purchase. Covers topical and seasonal themes (e.g., Lent, Easter) for small groups and individual study.
- Reboot Your Ministry Video Course Video-based training course providing expert advice on assessing ministry, developing strategy, and overcoming obstacles. Designed for ministry directors and pastors seeking to revitalize their small group program.
- Small-Group Leader Training Program Foundational training program designed to set a firm foundation for new small-group leaders. Available as a standalone training resource through the platform.
- Lent Meditations A 40-day Lenten Bible study featuring daily Scripture passages, activities, and reflection questions. Targeted at individuals and small groups observing the Lenten season.
- The Cross – LifeGuide Bible Study Bible study by John Stott exploring how the cross transforms everything for believers. Offered as a standalone Bible study in the library.
- The Essential Guide for Small Group Leaders – Second Edition (10-pack) Comprehensive guide for small group leaders, available as a 10-pack bundle in the online store. Designed to equip multiple leaders within a church or ministry.
- Vibrant Small Groups Book resource focused on creating vibrant and engaged small groups. Sold through the online store.
- Small-Group Director Orientation Guide Orientation guide for small group directors covering essential administrative and leadership topics. Designed for newly appointed directors overseeing a ministry program.
- Making a Difference in Your Community Resource helping small groups make a meaningful impact in their local communities. Aimed at small group leaders seeking outreach and community-engagement guidance.
- Small Groups Podcast Conversations with seasoned ministry practitioners on how to make disciples. Available via the website and YouTube, providing expert insights and building authority in the ministry space.
Companies that use Small Groups
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Small Groups technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Small Groups partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Small Groups competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Faithlife (Logos Bible Software): Digital Bible study software and content platform with subscription tools for individuals and churches; overlaps with Small Groups on Bible study content delivery and church/multi-user licensing.
- Bible Gateway: Free online Bible reading and study resource owned by HarperCollins Christian Publishing; a partial substitute for entry-level study needs and a competing top-of-funnel Bible study destination.
Broad incumbents
- LifeWay Christian Resources: Publishing and retail arm of the Southern Baptist Convention offering Bible studies, books, curriculum, and digital tools across adult, youth, and children's ministry; broader portfolio but overlapping Bible study and small group offerings.
- Christianbook.com (CBD): Large online retailer of Christian books, Bibles, and ministry resources including small group studies; competes on A La Carte purchases of books and Bible studies Small Groups also sells through its store.
- Tyndale House Publishers: Major Christian publisher producing Bibles, Bible studies (including the LifeGuide series referenced on Small Groups), and ministry books; supplies content into similar channels and overlaps on study curriculum.
Direct peers
- RightNow Media: Streaming video Bible study and ministry training platform that serves churches with subscription-based access to thousands of video resources, directly competing with Small Groups for small group leader curriculum and training budgets.
- Group Publishing: Publisher specializing in Sunday school, small group, and youth ministry curriculum and resources, with comparable Bible study and leader training products targeting the same ministry customer base.
- Bible Study Fellowship (BSF): International, interdenominational Bible study organization offering structured small-group Bible study classes; comparable in audience (adult small group participants) and Bible-study-led engagement model.
- Serendipity House: Long-standing small group ministry publisher producing Bible studies and discussion guides; comparable in product type and small-group focus, though primarily print/curriculum rather than subscription digital.
Others
- The Navigators: International Christian ministry focused on discipleship and Bible study, including small group and 1-on-1 study models; adjacent rather than direct competitor but operates in the same small-group discipleship space.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Small Groups social profiles
Digital presenceSmall Groups financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Small Groups leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Small Groups funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Small Groups M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Small Groups
What does Small Groups do?
Small Groups operates a web-based ministry training platform (SmallGroups.com) providing hundreds of Bible studies, training tools (video courses and leader programs), books, and ministry resources for small group leaders, pastors, and ministry directors. Content is organized around four pillars: Build Your Ministry, Train Your Leaders, Lead Your Group, and Bible Studies. Access is delivered via individual Annual Plan subscriptions, Multi-User Plan team subscriptions, or A La Carte purchases through an online store.
Is Small Groups a public or private company?
Small Groups is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Small Groups founded?
Small Groups was founded in -1. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Small Groups based?
Small Groups is headquartered in Carol Stream, United States, in the North America region.
How does Small Groups make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Membership Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are A La Carte Store Purchases and physical Products.
Who are Small Groups's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Faithlife (Logos Bible Software) and Bible Gateway. Broad incumbents are LifeWay Christian Resources, Christianbook.com (CBD) and Tyndale House Publishers. Direct peers are RightNow Media, Group Publishing, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and Serendipity House. The Navigators is listed as an others.
Does Small Groups have an API?
No public API is recorded for Small Groups.
What industry is Small Groups in?
Small Groups's product category is Christian Ministry Training Resources. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAJAD, Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis), with a secondary code of BPAGAJAA, Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues). Its NAICS code is 8131 and its SIC code is 8200.