Community groups: growing or groaning?

I'm in the middle of a research project on spiritual formation in community groups. I've got *tons* of how-to-books written by "experts" on the subject, complimented by way too many "lack of success" stories.

I'm looking for first source success stories. Do you have one? Has your small group or community group been the place each week where you have personally grown in your walk as a disciple of Christ? Have rich encounters with the Living Christ been facilitated specifically by a small group of people with whom you are regularly involved?

Please post a comment, or if your story is too long, e-mail me by clicking on the "fan mail for flounders" link in the top right hand corner of the blog...