Man enjoys smallest small group

WESTCHESTER — Stu Clark belongs to what is believed to be the smallest small group in America: himself. "I meet at my house every week in the living room," he says. "I bring snacks and my Bible, and after some chit-chat I get down to discussing that week's reading, sharing my burdens, my praise reports. Then I pray for myself." He enjoys the intimacy he has gained with himself over the weeks, he says. "There was a lot about me I didn't know," he says. "The small group setting brings out those personal details you might not otherwise share." He has tried larger small groups, but doesn't get as much from them. "When you have to be social, it detracts from your real heart issues," he says. "Having other people in the picture complicates things. But I can deepen my relationship with myself much better if it's only me. There's a level of closeness you have when it's just one of you." Stu's pastor has seen a marked difference in the man. "He's definitely matured in his faith since starting the group," the pastor says. "I guess it's not the group size that matters, but the quality of the people in it." • - LARK NEWS