The meaning of life is relationships.

One thing we do really well in church is protect any community we have. This is because we long for relationships, we value the connections we make, and we will keep anything from interrupting those relationships.

This is beautiful, but it often may become a block for House Churches from growing missionally. When we feel safe with others we feel like we can become more vulnerable with one another, and when that happens it becomes harder for strangers to enter into that space.

For years, House Churches have become the space where deep relationships have been cultivated. However, they are also called to go out and bring Jesus to the lost and the lost to Jesus. Yet, when we are protective of those spaces, it can hinder us from living out our fullest purpose!

This is where Discipleship Group begins.

Discipleship Groups are made up of three to five men or women who meet regularly to engage in transformational questions and to pray for one another.

As a House Church Leader, you are not above needing community, vulnerable relationships, and accountability.

My desire is that everyone in house churches will find a discipleship group that fosters deep connections that transcend the House Church gathering.

Before our next Family Night find other HC Leaders in your region to connect with and form a discipleship group. If you need help connecting with others email michael@garden.church.

Explore this resource below to give you a simple framework on how to structure your gatherings. We will talk about these groups further together at our next dinner.

Learn more

DISCIPLESHIP MEETING FORMAT

Opening

Group prayer adapted from Ephesians 5:14 and 3:14-19.

Questions

1. How is it with your soul?
2. What are your struggles and successes?
3. How might the Spirit and Scriptures be speaking in your life?

WHEN YOU ARE READY TO GO DEEPER...

4. Do you have any sin that you want to confess?
5. Are there any secrets or hidden things you would like to share?

Closing

Group prayer adapted from Ephesians 3:20-21

The Seven Commitments

  1. Respect the clock: Do your best to share within 15-20 minutes.

  2. Challenge by choice: You have permission to skip a question at any time.

  3. No cross-talk: Don't give advice or interrupt.

  4. One Counselor (come Holy Spirit): Listen and pay attention to how the Holy Spirit might prompt you to pray.

  5. Comfort with empathy: Hold space for others with open hearts. Rather than offering pity or sympathy, show up and tune in- bless, encourage, and build up.

  6. Community of grace: When someone confesses sin, pardon by saying, "In the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven." If someone shares a secret, thank them for their courage and never judge.

  7. Strictly confidential: Never share another person's comments outside of the group.

DISCIPLESHIP GROUP Q&A’S

  • Discipleship Groups are neither a lifelong commitment, nor a half-hearted commitment.

    When starting a discipleship group, invite others to regularly meet for at least 6-12 months. This is to maintain a level of consistency and vulnerability with one another.

    Regularly give the group space to assess if the group needs to continue, take a break, or stop altogether.

  • Any group has a level of exclusivity. However, we can use discernment when talking about a discipleship group.

    As these groups are around being vulnerable and transparent, there will be a level of intimacy and depth created between participants. That is okay, and we do not need to feel guilty for that.

    We should make sure however that we make time to be with those who are outside of our discipleship groups, whether it is at a Family Gathering or by participating in a more inclusive outing with others.

    Be intentional to not allow the discipleship groups to become your new center of gravity, allow House Churches to be.

  • Confessing sins, bearing the burdens of one another, and praying for one another is not something optional for us as disciples. That is why we prioritize being with one another.

    However, our schedules don’t always allow for another thing to commit to.

    Feel free to incorporate a version of a discipleship group in your family gatherings.

    Find a regular rhythm (once a month) of having your House Church split into smaller groups where people can practice the principles of Discipleship Groups. This way it isn’t another thing to do, but it is something that can be synchronized with your current commitments.