How To Lead a DiSCiPLe Group

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How to Lead a DiSCiPLe Group

Whether you're meeting one-on-one, with a family, or with a small group, we use a simple, reproducible format called DiSCiPLe. The letters D, SC, and PL create a consistent rhythm for every meeting:  Debrief → SCripture → PLan

This pattern keeps every gathering focused on:

• Celebrating what God is doing.

• Discovering God's Word together.

• Taking the next step of obedience.

D — Debrief

Begin by talking about what has happened since your last meeting. Celebrate what God is doing and review last week's PLan.

Ask questions like:

• What are you thankful for?

• How have you seen God at work?

• How did it go with your Follow and Fish goals?

Follow: My next step of obedience.
Fish: A person I am helping follow Jesus.

SC — Scripture

Read the Bible passage together (reading it twice, using different translations, is often helpful).

Instead of teaching a lesson, guide everyone to discover what God is saying through His Word.

Ask questions like:

• What stands out to you?

• What does this teach us about God?

• What does this teach us about people?

Encourage everyone to participate. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead people into truth.

PL — Plan

Finish every meeting by responding to God's Word.

Ask:

• Follow: What is one step of obedience God is asking me to take this week?

• Fish: Who is one person I will pray for, care for, share with, or help follow Jesus this week?

Close by praying for one another.

Simple Guidelines

• Stay focused on the Scripture for that meeting.

• Help people discover truth instead of giving lectures.

• Ask, "Where do you see that in today's passage?" whenever discussion drifts away from the text.

• Remember that the Holy Spirit is the Teacher.

• Aim for obedience, not just information.

• Encourage every disciple to help someone else follow Jesus.

Practical Tips

• Meet once each week.

• Study one passage of Scripture per meeting.

• Encourage everyone to participate.

• End every meeting with a clear Follow and Fish plan.

• As people begin helping others follow Jesus, encourage them to start a new DiSCiPLe group rather than simply adding people to yours. Continue coaching and encouraging them as they disciple others, following the multiplication pattern of 2 Timothy 2:2 "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."