Disciple-making Small Groups
Many churches are well-acquainted with small groups, however those small groups might not be effective at making disciples. Note this quote:
“Small groups don’t work. Small groups are things that trick us into believing that we’re serious about making disciples. The problem is that 90 % of small groups never produce one single disciple. They help Christians make shallow friendships, for sure. They’re great at helping Christians feel a tenuous connection to their local church…but when it comes to creating the kind of holistic disciples Jesus envisioned, the jury’s decision came back a long time ago – small groups just aren’t working” – Brian Jones
It is worthy re-thinking how we do small groups.
Other Models Based On Community
Realise too that other models of disciple-making centre on small groups or communities. See how the various approaches compare. What are the principles that each one holds or that are true to several approaches?
Disciple-making Small Groups
Pursue God Resources
Pursue God has produced these three videos to help small groups successfully make disciples. It is recommended that you go to their site for extra resources such as pdfs with discussion questions.
3 Components Of An Effective Discipleship Small Group - Jim Putman
Create A Disciple-making System In Your Church - Brian Phipps (Small Group Churches)
Disciple-Making Pastoral Care Within Small Groups - Sarie King (Effective Ministry)
Disciple-Making Small Groups - Reid Smith (Small Groups. com)
Discipleship Groups - (Effective Ministry)
How Small Groups And Personal Discipleship Can Work Together - (Disciple-making Stages)
How To Build Disciple Making Small Groups - Ken Adams (Impact Disciples)
How To Establish Intentional Disciple-Making Church Small Groups - All Together - several resources
Leading A Small Group And Making Disciples: Same Thing Or Not? - (Disciples Made)
Make More Disciples By Making Less - (Small Group Leadership)
Making Disciples - Steve Gladen (Small groups.com)
Making Disciples: The Purpose Of Small Groups - Joel Comisky (Joel Comisky Group)
Making Disciples Through Groups - Dr Tim S. Smith (Christian Index)
The Role Of Small Groups In Making Disciples - Rev canon John Hill (Liturgy and Mission)
Why Do Small Groups Exist? - Justin Gravitt
Why Small Groups Aren't Making Disciples - J. Morgan (Meet The Need)
Your Small Group Should be Making Disciples - Jeremy Linneman (The Gospel Coalition)
Join The Dots
There are many types of small group. Small groups are, in many ways, the ideal context in which to make disciples. There is huge potential but that potential is not always realised. To be successful in making disciples, a group needs certain characteristics. One way for the leaders of the small group to assess their disciple-making potential is to consider how their group might incorporate the disciple-making principles of Jesus.