Philosophy of small group discipleship

Small groups are the key to disciple development within the local church.  There are three primary means of spiritual growth in the life of a Christian and all three will effectively happen through a healthy, well-led, and purposeful small group.

1.   Spiritual growth happens through Christian community.  The Bible describes numerous “one anothers” that require active and mutual service among Christians living in community.  Proverbs (27:17) describes this as “iron sharpening iron.”  Small groups are a place where this sharpening happens.

2.   Spiritual growth happens through circumstances.  James chapter one tells us that trials are to be expected and embraced for the purpose of spiritual growth.  We will never attain maturity without trials and we will never attain maturity if we give up hope and faith in the middle of a trial.  Small groups provide the support that people need to endure through their trial with faith and hope intact.

3.   Spiritual growth happens through the study and application of God’s Word.  This is the sign of wisdom and maturity described in many places in the Bible.  Without knowing the Scriptures we can’t obey, but knowledge without obedience leads to pride.  The small group can be an effective place for learning God’s Word and a place where accountability leads to application and spiritual growth.

In some groups, one or two of these elements may be identified as the primary purpose of the group, but all three should be on the mind of the well–trained leader who wants to see spiritual growth in his group.  Regardless of the stated identity of a given small group, a qualified and trained leader can intentionally integrate the three elements of spiritual growth into any group of disciples. 

I tend to classify small groups into one of three categories based on their distinctive issue or purpose that identifies and gathers them…Cause Groups (missional, or ministry teams, or support groups, etc.), Community Groups (neighborhood, age or life-stage specific, sub-culture, etc.), and Content Groups (Bible studies, leadership training, theology classes, etc.)  In each of these groups, the leader looks beyond the stated purpose in order to optimize the teachable moments for his members along the way.