Establishing a Small Group

Recently a very lovely and dynamic young woman asked if she could be a part of a discipleship group with me! My initial response was one of surprise, I was not prepared for her question. As I prepared to answer her my thoughts rushed around to format an encouraging, discerning and wise response. I wondered what she understood the word discipleship to mean. Did she know it meant an eagerness in sanctification through accepting the Word of God to be sufficient for life and godliness? Did she know discipleship meant submission, obedience, and faithfulness – faithfulness in following hard after the Lord Jesus Christ trusting that His spirit would transform us more and more into His likeness?

In order to encourage her and remain open to the Lord’s possible leading in this, and His possible want of me discipling her as well as a few other women in her community I suggested we meet for coffee. I encouraged her to bring a friend along in order to make it more comfortable for her. A few days later I sent her an email of encouragement including an article on the sufficiency of Scripture and why it mattered how we read the Bible. It explained how we are to interpret what is written to correctly understand what the Lord was saying to us.

I have not received a response. Even so, I considered the principles we should practice when considering starting a small group for discipleship in a community where Bible teaching has not been strong.

1. What is your general understanding through Biblical evaluation of the church in your community?

2. Do they practice true Biblical discipleship?

3. Evaluate carefully and critically

4. Be kind and encouraging, discern realities before committing

5. Befriend them to ascertain their sincere interest

6. Only when you understand their true interest can you commit to them

7. Be prepared for failure, their interest may not mean they are committed

8. Have a plan, have a purpose, know where and how you will lead and disciple them – don’t give them room to criticize Christ because of your lack of preparation

• Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish (Psalm 1:1-6).

• In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame (1 Peter 3:15-16).

#discipleship #discernment #smallgroup #leading