Discipleship groups are a dynamic group of women who want to grow, be renewed in their relationship with God and be equipped to impact the lives of women through future discipleship groups. We will examine the foundations and disciplines of our faith,set lifelong habits of daily Bible reading/devotions and become committed to each other as a spiritual family. As we grow in the knowledge and love of our Lord, our priorities begin to change and God becomes the center and focus of all that we do. Discipleship groups form small “spiritual family” groups that rejoice, face challenges, pray, encourage, forgive and communicate with one another. They combine the ingredients of small group gatherings, worship, Bible study, sharing, prayer, and accountability. We will understand the process of discipleship, that is, as Anne Ortlund says, “You must be continually learning from someone who knows more than you do, and then you must be continually passing on what you know to someone who knows less.” This dynamic group of women will be practicing the “new commandment” (John13:34-35) that translates into authentic, biblical, love for one another. “A new command I give you: Love one another.As I have loved you, so you must love one another.By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” After spending a year in group discipleship, it is important that each member (with God’s help), start a disciple group the following September – May.You will be well trained and ready! Why do we need discipleship groups? Jesus set the model for disciples, learners that follow Him.He chose only twelve to spend time with Him in order to learn His ways, to learn about His character, and to learn what He wanted them to do.After He taught them Jesus sent them out to teach others beginning in their own area (Jerusalem). Discipleship groups are a way to spread rapidly the Good News about Jesus Christ. Who are in discipleship groups? Four to six women who desire to be committed followers and disciples (learners) of Jesus Christ are in a discipleship group. Where and when do the discipleship groups meet? We meet together once a week from September – May for two hours, either in a private home or at church.Over the summer from June – August, we do not meet together but continue to have our daily quiet time with the Lord in our homes. What is the format for a discipleship group? Even though the order is changed on a regular basis, there are five basic parts to the discipleship group format: worship, prayer, Bible study, sharing and accountability.
Worship is glorifying and praising God for who He is. We take our focus off ourselves by making it all about our Lord.
Prayer is essential and fundamental to the Christian life. We will learn to use God’s Word to structure prayer and become comfortable in our “conversations” with Him.
Bible Study will take a portion of Scripture and ask the questions: “Who are You, Lord?” and “What do you want me to do?” The group will be reading through the entire Bible during our year together. Sharing is simply doing an overview of the past week. As spiritual sisters, we will support and love each other through prayer and action.
Accountability will be done through a daily journal.As we read through the Bible, asking “Who are You, Lord?’ and “What do You want me to do?” brings our focus back to applying these truths to our lives. Group Discipleship is a rich opportunity to grow and mature in Christ with other women and prepares us to impact many lives by leading future groups.