WHAT ARE
DISCIPLESHIP
GROUPS?
HOW TO START A GROUP
1
If you are interested in starting a discipleship group, the first step is to invite people. We suggest groups of 3-4 men or women. Begin by praying for God to lead you to the right people (Luke 6:12-13). If you are in a Life Group, we encourage you to begin with the relationships you already have established.
2
What do discipleship groups do? The process is simple: pick a Bible reading plan, journal your reflections every day, and gather a few times a month to discuss how God is shaping your life through His Word. Imagine three or four people sitting around a table, engaged in a spiritual conversation with Bibles and journals open. Groups will also focus on Scripture memorization, care, and accountability.
3
The goal of discipleship is to make disciples. After 12-18 months of discussing and applying Scripture together, we hope that the members of your group are prepared to lead a group of their own. Begin with this goal in mind, and take intentional steps to make more disciples.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
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DISCIPLESHIP TOOLKIT
We want your group to thrice. That’s why we put together Bible reading plans, observation questions, and accountability questions.
FAQs
Small groups of 3-4 men or women committed to meeting together for a determined period of time to read, apply, and memorize Scripture. The goal is to see disciples making disciple-making disciples.
Most discipleship groups meet every week or every other week. Ideally, groups would consider meeting weekly for up to one year before multiplying. However, if you can only commit to a few months, we strongly encourage you to start a discipleship group today. It’s never a bad time to start reading the Bible with other believers.
Anywhere you can focus and share with each other. A coffee shop, someone’s home, or one of the many places available at the Church. If you plan on meeting at the church regularly, contact the office to reserve a space!
Life Groups consist of 6-15 people discussing sermons or books. These are slightly larger groups of men and women that share life together. Discipleship groups consist of 3-4 people of the same gender who focus on reading Scripture together and holding each other accountable to personal holiness. Many discipleship groups are formed within Life Groups.
Discipleship groups typically meet for 60-90 minutes. The members pray for one another, review Scripture memory, and discuss the Bible reading for the week. This is most effective when each member of the group is on the same Bible reading plan. The leader will help the members of the group apply the Scripture to the specific needs of the group. See the appendix for a list of accountability questions.
We love that you want to start a group! Pray about who you may invite and consider those who agree meet for the duration and who will commit to reading Scripture with you. When 3-4 people have agreed, register your group at the link above.
We would encourage you to prayerfully consider whether this is an opportunity to step into a leadership role. If leading a group is not an option, consider asking an older Christian to start a group. If you are in a life group, ask your Life Group leader. If you want to join a life group, visit abfboone.org/groups.
No. The only requirement to lead a group is that you are seriously following Jesus. The goal is to see more people reading and applying the Bible together.
When the members of your group are ready to begin a group of their own, we encourage you to multiply. The beauty of discipleship groups is that anyone can do this.
No. The goal is to see people reading the Bible together. However, if you do register your group, you will receive resources and learn about training opportunities.