Most small group leaders have as their responsibility to “lead a small group.” In most churches the inference is that the small group leader will host a weekly gathering where there is bible study, prayer, and an open, authentic life-transforming conversation. The group leader is also responsible for making sure no need goes unmet and connecting group members through social gatherings between meetings when possible. If a church wants to raise the bar to a level many believe is the true reason the church exists and the reason small groups should exist, the goal of every small group leader becomes the making of mature disciples who make disciples.
In order for this to happen a few necessities must be in place.
- The church leaders must create an environment where making disciples who make disciples is the DNA of the church.
- Every small group leader needs to have been discipled so that they instinctively and strategically do what they have seen done when making disciples themselves.
- Every small group leader must be aware of the stages of spiritual maturity, the markers in each stage, and what is necessary to take someone to the next level of maturity.
- Every small group leader must model the life of a mature disciple.
- Every small group leader must consistently affirm the growth they are seeing in each group member so that group members remain motivated to continue on what would seem to many as a journey into fanaticism.
- Every small group leader should, when possible, invite a small group member in process to join them when they are ministering to others.
- Small group members need to agree that the goal for their lives is to be more than a church member, rather that they become a mature, reproducing disciple of Jesus Christ.
- Small group members must commit to do their part in the process so that they become mature followers of Christ and someday make disciples themselves.
- Small group meetings should include opportunities for persons other than the group leader to take on a role or carry out a responsibility in sync with the group members stage of spiritual growth.
- Every small group leader must be taught how to empower group members as they set them free to make disciples themselves.
If you want to read what I believe to be one of the premiere books on making disciples through small groups get a copy of Real Life Discipleship by Jim Putman. You’ll have the entire plan in your hands and will find other supplementary resources that will make it possible for you to create a church that makes disciples who make disciples.
