Small Group Ministry Myth #2: Effective at Connecting and Ineffective at Discipling
Note: This is part 2 of a 5 part series. You can read part 1 right here.
I love the Discovery Channel show MythBusters. The show has a simple premise: The MythBusters team “proves and disproves urban legends and popular misconceptions using a signature style of explosive experimentation.” The myths and misconceptions that get tested range from the absurd (can you herd cats?) to the profound (could Luke Skywalker really swing himself and Leia across a chasm with only his belt-rigged grappling hook). Very fun.
But you know…sometimes I run across a small group ministry myth that really needs to be busted. You know what I’m talking about?
Here’s a look at the second small group ministry myth that needs busting (did you miss Myth #1? You can find it right here):
Myth #2: Small groups are an effective way to connect people but ineffective at making disciples
What do you think? Is that your experience? I think this myth was firmly established by two main ideologies/philosophies:
1. There is a group that wants us to believe that discipleship is something you do in rows. It's about learning about Jesus. It involves a curriculum. It is fill-in-the-blank. It is about information. It is not bad. And it is not the way Jesus made disciples.
There is a group that wants us to believe that discipleship is something you do in rows. It's about learning about Jesus. It involves a curriculum. It is fill-in-the-blank. It is about information. It is not bad. And it is not the way… Share on X
There is another group that wants us to believe that discipleship is a one-on-one activity. It is about a series of meetings covering a series of topics. It is very relational. It is about accountability. It is not bad. And it is not the way Jesus made disciples.
There is another group that wants us to believe that discipleship is a one-on-one activity. It is about a series of meetings covering a series of topics. It is very relational. It is about accountability. It is not bad. And it is not… Share on X
Truth: What happens in a small group shouldn't be limited to connecting. Your current system might lean in that direction...but it shouldn't and it doesn't need to.
What happens in a small group shouldn't be limited to connecting. Your current system might lean in that direction...but it shouldn't and it doesn't need to. Share on X
Jesus made disciples in a group. Paul made disciples in a group. Life on life, in the midst of life. There does not seem to have been a study guide. The experience seems to have been customized for each individual follower. I love Dallas Willard's definition of a mature disciple: "A mature disciple is one who effortlessly does what Jesus would do if Jesus were him."
Jesus made disciples in a group. Paul made disciples in a group. Life on life, in the midst of life. There does not seem to have been a study guide. The experience seems to have been customized for each individual follower. Share on X
Can you see what might need to happen to your system? What would your curriculum pathway need to be? What would be true of the leaders in your system? Your coaches?
Want to go there? There are several things you must consider to even begin:
- You must become aware of a culture in search of belonging. See also, Are You Aware of a Culture in Search of Belonging?
- Making disciples who make disciples must be built into the way ordinary life happens at your church. See also, 5 Keys to Building a Small Group Ministry at the Corner of "Belonging" and "Becoming".
- The more bloated your belong and become menu becomes, the less likely it is that unconnected, newer to faith people will be able to figure out what to do next. See also, Small Group Ministry Roadblock #2: A Bloated Belong and Become Menu.
Did you miss Small Group Ministry Myth #1? You can read about it right here.
What do you think? Have a question? Want to argue? You can click here to jump into the conversation.
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