Hello Group Members:

The member list consists of Beverly, Kim, Richard, Dena, Steve, Heath, Natalie, Windy, Ron, Patsy, Freddie and Kecia. We will begin gathering on Tuesday May 26 at 6:00 pm, June 2nd and then again on June 16th and every other week thereafter. Please begin reading the introduction and Chapter One of the “Pursuit of Holiness” book. Complete the questions at the end of Chapter One. Also highlight any text in the Chapter that God used to encourage you or any text that you may want to discuss further. We will discuss this Chapter at the first gathering May 26.

Some of you may not have been part of a discipleship group in the past so I thought I would share a little info about a biblical D-Group. The format of a bible Study in which have been utilizing is quite different from a D-Group. Discipleship relationships are “more personal, more practical, and more powerful. A teacher shares information, while a disciple maker aims for the heart; a teacher measures knowledge, while a disciple maker measures faith; a teacher is an authority, while a disciple maker is a servant; and a teacher says, ‘Listen to me,’ while a disciple maker says, ‘Follow me as I follow Chist.’”

What is a Discipleship Group?

A D-Group is closed group of 3 to 5 believers (including the leader) who meet together weekly for the purpose of accelerated spiritual transformation. Our group however will consist or 9-10 people and will meet every other week initially.  A person joins the D-Group by invitation only.

While Life Groups exist for the purposes of community growth and fellowship, they have an underlying additional purpose (or they should have): evangelism. Life Groups are designed to reach lost people by getting them involved in the group. A D-Group, on the other hand, consists of believers who desire a deeper walk with Christ. It is not evangelistic in its form or function, but in its fruit: it makes disciples who will then go on to make more disciples.

This blueprint, sketched by Jesus Christ through His personal example, is how discipleship is accomplished in the lives of believers, and, ultimately, within the local church. When this plan is followed, those involved will participate in three dynamics that result in growth in their personal lives, as well as in the Kingdom: community, accountability, and multiplication.

Member Expectations

Your D-Group should consist of F.A.T. believers: Faithful, Available, and Teachable. A faithful person is dedicated, trustworthy, and committed.

A disciple’s faithfulness is demonstrated by observing other areas of his/her spiritual life, such as church attendance, Group Engagement, or service in the church. Faithfulness is determined by a commitment to spiritual things.

Availability is demonstated by the willingness to meet with and invest in others. Does this person carve out time to listen, study, and learn from others? Is he accessible when called upon? Does she have a regular quiet time with God of reading the Word and praying? Availability is measured by a willingness to serve God by being a disciple and learning to make disciples.

Attendance, preparation, group involvement, prayer are a few important components of a healthy group. Periodically content may be sent via text to the group, so be engaging in your communication.

Why Discipleship?

Discipling is an intentional relationship in which we walk alongside other disciples in order to encourage, equip and challenge one another in love to grow toward maturity in Christ. This includes equipping the disciple to teach others as well