MAKE DISCIPLES
through a D-group
Vision - present to God maturing devoted followers of Jesus where we live and among all nations who make disciples into disciple makers
Unbeliever --> Baby Daughter/Son --> Disciple --> Disciple Maker
Why - Our Lord has commanded we make disciples of all nations, so we do it; This is God's plan for growing his kingdom in us and displaying his glory in the world
What - We are entering accelerated spiritual growth by participating in a Disciple Group with others who want the same; We follow Jesus together; The Holy Spirit teaches and reminds us as we go, baptize and teach each other to obey using life and Scripture
Who - D Groups are made up of a disciple maker and 3-4 members of the same sex; We have found that groups with diversity in life circumstance comes with both benefits and difficulties
When - D Groups are devoted daily to the worship of God; Most meet weekly for 12-18 months; Some student groups will meet for shorter lengths of time; A group must prioritize each other or meeting and living together will prove very difficult
Where - God wants disciples made in every nation across the planet; We follow Jesus with all of life so we are maturing and helping others mature wherever we are; D Groups are encouraged to meet in homes or public places for their weekly meetings
How - Disciple makers and D Groups as a whole focus on training in righteousness and encouraging each other in: the gospel, prayer, reading, studying, memorizing and living God's words; D Groups multiply as disciples become disciple makers in order to make more disciples who will make disciples...and on and on until Jesus returns
Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 1:16-20, Acts 1:7-8, 2:42-47, 2 Timothy 2:1-7, Acts New Testament
HEAR Journal
Disciples cannot be made without Scripture. God matures us as we submit our lives to Scripture together. In James 1:19-25 God commands us to do his word. In accordance with Scripture our groups' goal is to hear, look intently into and then do the Bible. HEAR Journals are a great tool of reading (hearing) and studying (looking intently into) what God has said in order to do what he's said. Explore and learn from the resources below
H.E.A.R. Journaling in depth explanation-Video
MARCS of a Disciple
Maturity isn't easily quantifiable. God is concerned with renewing our hearts in order that we live differently not simply modifying our behavior. With this in mind, use this tool wisely. Use this to search your and each other's hearts. The MARCS are 5 characteristics we can check as
a starting point and to asses growth: missional, accountable, reproducing, communal, scriptural. This will be most useful when you're honest and discuss it with others.
Print and take the assessment here (If this does not open immediately, check your download file)
Preaching the Gospel
The gospel is for salvation, sanctification and glorification meaning it is for all of life. We must preach the gospel to unbelievers and each other. We use multiple methods to preach the gospel. Learn not only methods but allow the gospel itself to penetrate your heart and mind so
that the methods become conversations rather than presentations. Find the gospel and a couple methods for preaching it below noticing the goal isn't conversion but discipleship.
Riley Sowell on the Gospel-Video
Other Resources
Definitions:
Disciple - one who follows Jesus, is being changed by Jesus, on mission with Jesus
Disciple making - intentionally entering into someone’s life to help them know and follow Jesus; (1) baptize them, (2) teach them to obey his commands, (3) encourage them to trust his promises and (4) equip them to help others know and follow Jesus
Discipleship - intentionally equipping believers with God’s Word through accountable relationships empowered by the Holy Spirit in order to replicate faithful followers of Christ