The Five Purposes “Discipleship” Part II
Following up on last weeks post we are going to dive into the second half of what healthy discipleship looks like in a Connection Group. So here we go…. Understanding Healthy Discipleship As connection group leaders we have to grasp the important truth that…”You IMPRESS from a distance, but you IMPACT up close and personal.” In order for true life transformation to take place in a person’s life among other things you must understand that it is a process and it takes TIME.
Following up on last weeks post we are going to dive into the second half of what healthy discipleship looks like in a Connection Group. So here we go…. Understanding Healthy Discipleship As connection group leaders we have to grasp the important truth that…”You IMPRESS from a distance, but you IMPACT up close and personal.” In order for true life transformation to take place in a person’s life among other things you must understand that it is a process and it takes TIME.
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (NIV)
As a connection group leader consider the following:
1. Encourage each group member to pray and get a spiritual partner who will agree to hold one another accountable
2. As a leader “Stay Sharp” and spend time in God’s word daily while seeking opportunities to develop group members individually. Ask them, Who are you? (Hear their story and get to know them), How are you? (Discover their hopes, dreams, and challenges), How can I help you? (You must spend time with them and earn the right to ask this question).
“Many people assume all that is needed for spiritual growth is Bible Study and prayer. But some issues in life will never be changed by Bible study and prayer alone. God uses people! He usually prefers to work through people rather than perform miracles, so that we will depend on each other for fellowship. He wants us to grow together.” Rick Warren Pastor of Saddleback Church
THE BASICS OF DISCIPLESHIP FOR CONNECTION GROUPS
1. Balance the health of the INDIVIDUAL and the health of the GROUP.
INDIVIDUAL GROWTH
Have every member take a health assessment on an annual basis (Available from your coach or the connections office at michelleh@churchph.com)
Have each member create a health plan on an annual basis (Available from your coach or the connections office at michelleh@churchph.com)
Have each member pair up with a same sex partner in the group for accountability
GROUP GROWTH
Encourage each member to spend time with God daily
Pray without ceasing
“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.” 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)
Practice the spiritual discipline of tithing
Be in community in and outside of “group time”
Have a balanced time of study (Annually study at least one book of the Bible, one spiritual growth study, and one life stage study)
Integrate spiritual practices into your group time together (Solitude exercises, prayer walks, spiritual retreats)
Recognize the power of encouragement!
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
If you have been sparked by what’s been posted then please leave a comment and share your thoughts and ideas with us. We invite you to give us your insight because “Iron sharpens iron”. Thanks!
DLT
Eric
As a connection group leader consider the following:
1. Encourage each group member to pray and get a spiritual partner who will agree to hold one another accountable
2. As a leader “Stay Sharp” and spend time in God’s word daily while seeking opportunities to develop group members individually. Ask them, Who are you? (Hear their story and get to know them), How are you? (Discover their hopes, dreams, and challenges), How can I help you? (You must spend time with them and earn the right to ask this question).
“Many people assume all that is needed for spiritual growth is Bible Study and prayer. But some issues in life will never be changed by Bible study and prayer alone. God uses people! He usually prefers to work through people rather than perform miracles, so that we will depend on each other for fellowship. He wants us to grow together.” Rick Warren Pastor of Saddleback Church
THE BASICS OF DISCIPLESHIP FOR CONNECTION GROUPS
1. Balance the health of the INDIVIDUAL and the health of the GROUP.
INDIVIDUAL GROWTH
Have every member take a health assessment on an annual basis (Available from your coach or the connections office at michelleh@churchph.com)
Have each member create a health plan on an annual basis (Available from your coach or the connections office at michelleh@churchph.com)
Have each member pair up with a same sex partner in the group for accountability
GROUP GROWTH
Encourage each member to spend time with God daily
Pray without ceasing
“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.” 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)
Practice the spiritual discipline of tithing
Be in community in and outside of “group time”
Have a balanced time of study (Annually study at least one book of the Bible, one spiritual growth study, and one life stage study)
Integrate spiritual practices into your group time together (Solitude exercises, prayer walks, spiritual retreats)
Recognize the power of encouragement!
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
If you have been sparked by what’s been posted then please leave a comment and share your thoughts and ideas with us. We invite you to give us your insight because “Iron sharpens iron”. Thanks!
DLT
Eric
Great thoughts Eric on spending time with individuals. You are definitely right...people's lives are impacted when we spend one on one time with them.
ReplyDeleteGood word. Ditto what Nick said. That is key to making the group personal. It shows you care.
ReplyDeletegood thoughts It's about REALLY caring for those in our group
ReplyDeleteAccountability is essential for spiritual maturity. Great words of encourgement.
ReplyDeleteThat is one healthy list. It is very apparent that any one of those aspects doesn't function to its full potential if another is dragging it down. Hummmmm....... Convicting???? I would have to add "Genuine" Discipleship, I've tried the fake kind, and it stinks!
ReplyDelete