1. Starting Groups That Reach, Teach, and Minister Rick Howerton rick.howerton@lifeway.com @rickhowerton 615-438-8806

2. The Goal Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 18 – 20

3. Reaching Start groups that meet the future group member’s primary need.

4. Primary needs A time that works Biblical Understanding, Community, Healing or Support, Being on Mission

6. Theological Groups – Biblical Understanding Relational Groups – Biblical Community Restorational Groups – Healing and Support Missional Groups – Evangelism and Missional Experiences

7. Short Term Closed Closed to new people Meets for a specified period of time Curriculum driven Meets till the study is completed Disciple Making Groups Healing and Support Groups

8. Short-Term Open Open to new people as long as the group is together Meets for a specified period of time May or may not be curriculum driven Meets till the study is complete or the agreed upon end date arrives Groups giving people a chance to taste group life prior to making a commitment to a group. Organic discussion groups

9. Ongoing Closed Closed to new people after a specified period of time Has no end date (many groups will strive to multiply in two years or less) Utilizes curriculum but the group has as its foundation growing through community Groups that have as their primary intent to build trust and create a safe environment where real life issues can be discussed openly and in depth relationships to be built naturally.

10. Ongoing Open Open to new people throughout the life of the group Has no end date (many groups will strive to multiply in two years or less) Utilizes curriculum but the group has as its foundation evangelizing and growing through community Has evangelism and community at the heart of its existence.

11. Ways to Create New Groups Start new groups Multiply groups Replace an existing program with groups

12. The Makeup of Today’s Groups Saved Cynic Secularized Struggler Not-Yet- Converted Conversation- alist Convinced Biblically Functioning Follower of Christ PatienceEqual Mindedness TimeReminded what the group is about Listening earStraightforwa rd Conversation Questions Answered Reminded that they are partners with you Wise Counsel (when requested and/or appropriate) Biblical Truth shared in a palatable fashion A Safe Place to ask questions Reminded to pray for those who have net yet become Christ followers

13. Teaching… Making disciples that make disciples. “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2

14. Establish Roles Disciple Maker Disciple

15. Jesus’ Model Learn Model Gather Teach Stretch Mentor

16. The Stages of Spiritual Growth Unbeliever ROLE of Discipler: WITNESS PROCESS Being Experienced by Person Being Discipled: FRIENDSHIP TASK performed by discipler: EVANGELSM EMPHASIS of discipler: CROSS COMMITMENT NEEDED to enter next stage: LORDSHIP

17. The Stages of Spiritual Growth Spiritual Babe ROLE of Discipler: PARENT PROCESS Being Experienced by Person Being Discipled: LORDSHIP TASK performed by discipler: FOLLOW-UP EMPHASIS of discipler: SPIRITUAL FOOD (MILK) COMMITMENT NEEDED to enter next stage: DISCIPLESHIP

18. The Stages of Spiritual Growth The Spiritual Disciple ROLE of Discipler: SERVANT PROCESS Being Experienced by Person Being Discipled: DISCIPLESHIP TASK performed by discipler: TRAINING EMPHASIS of discipler: CULTIVATION COMMITMENT NEEDED to enter next stage: LEADERSHIP

19. The Stages of Spiritual Growth The Multiplying Leader ROLE of Discipler: STEWARD PROCESS Being Experienced by Person Being Discipled: LEADERSHIP TASK performed by discipler: EQUIPPING EMPHASIS of discipler: BUILDING COMMITMENT NEEDED to enter next stage: PARTNERSHIP

20. The Stages of Spiritual Growth The Co-laborer ROLE of Discipler: ENCOURAGER PROCESS Being Experienced by Person Being Discipled: PARTNERSHIP TASK performed by discipler: SUPPORTING EMPHASIS of discipler: COOPERATING COMMITMENT NEEDED to enter next stage: CHURCHMANSHIP

21. Ministering… Meeting Needs Through Christian Community. Acts 2:42 – 47 Spiritual Gifts One Anothers

22. Starting Groups That Reach, Teach, and Minister Rick Howerton rick.howerton@lifeway.com @rickhowerton 615-438-8806