by Rob Campbell
“Holistic small groups are the natural place for Christians to learn to serve others—both inside and outside the group—with their spiritual gifts. The planned multiplication of small groups is made possible through the continual development of leaders as a by-product of the normal group life. The meaning of the term ‘discipleship’ becomes practical in the context of holistic small groups: the transfer of life, not rote learning of abstract concepts.â€
Natural Church Development, Christian Schwarz, p. 32
May I ask you to read that last sentence one more time? That sentence is one of the most concise definitions of discipleship in the context of holistic small groups that I’ve ever read. Ruminate of that sentence, my friend.
A few questions:
As you partner with God, how do your group members experience the “transfer of life?â€
Concerning your equipping track, is it curriculum centered or seminar style? Do you equip one on one or assemble all the leaders together?
What one mistake have you made in equipping leaders that you would like to share with this blog community?
Comments?
The “transfer of life”………. giving away that which the Father has given you
I have in the past been involved in the assimilation process
for the church. My transfer of life was to offer love and acceptance
I am in the process of starting a small groups ministry at a church
This is REALLY front burner for me
A combination of a large Leadership Community meeting and very small
coaching groups is where I am at today in the praying and planning
Q: As you partner with God, how do your group members experience the “transfer of life?â€
A: (1) Teach folk to obey Jesus’ commandments lovingly (not as legalism), while practicing the ‘one-another’ commands of the NT. (2) God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey him. (3) Folk get happy in the Holy Spirit by obeying Jesus and serving one another.
Q: Concerning your equipping track, is it curriculum centered or seminar style?
A: (1) A workshop to introduce basic practices, (2) followed by a menu-driven curriculum, choosing materials that meet each leader’s cell group’s pressing need.
Q: Do you equip one on one or assemble all the leaders together?
A: (1) Mentor and coach one on one, two or three, punctuated with (2) occasional workshops or seminars.
Q: What [is] one mistake [of many] you have made in equipping leaders that you would like to share with this blog community?
A: Assuming that trainees will implement plans without regular mentoring.