If churches choose to adopt a structure that is best for developing people as disciples, they will use small groups extensively.

Churches that focus on having fantastic Sunday morning services will end up producing people who are mostly spectators. Whether we consciously realize it or not, those who attend such churches often come to see and hear a “show” or a production; even though they will not likely describe it that way. You will hear comments that laud the power of the message, the inspirational quality of the worship, and the efficiency of the organization. I remember hearing a big fan of such a church tell me that you can tell a good church by the quality of the sermon. Really? I thought the measuring stick should be the quality of the disciples we are producing.

Such spectator-based churches put most of their time, money, and effort into developing a Sunday event that will keep people coming back. To do this they employ their most talented people or hire professionals, leaving the rest doing important but less visible jobs and administrative type duties. People who attend such churches realize that their role is to help pull off the main event for the week. As a caveat, it must be said that many event focused churches involve people in lots of worthwhile ministries outside of Sunday morning, but please stick with me philosophically as I continue to explore this idea. In production focused churches, many do nothing more than attend the Sunday show and hopefully contribute financially. I think it goes without saying that the people who attend such churches like it that way, as do the church leaders. The very best reason for doing church this way is that it is incredibly efficient at gathering people to receive ministry. But should that really be our goal?

If our pursuit, however, is to equip, develop, and launch people into ministry, small groups provide a much better format. Every small group needs a leader, a host family, a worship leader, a Bible teacher, a kid’s minister, etc. If the group grows and splits into a second group, which should be the goal, double that number of leaders and ministers. The requirement to provide a show is non-existent. Generally the challenge is to find people who are willing to accept responsibility and grow in leadership and ministry skills, no matter what their current level of development.

At the small group level of church, when people begin to do something outside their previous comfort zone or ability, it is celebrated and encouraged, since growth is the goal, not an excellent production.

Another benefit to small groups, if they are run properly, is that they involve everyone in discussing God’s Word together, worshiping, prayer, interpersonal ministry, and growth as a person, often around a fellowship meal. If groups are kept small enough, it is impossible to hide forever. We become known as we bare our souls to share our thoughts honestly with one another. Some of you might be thinking at this point that you would prefer the anonymity of a larger church. If so, you are not alone, but we should ask ourselves, “Why do we go to church?” Are we attending to listen and mind our own business, or we choosing to grow as a disciple who takes seriously the Great Commission?

If, as we do at LifeNet, you are convinced that small groups provide the greatest opportunity and venue to develop disciples; then, our greatest need is to develop new leaders. Groups cannot multiply unless leaders do.

Apprenticeship is the best method to develop leaders in a disciple making church.

Time can be devoted to teaching basic concepts and principles in a one on one or classroom setting, but most of the useful training will happen by observation and by doing, especially when the doing is accompanied by feedback afterward. A streamlined way to maximize the apprenticeship process is for the church leader to meet weekly with apprentice and current small group leaders to teach them the Bible lesson that all the small groups will use the following week.

Teaching teachers is a wonderful way to multiply ministry.

The small group leaders can be instructed to take what they learned and translate it into their own ministry style, without losing the essence of the message. Those top leaders who want to retain complete control over content will balk at allowing any deviation from the official script, but once again we must ask, “What is the goal?” Are we trying to duplicate the official church teaching or develop people who are capable ministers in their own right? In order to clarify, as parents, what is our goal? Do we want children who grow up to lead their own families, or do we want them to live at home forever under our leadership and decision making? Should we not have similar goals for those we disciple?

No matter what method we use to grow people as disciples, there will always be risk.

There is the danger of leaders taking the people and running off with them. There is the concern that they may distort the truth and lead people into error. There is the possibility that small group leaders might be spiritual bullies or lazy do nothings. The list goes on, but developing people is always hazardous. Ask any parent. Even God had his kids go astray, and he is the perfect parent. Even Jesus had a disciple go off the deep end. It is part of the danger of the world in which we live. We have no guarantees how things will turn out, but when we see a child or disciple develop into a loving, responsible adult or leader, it is well worth it. And let’s not forget that this is how God wants us to do things.

Jesus said for us to go and make disciples, not stay and grow a church.