Disciples make other disciples.
Disciples help other disciples mature.
Programs can be avenues for these things to happen, but they still rise and fall based on people!
Jesus didn't have a program, but he still had a mission, a vision, and a strategy. It is ok to use programs, as long as we are still using the same mission, vision, and strategy of Jesus.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” -Hebrews 10: 24‐25
5 Essential Elements Small Groups Need to Thrive In Your Parish
1 - A vision for growth. Every small group leader should know what the purpose of their small group is. They should also be able to communicate what happens in the next “generation” of small groups. In other words, each group is not an end unto itself. They should be able to equip the members to multiply small groups themselves.
I know of many groups that have been going on for years. The members grow in knowledge of Scripture, Church teachings, etc - but their personal prayer, action, and mission are not changed over the course of those years. This is primarily due to the fact that the group is fulfilling what it was started for - education on different subjects. It isn’t started to be a process that transforms members’ lives and then equips them to be transformative agents in the lives of others.
To change lives, we have to have our own lives changed first.
2 - Intentionality that leads to making disciples. Who are the disciples that you have made? What are their names? Do you know how to make a disciple? If you are struggling to answer these questions, know that you aren’t alone. Unfortunately most Christians can’t answer them. But, let it be a clarion call to change. If you don’t know how you are doing in fulfilling the great commission to “make disciples”, then you aren’t doing all of what Jesus wants you to do. God wants to use you to reach others. Don’t doubt this. It starts with being intentional about what you do to make disciples. Learn how to proclaim the Gospel message and how to ask for a response. Learn how to give your testimony. Have someone hold you accountable to operating differently and with intention. These things can have a huge effect on the outcome of your actions.
Leadership is key here. Without purposeful leadership, most groups will not end up succeeding in what they set out to accomplish.
3 - Aim at conversion. So much of the modern concept of “discipleship” and “ministry” is about passively receiving information.. But, our goal should be transformation that comes from conversion of heart and action, not just information. Of course, we can’t love what we don’t know. But, the purpose of knowledge is to help us love more, not just be information that is good to know. So, our goal in every part of what we do with a small group should be transformed lives. We need to aim at being converted more and more closely into the people God calls us to be. This can’t happen until we open our own hearts, through prayer, and allow the Holy Spirit to operate through us.
4 - Groups should be based on honest and vulnerable relationships. Are you comfortable sharing the deepest and darkest secrets of your life with a stranger? Few are and that is only natural. It takes an investment of time and trust to be able to build intimate relationships, where you feel comfortable sharing with others. Still, having only surface-level conversations will not get you very far or deep. Praying together, asking tough questions, holding each other accountable, and patience for the uniqueness of the group (and the individuals in your group) are key to building vulnerability.
Humility is also indispensable. Pride keeps many people from being open with others. The fear is that others will think less of them for not living a perfect life. This is a lie. Would you think less of a friend who confided in you that they were struggling in a particular area of life and wanted your help? Probably not. In fact, you would probably be honored they asked and think more of them for being humble enough to want to grow. So, why think someone else would think less of you for the same?
5 - A reproducible process. We are a weak and wounded Church. In the modern Catholic Church in the USA, we have forgotten much of what made us missionary in the first place. Because few have had someone accompany them personally on the journey to Christian maturity, we need help. A process (or curriculum) that can teach a way of evangelization and discipleship can be a kind of crutch for us, that helps us learn to walk again. Many mature disciples might not need the crutch anymore, but those less experienced Christians certainly will. To make the process of evangelization and discipleship reproducible in others (so it doesn’t require expert Christian leaders to do it), means we need simple and reproducible process that we can teach others.
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These are certainly not the only keys to making your small groups more effective. What would you add?