Small groups are God’s way to make disciples

There is another reason why this is a worthy goal. There is no discple- making without small groups. God’s plan for forming spiritually mature disciples involves getting them in groups. People do not climb Mt. Everest alone. But every year, little groups, little platoons, little bands of friends, scale its lofty heights.

People do not reach spiritual maturity alone. But in groups, with friends, in little platoons they can reach maturity and have fun while they do it. It will not be easy, but it can be fun.

Let me explain what I mean. Vietnam veteran William Broyles writes in his book, Brothers in Arms:

“A part of me loved war”

“A part of me loved war. Now, please understand, I’m a peaceful man, fond of children and animals. And, I believe that war should have no place in the affairs of men. But,” he said, reflecting on his tour of duty in Vietnam, “the comradeship our platoon experienced in that war provides a moving and enduring memory in me. A comrade in war is someone you can trust with anything, because you regularly trust him with your life. In war, individual possessions and advantage count for nothing. The group, the unit, the platoon is everything.”

Broyles goes on to describe how platoon members shared rice rations and passed around single cigarettes and shared the use of bamboo cots. He  goes on to say, “In war, we regularly risked our lives to recover our wounded and dead. We often felt close enough to each other to call one another brothers.” Then, after describing the depth of feeling among the platoon members, he says it again: “A part of me loved war.” You get the feeling he’s not had a relational experience like that since.

Why is Broyles so passionate about his feelings, his positive feelings for Vietnam? I thought we all hated Vietnam. 

I contend that it is because of the little platoon experience. And this little platoon experience is basic to Christian discipleship. People long for it; they need it. There is no maturity without it.

There is an epidemic of loneliness in America. People long for love. They long for the love that only the church can give. God has commanded us to love them and the quickest way for us to reach America for Christ is by loving people through small group ministries. If we love them, they will come.

 We can reach America through small groups that double every two years or less. We can make disciples in small groups that grow and double every two years or less. We cannot do it with professionals. Granted, we need professionals to help. I am not against professionals; I am one. But we cannot depend on professionals alone to get the job done. The job is simply too big. We must turn the job over to the people of God. This is the way God designed it in the first place. So, let us get to the work.

Let me add one parenthetical note. I use the terms Sunday school, small group, and small group Bible study interchangeably because the principles that follow apply to all of them.

As we look at these principles, I urge you to evaluate your life and teaching in light of these truths. Doubling your class is a worthy goal. Worthy of you giving your life to. We can change the face of Christianity in our generation. The bread and butter of our strategy is the person doing the work in the trenches: you, the small group leader.