Most small groups over the years have been defined by the topics being studied. As topics changed people would join a variety of groups over time. People would follow a favorite instructor, or join a group with a few friends, but rarely would people in a group commit to each other to disciple and challenge each other to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus and with each other.
Menomonie Alliance LifeGroups are not defined by the topic being studied. LifeGroups are defined by the discipleship relationships that are developing and growing in the group. This is different from traditional small group models.
A LifeGroup leader, along with those in the group, will determine the subject that needs to be addressed in the group depending on the needs of the people in the group. The leader will get to know the challenges people are facing and the spiritual maturity levels within the group. Then, with that information, the topic to be studied will be selected.
Those who join the LifeGroup are encouraged to give their group a high priority by attending regularly so that the group can build relationships based in trust, honesty, and a willingness to sacrifice for each other.
We realize it may take some time for someone to find the group that is right for them, and this is normal. Once someone finds a group that fits their needs, we are hoping it will become a primary discipleship component in their life. The relationships developing there are meant to be foundational toward spiritual formation for years to come.
LifeGroup members are encouraged to remain in a single group and to become dedicated to the people there as the people in the group become dedicated to them as well. By investing in our group relationships, we are developing a discipleship network in the group. Our goal is to build disciples that are heart, soul, mind, and strength committed to Jesus (Mark 12:30) and are helping each other to seek Him with all their heart (Jeremiah 29:13).
As we do, we become mature in our faith, and we are surrounded by a core group of like-minded people. We can then reproduce ourselves in the lives of other people and touch our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a team of growing disciples.
Menomonie Alliance LifeGroups are not defined by the topic being studied. LifeGroups are defined by the discipleship relationships that are developing and growing in the group. This is different from traditional small group models.
A LifeGroup leader, along with those in the group, will determine the subject that needs to be addressed in the group depending on the needs of the people in the group. The leader will get to know the challenges people are facing and the spiritual maturity levels within the group. Then, with that information, the topic to be studied will be selected.
Those who join the LifeGroup are encouraged to give their group a high priority by attending regularly so that the group can build relationships based in trust, honesty, and a willingness to sacrifice for each other.
We realize it may take some time for someone to find the group that is right for them, and this is normal. Once someone finds a group that fits their needs, we are hoping it will become a primary discipleship component in their life. The relationships developing there are meant to be foundational toward spiritual formation for years to come.
LifeGroup members are encouraged to remain in a single group and to become dedicated to the people there as the people in the group become dedicated to them as well. By investing in our group relationships, we are developing a discipleship network in the group. Our goal is to build disciples that are heart, soul, mind, and strength committed to Jesus (Mark 12:30) and are helping each other to seek Him with all their heart (Jeremiah 29:13).
As we do, we become mature in our faith, and we are surrounded by a core group of like-minded people. We can then reproduce ourselves in the lives of other people and touch our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a team of growing disciples.
Posted in Disciple-Making Discipleship Updates