How to Start and Lead a Discipleship Program
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and
night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be
prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
This primer is intended to help you and your church to start, lead, develop, grow,
and manage a mentoring or discipleship or shepherding program. This article can also
be used to start and lead small group Bible studies too. From smaller groups (4 to 10)
as well as larger Bible Studies (10+), to even very large Bible studies and groups
(100+), because the principals apply to small and large groups, the difference is how
you lead and structure them. Such as a “regular” discipleship group or Bible study will
have less discussion and more teaching, whereas “small group” Bible study will have
more discussion and less formal teaching. Metering is usually done one on one, and
then larger studies have formal teaching and then break up into smaller discussion
groups, while all are Bible centered with godly prepared teachers.
So what can you start to do? Realize that learning about our Lord and Savior
from the study of the Bible is incredibly important and essential! They are the primary
and best means for your church to disciple its people in God’s precepts so your people
can learn and grow in their walk with Christ. All Christians who are serious about their
faith should be disciple and or be in a good Bible study or a small group that is studying
the Bible. Yet, most churches do not do this vital call!
In the articles, Why should I be in a small group? and The Importance of Bible
Study) we discussed the importance, impact and reasons why we should be in such
groups. The same principles apply to discipleship; because the philosophy of small
groups here at Into Thy Word is that they are Bible centered studies. The only
difference is small groups have more discussion, and they are smaller for more
intimacy, whereas Bible studies have discussion also, tend to be larger, and are more
teaching centered.
Now that we understand that discipleship is essential for the formation of our
Christian faith, we must realize their importance and how they help give us the ability to
transfer our learning into real, practical influence to others around us. It is as iron
sharpens iron; this means we help one another to hone our faith and develop our
character. We can listen to all the sermons, read all the best books, buy great CDs, and
go to seminars—even seminary; but, unless we are learning, studying and challenging
one another in the Word and faith, we will only have a shallow understanding of and
impact on the Christian life. Learning and Community breeds maturity and growth
compared to individualism and selfishness which tends to breed pride and isolation. Do
not get me wrong; we need to be in church under good teaching, we need to do our
devotions individually, and be in personal prayer and study. But, to get the most out of
our Christian learning so to impact our Christian living, we have to be learning and
growing and working it out with others who are working it out; and that place is in Small
Groups that are Bible centered and or larger Bible studies that have discussion groups
and or opportunities for discussion (Phil. 2:12-13).
What Does My Church Need to Do?
Even though there is no set formula, there are a few “tried and true” ways
Discipleship, Small Groups, Bible Studies and Mentoring can develop that will be more
consistent and purpose-filled so they can be more impacting and rewarding for all those
involved. Our primary spiritual growth comes from our personal devotional times. Our
involvement in Small Groups and Bible studies helps us further our growth and be the
“iron that sharpens” one another as each one in the group helps another grow in Him
and apply our faith into the world! Make a commitment to develop a discipleship
ministry. All the tools you need are in this article, and the rest of the resources can be
found in our Small Group channel and in the various pages on our website. You can
see our article on how to start programs (How to Start, Develop, and Evaluate
Programs). In addition:
How to Start
Have a clear ministry vision of what you will be doing with a Bible study and
communicate this to the leaders and congregation. This will explain what it is, what it
means, its values and purpose, and its benefits. Then develop a structure and plan for
it.
• Put in lots of prayer!
• Who will be the leaders?
• Who will train the leaders?
• What materials will you need?
• How will they be organized?
• When and where will the meeting (s) take place?
• What curriculum will be used?
• What resources will be needed?
• What will be the obstacles and potential problems and how will you address
them?
• How will the leaders of the church communicate with the Bible study leaders?
• How will accountably be structured?
• How will you deal with problems?
• How will you learn and be flexible to make changes?
• How will you evaluate it?
Then, seek how people will be encouraged and equipped, listen to input, and
then make the adjustments. Then, go to the congregation with your passion and plan,
and just do it!
Marketing Bible studies to a Church That Thinks They Are Scary
The people in your church, whether you have no Bible studies and two Small
Groups, have never had them, or half of the people are in them, need to be challenged
and inspired to be Disciple or in Small Groups and Bible studies. You have to tell them
why they need to be in one, that it is fun and easy, and help alleviate their fears. The
pastor must share the passion, personally be in one, and give his testimony. Then,
further help enable your church membership to get in one by modeling them through
demonstration, skits, testimonies, and literature. Have a table in your church lobby
staffed with the leaders to sign people up and answer questions. Then, once the people
are coming, continue the testimonies, share success stories, and honor the people with
celebration and encouragement.
The congregation also needs to know how pastoral care and counseling will be
provided (know the limits of the Small Group; they can provide listening and
encouragement but not resolve serious issues or do therapy unless the leader is
licensed and trained!) Mentoring, Small Groups and Bible studies can unravel deep
hurts and issues that have not been dealt with prior, so people need a place to go to be
helped.
Create Clear Leadership Responsibilities!
Have a plan to recruit and develop leaders. Make sure the leaders are growing in
their walk, have a plan to deal with problems such as crisis, conflict, and abusive
people, have regular meetings for prayer, evaluation, encouragement, and mentoring
and apprentice development. These people do not need to be experienced, seminary
trained or theologians, but willing and able to learn and grow themselves before asking
others to do so.
What Does your Church Need to Do?
www. johndiscipling.com
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