Key Outcomes
The group completed a continued study of Book 5, Session 1 on small group discipleship, covering the purposes, functions, and discipleship covenant of small groups. The session reinforced that the ultimate goal of a small group is Christ-likeness, not merely finishing curriculum. Members shared personal reflections and Shamelyn was assigned to facilitate the next session's opening segment. 12
Core Teaching: Purposes of Small Groups
- Purpose 1 — Healthy relationship with God: Members should be trained to seek God independently, not become dependent on their leader; practical method shared: read the Psalm and Proverb of the day (e.g., May 14 → Psalm 14, 44, 74, 104, 134 + Proverbs 14). 34
- Purpose 2 — Healthy relationship with fellow believers: Fellowship must not become an exclusive "country club"; groups must remain open to new members. 5
- Purpose 3 — Fulfill God's mission (evangelism & discipleship): Engagement follows Pray, Care, Share; members are trained to evangelize, edify, equip, and empower others to multiply groups. 67
- Purpose 4 — Service and ministry: Based on Ephesians 4:11–13; all members are called to serve, not just remain disciples. 89
Small Group Functions
- Worship — not limited to singing; verbal praise and thanksgiving count. 10
- Fellowship — relational, not mechanical; ministry to personal needs takes priority over finishing a chapter. 11
- Grow — building Christ-likeness in members.
- Serve — activating members' gifts in ministry. 12
D-Group vs. D12 Distinction
Feature | D-Group | D12 |
Membership | Believers + visitors/guests | All believers; 1+ already leading own group |
Composition | Homogeneous (men/men, women/women, couples) | Same |
Objective | Evangelism & spiritual growth | Maturity & multiplication |
Commitment | Nurture members to grow and lead | Mentor leaders to nurture their own members |
Discipleship Covenant (CHRIST)
- C — Confidentiality: what is shared in the group stays in the group. 13
- H — Honesty: be open with the leader and fellow members.
- R — Respect: attend regularly, punctually, and honor leadership.
- I — Intercession: pray regularly for the leader and members.
- S — Spiritual growth: no business transactions, borrowing money, or off-purpose use of the group. 214
- T — Timothy's: goal is to eventually lead one's own D-group. 2
Member Reflections & Accountability
- Jen: Applying the strategy of repeating sessions for absent members so no one is left behind; working toward training members to lead independently even when she is absent; member Sarah showing early signs of readiness to lead. 151617
- Shamelyn: Key takeaway — the main purpose is Christ-likeness, not completing books; reminded that groups must stay open and not become exclusive; affirmed the value of structured worship + fellowship over social gatherings alone. 181920
- Lloyd: Grateful for CCF's structured, Bible-based discipleship model; noted the 4-hour daily commute but thankful for God's sustaining strength and children managing well at home. 2122
- Wellness check: Lloyd — sleep goal not met; water intake okay. Shamelyn — did not reach 10,000 steps but achieved ~8,000 and now genuinely enjoys walking. 2324
Action Items
- Shamelyn: Facilitate the opening of the next session (opening song, prayer, praise report) while Lloyd plays the video and slides. 25
- All members: Continue applying Pray, Care, Share with people in their sphere of influence. 7
- Jen: Continue nudging members (especially Sarah) toward leading their own group. 17
Next Meeting
- Next session: September 30 (last day of September); no meeting the following week. 2627
- Agenda: Complete the remaining portion of Book 5, Session 1 for members who were absent. 25
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