The command of Jesus is to “make disciples.” Therefore, spiritual formation in all followers of Jesus Christ is the goal of this ministry ability. Both individual mentoring and BSM small groups give opportunity for development as a disciple. |  |
The Givens for Discipleship / Small Groups
- Biblical Basis:
- Matthew 28:19-20 and Colossians 1:28-29
- A Transforming Fellowship: a Biblical Basis for Discipleship & Small Groups by Rick Spencer
- Spiritual Formation: a Biblical Basis for Christian Discipleship by Rick Spencer
- Pacesetter: Recruit and train small group leaders each semester.
- Spiritual Focus: Implement small groups to grow believers and reach the lost.
- Equipping: Train students so they can train others, creating exponential growth.
- Incarnational: Active participation by staff in small groups both training and leading.
Discipleship / Small Groups Tasks for New Workers
- Read Spiritual Formation: a Biblical Basis for Christian Discipleship
- Learn basic coaching skills in relation to discipleship opportunities
- Lead a small group in spring of first year. After year 1, lead a small group each semester - one being on campus
- Read How We Disciple Students by Joel Bratcher & How We Disciple Students by Robert Rueda
- Complete A Transforming Fellowship: a Biblical Basis for Discipleship & Small Groups with your Leadership Team (adapt as needed to your specific situation)
- Have small group leader training (starting year 2)
- Read Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry by Ruth Haley Barton
- Develop strategies for discipling students throughout the entire ministry of BSM
- Read Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time by Greg Ogden
Discipleship / Small Groups Reading
Top Reading Recommendations
- Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry by Ruth Haley Barton
- Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time by Greg Ogden
- Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster
- Seeker Small Groups: Engaging Spiritual Seekers in Life-Changing Discussions by Garry Poole
- Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt
- The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives by Dallas Willard
- Cultivating a Life for God: Multiplying Disciples Through Life Transformation Groups by Neil Cole
- Disciplemakers' Handbook: Helping People Grow in Christ by Alice Fryling
- Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ by Greg Ogden
- Design for Discipleship by NavPress
- Freedom of Simplicity by Richard J. Foster
- Growing In Christ: A Thirteen-Week Follow-Up Course for New and Growing Christians by NavPress
- Missional Small Groups: Becoming a Community That Makes a Difference in the World by M. Scott Boren
- Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? by Philip Yancey
- Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home by Richard J. Foster
- Small Group Leaders' Handbook: The Next Generation by Beyerlein & Keiper
- StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath
- The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God by Dallas Willard
- The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry by Donahue & Robinson
- Tough Questions Leader's Guide by Garry Poole
- What You Do Best in the Body of Christ: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, Personal Style, and God-Given Passion by Bruce L. Bugbee
Additional Discipleship / Small Groups Helps
http://txbsm.org/discipleship