Return to the Apprenticeship Training Plan.
Read this first
Every local church has its own way of doing things—the ministry practices by which they seek to live out the mission God has given them. And every church must agree on a particular kind of discipleship strategy, so they can all head in the same direction with one heart and mind. At Frontline, community groups play an essential role in how we do ministry. We’ve chosen to gather our community groups in three different rhythms: discipleship groups, family meals, and missional gatherings. These three rhythms are not sacred nor inherently superior to any other model. Other churches may do things differently with great success. But we believe these rhythms are the best way for us to love God, love people, and push back darkness in this time and place.
Community group leaders must be willing to champion these rhythms and how we seek to walk them out. They cannot half-heartedly run these plays, or pull their group in a different direction from the rest of our church. Leaders who spend more energy complaining about the model than capitalizing on its strengths will miss out on countless opportunities to disciple their people. If all our groups are on the same page, rowing in the same direction, and working from the same plan, our people will generally experience growth and health, despite the inherent imperfection of any and every ministry strategy. Leaders need to believe in our model, cast vision for why it matters, and call their people to commit to living it out with them.
Then complete the following assignments
Read or listen (on Spotify or Apple Podcasts) to Part 1 (audiobook chpts. 1, 2, and 3) of the Community Group Handbook.
Read “Ch. 6: Jesus-Centered Culture,” from Creature of the Word: The Jesus-Centered Church, by Eric Geiger, Josh Patterson, and Matt Chandler.
Complete the following online reflection exercise and forward the results from your inbox to your community group leader or hub leader.
Follow up with your community group leader or hub leader talk through your responses in person.
Return to the Apprenticeship Training Plan.