Yesterday at Cross Point, we concluded the series “Pursued” that we have been in over the last 3 weeks. Justin Davis did an amazing job of talking about restoration vs. redemption. Redemption is God choosing us, while restoration is us consistently choosing God.
One of the points that Justin made was that we all have different pathways to experiencing the fullness of God in our lives. Some of us feel God best when we are worshipping with others on a Sunday morning. Others may see God when they are in nature or during a time of solitude. The point is, we are not all wired the same when it comes to discipleship. Not everyone in your group is going to grow the same way or at the same rate as everyone else. It’s up to us as small group leaders to gauge where our group is on their spiritual journeys and help them take their next steps to being fully devoted followers of Christ.
Here are five ways that can help:
- Create opportunities for them to tell their story during group.
I love how Starting Point makes this a part of the curriculum. You can learn a lot about where people are going by hearing about how they got to where they are. - Have the group take a spiritual gifts test.
There are several good ones that are free on the internet. The book S.H.A.P.E. is also a great resource for people to find out what their spiritual gifts and passions are. - Do a study like The Me I Want To Be by John Ortberg.
Follow that up with action steps for group members to take their next spiritual steps. Stay accountable to each other through regular check-ups during group times. - Create mentoring relationships within the group.
I believe that discipleship is more effective life-on-life. Breaking the group up into smaller groups during the discussion is a great way to get this started. - Serve together as a group.
Nothing produces spiritual fruit faster than serving in mission together. If you have ever served on a short-term missions trip, then you know how alive God can become in your life.
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