I had a chance to speak at the Connect Conference in Orlando FL last week.  It was a great experience to go and speak to leaders who are working on making a difference in the lives of young adults.  

I left the conference with an idea for this blog.  I am going to start delivering on Mondays content on ministry best practices.  Its going to be called the Monday Ministry Tip.  

This week I am going to be talking about Community and Small groups.  I believe that small groups are the best way to do Discipleship.  Matt 28:19-20 says go into all nations making disciples.  That is very daunting if you take it seriously.  How can I  have a major impact for the kingdom if I am just a normal person?  I think the best answer is to be like Jesus who chose 12 men to build into and make a difference through.  

I encourage you to create a place (system or a group) that people can find relationships that will enable them to be like Christ.  You can do this by simply starting a small group that intentionally walks with people to make them like Christ.  The impact is pretty remarkable.  If you start with just 10 people and walk with them for a year and a half, then multiplying your group by dividing it and adding new members you will disciple 320 people in 7 years. 

Here are some good ideas when you look at small groups.

1.  Always have an apprentice.  

2.  Don’t host your group at your own home.  Find someone in the group who will be able to host you.  It will give your group buy in and they may someday become an apprentice.  This will also keep you from wearing down from both leading the group and cleaning your house before group.

3. Study the Bible.  Choose a book study that focuses on the Bible or just go through a book of the Bible together.  Threads www.threadsmedia.com has great group studies.  Northpoint Church has a great site to check out studies too at www.groupcurriculum.org

4. Provide a place for relationships.  People are starving for friendships.  My spin class at the YMCA even goes out to dinner together.  How odd.  Learn to help people become friends by finding commonality for them.  Create new shared experiences that will bind them as friends.