A Discipleship Group (D-Group) is a gender-specific group of 3-5 believers that meets weekly or bi-weekly and is highly focused on growing spiritually.  Through spiritual disciplines such as consistent Bible reading, prayer, accountability, Scripture memory, and journaling, a D-Group meets approximately 12-18 months with the vision of multiplying to make more disciples of Jesus.  
 
D-Groups are often formed through existing relationships with other believers such as LifeGroups, Serve Teams, or even your workplace. Because of this, D-Groups are not simply joined, but started!  
 
The goal of a D-group is to make disciples who will then go on to make more disciples.   

MODEL 
LifeGroups: Open group
D-Group: Closed group
 
Make-Up of LifeGroups: Composed of believers and non-believers
Make-Up of D-Groups: Composed of believers

SIZE
LifeGroups: Varies, but usually 10-20
D-Group: 3-5 people  
 
DYNAMIC
LifeGroups: Co-ed or gender-specific
D-Groups: Gender specific  
 
PURPOSE
LifeGroups: LifeGroups are a Spirit-led gathering of members who are committed to living out God’s Word through truth, prayer, accountability, care, and application. It’s where faith is nurtured, relationships are deepened, and the gospel is lived together in everyday life.
D-Groups: Intentionally entering into someone’s life to help them know Jesus and teach them to obey his commands.
 
TIME-FRAME 
LifeGroups: A Biblical community that exists for an indefinite period of time.
D-Groups: Smaller groups that exist for 12-18 months.
 
EXPECTATIONS
LifeGroups: Flexible expectations of members, largely dependent upon the LifeGroup as a whole.
D-Groups: High expectations of participants, upheld by covenant commitments and consistent accountability.
 
LEADERSHIP
LifeGroups: One or more leaders who facilitate biblical community where people can grow in their relationship with Jesus and each other.
D-Groups: One leader or facilitator who helps participants grow in spiritual maturity and prepares them to lead future groups.
 
OUTCOME
LifeGroups: Designed to grow and multiply biblical community.
D-Groups: Designed to replicate and multiply disciple-makers. 

This is a common question, and the short answer is, you don’t join a Discipleship Group; you start one. Becoming a member of someone else's Discipleship Group happens by invitation. However, you can place yourself in a biblical community like a LifeGroup or Team out of which Discipleship Groups often form. If you are currently in a LifeGroup and desire to be in a Discipleship Group, talk to your LifeGroup leader and pray about starting your own.  

The only absolute requirement for leading a Discipleship Group is that you be intentionally pursuing Christ. You do not need to be a master teacher or have all of the answers.  If you can say, “Follow me; I’m pursuing Christ,” you have the tools you need to lead a Discipleship Group. 
 
As a Discipleship Group leader, you set the tone for the group’s atmosphere. You are not lecturing students; you are cultivating an intimate, accountable relationship with a few close friends.  Once you register your group, you will receive a Leader’s Guide, which provides a step-by-step guide through leading a Discipleship Group.   

The first step in establishing a formal disciple-making relationship is choosing disciples. Jesus, our example in selecting disciples, spent time in prayer before selecting men Luke 6:12-16. The word “disciple” means learner. Begin by asking God to send you a group of men or women who have a desire to learn and grow.
 
Your Discipleship Group should consist of believers who are faithful, available, and teachable.  

• Faithful—is dedicated, trustworthy, & committed 
• Available—has a willingness to serve God by meeting with and investing in others 
• Teachable—has a desire to learn and apply what is taught 

After discerning that an individual is faithful, available, and teachable, invite them to join you.  Keep in mind that men should disciple men, and women should disciple women. 

Ideally, you should meet once a week or every other week for about an hour to an hour and a half.  You can meet more frequently, but the most important thing is maintaining consistency on what you agree upon. It is important to remember that discipleship is about the relationship between you and your group members, not about checking a requirement box. Disciple-making is a way of life, not a program. 

Yes, there is. The first time you meet with a potential group, it may be helpful to explain the Discipleship Group Covenant with them so everyone understands the expectations. Some people may say after the initial meeting, “This isn’t really for me. I’m not interested.”  That’s okay!  Allow potential disciples to opt out of the group on the front end after understanding the expectations spelled out in the Discipleship Group Covenant.  

How many times has Scripture come to mind when you needed just the right words in a situation?  Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would bring to remembrance all that He said in John 14:26.  Those passages of Scripture we have memorized will be brought to our memory at the right moment – but we must learn them. To help, the Bible reading plans all include Scripture memorization plans. 

The acronym HEAR stands for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond. Each of these four steps contributes to creating an atmosphere to hear God speak. After settling on a reading plan and establishing a time for studying God’s Word, you will be ready to H.E.A.R. from God. You can find more information about the HEAR journaling method here.

There are several reasons for asking someone to leave the group: they are not showing up, they are not completing assigned work and putting in effort, and they are living a lifestyle of blatant and unrepentant sin, etc. 
 
Often these issues can breed complacency in the group. Missing meetings, refusing to memorize Scripture, failing to make journal entries, or missing meetings lowers the morale of the others in the group. This type of behavior must be addressed immediately. Meet with this individual privately to inquire about his or her attitude and actions. Remind him or her of the commitment made at the outset of the discipleship relationship. 
 
Like Jesus’ relationship with His disciples, ours is a serious relationship, as well: a relationship built upon a mutual commitment to Christ and each other. Tragically, some will not follow through with that commitment, forcing you to confront them about their unfaithfulness. 

There is no shame in not knowing the answers to every question. Simply say that you may not have all the answers, but you will find them. Then do so before the next meeting.  Encourage them to look for answers as well!  Ask your pastor or another spiritual leader to help you with the answer. Never give the impression that you have all the answers.

It is less important to know answers than it is to know how to seek them.  

Always begin with the end in mind. Your group should meet for 12-18 months, and they should expect that final date from the very beginning. Some groups develop a closer bond, which results in accelerated growth; others take longer. We do not recommend meeting for longer than 18 months. Some group members will desire to leave the group and begin their own groups. Others, however, will want to remain in the comfort zone of the existing group. Some will not want to start another Discipleship Group because of the sweet fellowship and bonds formed within the current group. Remember, the goal is for the men and the women of the group to replicate their lives into someone else.