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EQUIPPING DISCiples of jesus to make disciples of Jesus
Discipleship and transformation do not happen in isolation. Rather, growth occurs in the soil of trusting relationships where we can be known and loved, challenged and encouraged. This is the purpose of a disciple group. A disciple group is 3-5 people—men investing in men, women investing in women—who are committed to helping one another pursue intentional spiritual formation. The goal is not merely to hang out and have fun, or even to build friendships, though hopefully these will happen! The goal is to challenge one another to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). As disciples, we should experience transformation at every level, affecting our whole person.
Disciple Groups are committed to meeting together regularly, usually for about 75-90 minutes. These meetings consist of sharing personal stories and struggles, asking questions, listening to one another, reading Scripture, praying, speaking the truth in love, confessing sin and repenting, listening to the Holy Spirit, and submitting to one another in Christ.
Disciple Groups will do this by walking through the following six categories which represent specific characteristics and competencies from the life of Jesus:
STORY: Our lives rooted in God’s story.
GOSPEL: Our lives redeemed by God’s Son.
HEART: Our lives transformed by God’s grace.
INTIMACY: Our lives marked by being with and delighting in God.
COMMUNITY: Our lives shaped by the people of God.
MISSION: Our lives engaged in the redemptive work of God.
Expectations for leaders and participants:
Active participation: Must attend 10 out of 12 gatherings and be committed to engaging the content and discussion.
Confidentiality: You will be committed to protecting the other members of your group and not sharing the details of their personal lives with others outside of the group without permission.
Honesty: You will be welcomed to be your authentic self in these groups…the greater the genuine transparency, the greater the benefit to yourself and others in the group. The Lord already knows you and loves you, as He draws things within you into the light we are never more hopeful that they will find healing grace and transformation.
Respect: You will be one of a few members within a group with an identified leader. We desire to create groups marked by mutual respect, particularly in our conversations with one another and in all communications between group members (in person, via text, via phone, etc). One of the most important ways we do this is by learning to listen well to one another and making sure no one person dominates a conversation unless the opportunity to lovingly help a group member calls for it.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the difference between Summit Disciple Groups and Life Groups? Summit Disciple Groups are smaller, gender-specific groups (typically between 3-5) where men are discipling men and women are discipling women through six core characteristics and competencies found in the life of Jesus. Life Groups are larger groups of men and women (typically between 10-20) who are learning to practice the values of Summit (Intimacy, Community, and Mission).
When and where do Summit Disciple Groups meet? These groups can meet anywhere, any day of the week, and any time of day that is convenient for the leader and the group members. The typical meeting will take approximately 75-90 minutes.
Is childcare provided? There is not currently childcare provided for Summit Disciple Groups. When someone in the group has a need for childcare and does not have a workable option available, we are open to discussing how the group and Summit Church might assist them.
Where do you get the content for the Summit Disciple curriculum? We formed Summit Disciple in partnership with the Upstate Church Collective. Much of the content for Summit Disciple was adapted from UCC’s “Disciple Track.”
I’m new to Summit—should I join a Life Group or Disciple Group? The short answer is, Yes! While Life Groups do provide an environment more conducive to meeting a larger portion of the Summit family, you are welcome to register for either/both.
Have more questions or want more info: Contact us at summit@summitupstate.org.