Reproducing Disciples

IN DISCOVERY GROUPS
By Johann Jordaan

WHY DISCOVERY GROUPS

Discovery groups are small groups that reach
people within and outside the group.
It is more than just a Bible study, prayer or care group.
It disciples people within the group and impacts people outside of
the group.
It follows easy steps, principles and methods.
It multiplies easily and spontaneously.
Its based in biblical principles.
It has been applied worldwide with phenomenal success in the true
sense of the word.
It produces own leadership through facilitating as principle being
introduced with the first meeting.
It works in any environment; ethnic or people group (Youth, market
place, etc)
Everyone is encouraged to take part from the word go and soon
discover his/her calling. The group and individuals frame their own
understanding for application purposes.
It is based on obedience to Gods word and God Himself will
reward His word
The group offers a spiritual community for individuals and is a
place where support is in the form of accountability relationships.
The major paradigm shift is that we do not discuss the word but
allow the word to speak to us, but also that teaching, training and
proclaiming is not a one man thing anymore done from the front.
Now people are taught to keep and obey the word and not merely
understand and remember the word.
Multiplication of groups may lead to church plants.
The word Church gets a new definition as per the place the group
finds itself in for example the market place culture etc..
Existing congregations can implement it as a mission, community

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outreach or discipling tool.

The 'trainer' usually stays outside the group and only works
through a key person(s)
It touches all aspects of life and impacts whole communities.
It is a low cost mission tool that allows all the members to have a
job while impacting the world with a purpose and care!
The way to start is
o Small
o Slow
o Steady
o But Start!
It is based on three legs like of a tripod. With any one absent it will
fall over, namely:
o The Word of God; The Holy Spirit; Each other
This is a major method used in the worldwide phenomenon of
People Movements.
After a few short training sessions to get started the group
facilitates from within from the first gathering. A training course for
congregations or other groups are also available.
Post note:
Discovery Groups are aimed at spontaneous and sustainable
multiplication and therefore any possible blockage is addressed
from the start:
o Buildings, long period training, one person leadership, costly
printed material etc.
Groups are also and preferably started with non-believer and they are
discipled unto and beyond an experience of faith and salvation.
Therefore all typical church stuff like long prayers, big words, deep
understanding, general church terms and opinions are warned against,
for it prevent spontaneous participation of unbelievers and causes a
cultural transfer that can lead to confusion.

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MAKING DISCIPLES
Obedience based discipleship:
Obedience based discipleship is a crucial concept for Church Planting
Movements. As believers encounter Gods Word, we ask, What must
I do to be obedient to what God is saying in His Word? We should
never read the Scriptures without asking this question. As a result,
there will be a high level of spiritual maturity amongst believers. When
heresy wants to creep in, Gods Word corrects the behaviour because
every believer is committed to obedience. Without obedience based
discipleship, you cannot have a Church Planting Movement.

Definition of Disciple Making:

It is the process of leading a person on a journey of relationship with,
discovery of and obedience to Christ in communion with others on the
same journey.

Prayer:
Before anything, start on your knees and ask God to show you where
He is at work at the moment. It may take months of prayer and/or
prayer walking before doors open in some hard-to-reach communities.

Families & Communities:

People live in families and communities. We are not primarily looking
at making individual converts. We want to see families and
communities come to Christ. The approach is different to evangelism.
This is a strategic approach to see communities transformed. Any
specific grouping of people can form a community. It is not only
defined by residential areas but also by special interests and
associations.

Start to disciple in a community or family:

We need to identify the groups that God has already created in society
and then bring ourselves into the middle of these groups (through
POP) with the Good News.

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MAKING DISCIPLES
THE PERSON OF PEACE (POP):
The POP is the key to open a community to the Gospel.
Transformation of families, communities and nations can take place if
we find these inside leaders.

If you have a target group, ask questions like these:

Where do they go when they want to get together?
What do they do when they get together?
How often do they get together?
How many of them gather when they get together?
Who are the influencers?
After you identify these groups, then you bring yourself into them. This is
what Jesus did. (Phil. 2:4-11) Once you find the interested influencer
(Person of Peace), you coach them to start Discovery Bible Studies.

Let each of you look out not only

for his own interests, but also for
the interests of others. Let this
mind be in you which was also in
Christ Jesus.

- PHILIPPIANS 2:4,5

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WORKING WITH A PERSON OF PEACE

What is a person of peace?
Welcoming (not contentious)
If the person is hostile or argumentative, move on.

Hungry for spiritual things

- (doesnt necessarily want to

accept Jesus Christ, but is interested in spiritual things). Test it by
having a spiritual conversation, then bridge to God.

Opens a group or community to spiritual things

- If
they dont have a group to open, then they are not the POP. Dont
pursue one on one. People that are disconnected from the community
wont get you to the heart of the community. They might even be
distractors, rather than the POP. If people are interested but are not the
influencers, have them lead you to the influencer.

Desires to obey God - Obedience is the big test - not perfection.

There needs to be a growth process. If there is no growth or effort to
obey God, he is not a POP. Little steps of obedience are what we are
looking for.

POP are often the leaders - Look at the core of the community.
The inside leader is the main influencer in the group. Can often be the
Imam or the gang-leader, etc. Dont be intimidated. Look for the POP.
If they are not there, move on (or go back to prayer).

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MAKING DISCIPLES
People we encounter when looking for receptiveness:
a) People of peace. Receptive and obedient, have influence and
credibility in their community or group.
b) Gatekeepers - control access. For example, chief of village, head of
security, town counsellors, police officers, etc. Its the person that will
close off the other friends to you, if you offend him.
c) Connectors - May lead you to POP. This person may not be
interested but can connect you with those who might be interested. The
kind of person that knows everyone.

Build a relationship with a,b and c (above)

d) Distractors (false persons of peace) might appear interested but
often just looking for attention, no desire to obey.
e) Resistors (often religious - people) protecting my turf, my
kingdom, etc. Even Christians can try to discourage you. AVOID
DISTRACTORS and RESISTORS!
NOTE: Keep looking for people who are far from God and
connected to others who are lost. Lukewarm backsliders are
often the worst candidates. They will often know a lot and do little.
ACCESS MINISTRY:
Ministry is often the way in As it answers the prayers of the lost. See
what the felt need is in the community, but dont allow them to become
dependent on you.

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MAKING DISCIPLES
Looking for persons of peace
Talk to them about what you have learned about God during this week.
You can do this at any place. In a taxi, at work, at a neighbours house, etc.
You may just say something like, I learned something interesting about
God this week....
If he/she doesnt respond, keep quiet as well. Dont force it. They might
not be the POP.
The person may ask, What did you learn?
Explain what you have learnt and ask, What do you think about it?
Just say enough to provoke his/her interest.
If the person shows interest to join the group, rather encourage them to
start with their own group. Assure them that you will help them to start a
Discovery Group with his/her own circle of friends.

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MAKING DISCIPLES
Find a POP and become a coach to that person.
Brief them before they facilitate the group (their friends or family). Make
sure that they are confident in how to facilitate the meeting.
Debrief with them afterwards to encourage and re-align for more
effective facilitating next week.
Personally disciple the POP by regularly asking these few questions:
i. How is your relationship with God?
ii. How is your relationship with your family?
iii. How are your relationships at work?
iv. How are your relationships in the community?
v. What are you doing with your gifts and talents?
vi. How are you taking care of your body?

Salt is good, but if the salt loses its

flavour, how will you season it?
Have salt in yourselves and have
peace with one another.

- MARK 9:50

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THE DISCOVERY GROUP

HOW TO RUN A GROUP: DISCOVER GOD TOGETHER!
A guideline for leading new groups.

A. Build Community
Group Interaction (questions)
What are you thankful for this week?
What needs do you or others have?
How can we help meet those needs?

B. Feedback
Questions to review last weeks discussion
What did we learn last week?
With whom did you share last weeks lesson?
How did you put into practice what you committed to do last
week?
If someone struggled to do what they committed to do, ask, How
can we help you to obey?

C. This Weeks New Discussion (Passage)

Read the passage together. Have one person read it out loud.
Have another person re-tell the passage in his or her own words. No
one should know who will be asked. This helps the group focus and
listen to understand.
Ask the others to add in the details. Allow the group to re-tell all that
the passage says.
Make sure that the people dont go off on a tangent. If it happens, ask;
Where does it say what you are saying in this passage? Keep peoples
attention to the section in front of you.

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THE DISCOVERY GROUP

C. This Weeks New Discussion (cont.)
Repeat this for each paragraph in the passage, if need be.
Ask questions like:
What does this passage tell us about God?
What does this passage tell us about man and Gods relationship with
us?
What does this passage tell us about Gods plan?
Give them time to answer.
Resist the urge to tell them what the story means.
Ask: If this is true, what will you do?
Be quiet for a few moments to reflect on this question.

D. Make Commitments to:

Put into practice what I have learned this week.
Share with others what I have learned this week.
Help to meet needs in the group and in my community. Encourage the
group to start the commitment with the words, I will.
Be very specific, accountable and measurable. In the next meeting,
have the group bring feedback of what they did with their commitments.

Go therefore and make disciples of

all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching
them to obey everything I have
commanded you....

- MATTHEW 28:19,20
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THE DISCOVERY GROUP

TIPS TO FACILITATE:
Any person can facilitate a group of people who are learning about
Gods Word.
Dont allow anyone to preach or teach!
Give everyone a chance to share.
Keep the group fixed to the passage they are studying at the moment.
Dont jump to other passages, other sermons, etc.
Take notice of people who are talking too much, or ones who hardly
ever talk. If a person takes a breath, use that little second, thank the
person for his/her contribution and call the name of another person to
give his/her opinion. If the group is very reserved, it is important to give
people opportunity to talk by calling them on their names.
The communication is not with the facilitator, but with the group. If a
person only communicates with the facilitator, you should just look down
to your feet and keep your eyes there. That will help the person to also
communicate with the rest of the group.
The facilitator doesnt need to be a Christian. It is not he/she who is
going to interpret the Word of God - the group will discover it together. It
is actually easier to work with non-Christians than with Christians, as the
Christians think they know it all (and want to talk about everything they
know).

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THE DISCOVERY GROUP

GREAT ANSWERS:
The biggest fear for a facilitator, is that people will ask questions that
he/she wont be able to answer.

HERE ARE THE ONLY ANSWERS YOU NEED:

What do you think?
What does the group think?
I dont know! But lets all go search and find out (even if you know, just
say Lets go find out!

The group must buy-in

When a person of peace gets a new group to commit to meet, allow the
group to buy-in to the process. They must decide for themselves if they
want to meet again and how regularly. If they dont want to continue,
then you will be able to focus your attention on those who want to
discover together.
Do not waste time and energy on those who do not want to be discipled
or respond in obedience to the Word. Put your life into those that do and
this process will reproduce!

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CURRICULUM FOR NEW GROUPS

For new groups:
This is the series of readings that we go through with a new group. It is
important to begin at the beginning with creation. Each story teaches an
important aspect about God that needs to be learned. Remember: DO
NOT teach, but facilitate learning. Ask questions!
A. Creation
Genesis 1:1-25 There is a God and He created the world.
Genesis 2:4-24 God created man and woman.
B. The Fall and the Flood
Genesis 3:1-24 Man & woman disobey God and are judged.
Genesis 6:5-8:14 God grieves over man and womans disobediencethere are consequences for disobedience. God uses a flood to destroy
humanity and only saves Noah and his family.
C. Gods preparation for a Saviour
Genesis 12:1-8; 15:1-6 God blesses Abram and tests his faith.
Genesis 17:1-7; 22:1-19
Exodus 20:1-21 God gives His Commandments to His people.
Lev. 4:1-35 God required offerings for the sins of His people.
Isaiah 53 God tells of the future suffering of the promised Saviour.

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CURRICULUM FOR NEW GROUPS

D. God sends a Saviour
Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-20 Jesus is born according to prophecy.
Matt 3; John 1:29 John testifies that Jesus is the promised son of God.
John 3:1-21 Jesus is Gods only Son, sent to save the world.
John 4:1-26, 29-42 Jesus is the promised Messiah.
Luke 5:17-26 Jesus has the authority to forgive sins and heal.
Mark 4:35-41 Jesus has the authority to forgive sins & heal.
Mark 5:1-20 Jesus has authority over evil spirits.
John 11:1-44 Jesus has authority over death.
Matt 26:17-30 Jesus predicts his betrayal. Jn 18:1-19:16 Makes a
promise to His disciples & is betrayed like He predicted.
Luke 23:32-56; 24:1-12 Jesus dies and is resurrected according to
prophecy.
Luke 24:36-53 Jesus died & came back to life to fulfill prophecy and for
the forgiveness of sins.
John 3:1-21 If we believe in Christ, we can have eternal life.
If time allows, you can read more than one passage in a meeting or
meet more than once a week to read together.

For God did not send His Son into the world
to condemn the world, but that the world
through Him might be saved.

-JOHN 3:17

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Curriculum for Previously Churched People

Following Christ Overview:
Each scripture below teaches an important aspect about following
Christ.
With previously churched people, you can begin with
Warnings about empty religion. These passages will help people to
recognize false religion.
The passages on Learning to be a disciple will lead people towards
becoming followers of Christ, once they have made their choice.
Remember: Do not teach, but facilitate learning. Ask questions!

A. Warnings about empty religion

Matt. 23:1-12 Warning not to imitate bad religious leaders.
Matt. 23:13-15 Warning to religious people who keep other people from
God.
Matt 23:16-22 Warning to religious people who promote double
standards.
Matt 23:23-24 Warning to religious leaders who focus on minor issues.
Matt 23:25-28 Warning to religious leaders who pretend to be holy.
Matt 23:29-39 Warning to religious leaders who persecute men of God.
Initially, people will apply these passages to other people they know or
know about. Help them to apply the passages to their own lives.

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Following Christ Overview:

B. Learning to be a Disciple
Luke 4:1-3 Disciples use Scripture to overcome temptation.
Luke 5:1-11 Disciples leave everything to follow Jesus.
John 4:28-30 Disciples introduce others to Jesus.
Acts 17:16-34 Disciples are wise and sincere when they relate to
unbelievers.
Acts 4:23-31 Disciples will be persecuted just as Jesus was
persecuted.
Acts 21:1-14 Disciples shouldnt be afraid to die as Jesus did.
Acts 18:1-11 God helps disciples endure persecution.
Luke 15:11-32 Disciples reconcile broken relationships.
Mark 7:14-23 Evil begins in the heart and eventually leads to action.
Mark 19:1-12 Marriage is a lifetime commitment.
Matt. 5:33-37 Disciples keep their word.
Matt 5:43-48 Disciples love their enemies.
Luke 18:9-14 Disciples humble themselves before God.
Luke 15:11-24 Disciples look to God as their father.
Matt 26:39-42 Disciples must surrender their will to Gods Will.
Matt 18:21-35 Disciples forgive others as the Lord forgives them.

And the things that you have heard from

me among many witnesses, commit these
to faithful men who will be able to teach
others also.

-2 TIMOTHY 2:2

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CURRICULUM FOR BELIEVERS

(50 COMMANDS OF CHRIST)
Introduction for Leaders:
The 50 commandments of Christ are an overview of everything Jesus
told us to do or not do. They lead us into obedience and becoming true
followers of Jesus. We are saved by grace through faith, but follow
Jesus by growing in obedience to His Will. Each category focuses on a
specific issue and group similar scriptures together. Remember that the
key objective is obedience, not simply reading the text.

Category 1: Focus on following Jesus

Dont call Jesus Lord when you dont obey Him. Luke 6:46; Matt. 7:21
Build on the rock of obedience to Jesus otherwise you will fall.
Matt. 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49
Worship God alone. Matt. 4:10b; Luke 4:8
Follow Jesus. Matt. 4:19; 11:28-30; Mk. 1:17; Jn. 1:43; 12:26; 10:27;
21:22b
Be salt & light to this world. Matt. 5:13-16; Mk. 9:50; Luke 11:33; 14:34
John 3:21

Category 2: Focus on relationships with others

Dont call your brother a fool. Matt. 5:22; 12:36.
Practice instant reconciliation. Matt. 5:24-25
Do not look with lust at another. This is adultery in the heart.
Matt 5:27-28
Do not divorce and marry another. Matt. 5:32; 19:9; Mark 10:11-12
Dont swear an oath. Matt. 5:33-37

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CURRICULUM FOR BELIEVERS

Category 3: Focus on blessing others
Do more than expected, go the 2nd mile. Matt. 5:38-41
Give to those that ask. Matt. 5:42; Luke 6:30,38
Love, bless and pray for your enemies. Matt 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-29
Quietly do good for Gods praise alone. Matt. 6:1-4
Judge not that you may not be judged. Matt. 7:1-5; Luke 6:37, 4142; John 7:24

Category 4: Focus on prayer

Dont use vain repetitions when praying. Matt. 6:7-8; Mark 12:40
Pray to God the Father. Matt. 6:9; Jn. 16:23-24
Dont be anxious. Matt. 6:25-32; Luke 12:22-30;
John 14:1; 16:33
Keep asking, seeking & knocking. Matt. 6:9-11; 7:7-1; Luke 11:9-13
When you pray, fast or give, do it secretly. Matt. 6:5-6

Category 5: Focus on money

Store your riches in heaven, not on earth. Matt. 6:19-21; 33
Luke 12:21, 31-34; John 12:25
Dont sell things in Gods house. Mk. 11:15-17; Jn 2:16
Pay your taxes & give to God what is His. Matt. 22:21; Mark 12:17
Luke 20:25; 2:4
Honour God with all that you have been given.
Matt. 25:14-31; Luke 18:18
Beware of hypocrisy and greed. Matt. 15:6-9; 23:28;
Luke 6:41-42; 20:46-47

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WORKING WITH A PERSON OF PEACE

Category 6: Focus on denying myself:
Dont fear people - fear God. Matt. 10:28; 16:23; Luke 12:4-5
Rejoice when you are persecuted. Luke 6:22-23
Confess Christ before men. Matt. 10:32-33; Mark. 5:19; 8:38;
Luke 9:26; 14:26-33
Take up your cross. Matt. 10:38-39; 16:24-26; Mark 8:34-37;
Luke 9:23-26; 14:26-33
Privately rebuke a brother and if he repents, forgive him. Matt. 18:15;
Luke 17:3-4

Category 7: Focus on ministry to others

Preach the Gospel and teach obedience. Matt. 28:20;
Mark 16:15; Luke 9:60b; Jn 21:15b, 16b, 17b.
Dont waste time on argumentative people. Matt. 7:6
Baptize other people. Matt 29:19; Mark 16:16
Minister to others as you would to Jesus Himself. Matt. 25:34-46
Invite the poor to eat with you. Luke 14:13-14

Category 8: Focus on coming into faith

Repent of your sins. Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3,5; 15:7-10, 18-24
Believe in Jesus. Mark 16:16; Luke 9:35; Jn 12:36; 6:29
Have child-like faith. Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17; Matt 9:29
Be born from above. John 3:3, 5-8
Let the dead bury their dead. Matt 8:22; Luke 9:6a

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CURRICULUM FOR BELIEVERS

Category 9: Focus on spiritual growth
Love God and others. Matt. 22:37-40; Mk. 12:30-31; Luke 10:27;
John 15:12; John 13:34-35
Live in Me and live in My Love. Jn. 8:31; Jn. 15:4,9
Strive for perfection. Matt. 5:48; John 15:14
Keep alert and watch for the 2nd coming. Matt. 24:44, 46, 50-51;
Mark 14:62; Luke 12:35-40; 21:27-28
Dont be distracted from hearing Gods Word. Luke 10:38-42

Category 10: More on relationships with others

Act with compassion and not prejudice towards others.
Luke 10:30-37
Humble yourself and take the lowest position.
Luke 14:8-11; 18:13-14; Matt. 23:12; 19:30
Dont covet your brothers blessing. Luke 12:13-15;
Luke 15:29-30
Treat others as you like to be treated. Matt. 7:12
Luke 6:3
Forgive others. Matt. 6:12, 14-15; 18:21; Mark 11:25-26
Luke 11:9-13

This is My commandment, that you love

one another as I have loved you.

-JOHN 15:12

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DISCOVERY GROUPS
Reproducing
Healthy
Kingdom
Families

Go in Faith Ministries International

www.goinfaith.be info@goinfaith.be

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