When
we think of the work of the apostle Paul, we tend to focus on him alone. In
reality, Paul was surrounded by a team of gifted individuals that was
continually changing. We know the names of some of them—Barnabas, Luke,
Timothy, John Mark, even Priscilla and Aquila. At various points, different
individuals became part of the apostolic team led by Paul. The composition of
the group evolved and changed over the years. Very often members came on board,
made their contribution to the work of encouraging churches in an area, and
then attached themselves to a particular church or churches to continue their
work apart from Paul. Some were already mature and gifted persons when they
joined the Pauline team, but others were nurtured by the apostle and the group. The group experience was vital to the
development of disciples and the spread of the Gospel.
My own experience is that small
groups of believers provide an opportunity for individual growth in a number of
ways. This only happens, however, if the
groups are intentional and reflect certain characteristics.
When Pinnacle associates lead Disciple
Development Coaching© training, we introduce this definition:
“Disciple Development Coaching is
a focused, collaborative relationship, resulting in the disciple living out his
or her calling more fully.”—Disciple Development Coaching: Christian Formation for the 21stCentury
This definition certainly informs
the basic characteristics of a properly functioning small group.
First, a good small group is healthy. A healthy body is one in which all the parts
are working together, each doing the part for which it was designed (see Romans
12:3-8). The term “collaborative” when
used in the DDC context is applied primarily to the coach/disciple
relationship, but it can also apply to a well-functioning small group. In such a group, each person is involved and
willing shares in discussion, direction, and mutual accountability.
Second, a small group is made of
people who are authentic with one another.
This authenticity is built on “relationship,” another part of the DDC
definition. In DDC coaching the
relationship is one to one. In a small
group, the relationships are multiplied among the various members of the
group. Just as the coach models authenticity
in the coaching conversation, the leader of a small group takes the lead in
modeling authenticity, vulnerability and transparency for the group
members. He or she attempts to be open
about his or her own struggles while allowing a safe space for the members of
the group.
Third, a good small group stays
on target. They know what they are there
to accomplish and the leader helps them to stay on track. In a coaching conversation, the disciple set
the agenda, but the coach provides the structure or keeps the conversation “focused.”
This is the role of the leader of a small group—to provide the structure that
keeps the group on task while encouraging full participation.
Those involved in small groups
would do well to assess their status by asking these questions:
- Are we healthy? Is everyone involved?
- Are we developing strong relationships? Can we be honest with one another?
- Are we focused? Are we achieving what we say we want to accomplish?
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