We have many great environments for accountability, community, and Bible study, so we didn’t set out to reinvent the wheel. D-Groups were created and designed specifically to make disciples who will go and make disciples (2 Timothy 2:2).

Disciplemaking is about direction. It’s not a destination. By learning to study the Bible for yourself, think theologically, develop spiritual disciplines, and articulate all of that in your own words, you will gain tools to not only lead and equip others, but to more faithfully move toward Jesus for the rest of your life!

A disciple is a life-long learner and follower of Jesus who knows who God is, what Christ has done for them, who they are in Christ, and how to live for Him.

The purpose is for disciples to make disciples who will make disciples. This is ultimately a spiritual task that can only be accomplished by the Spirit, but this is something Jesus told us to do (Matt 28:18-20) and promised to be with us as we do it!

While in a D-Group, participants will learn how to study the Bible together, learn key theological and doctrinal truths, establish spiritual disciplines, and grow in their ability to share their faith with others.

Most groups meet weekly for about 9 months, typically for an hour each week. The curriculum contains 22 topics, some of which may take more than one week to complete, and your group may decide to add other books or experiences into your time together. If you power through, you could be done in 6-8 months, but once you factor in life (sickness, travel, holidays, etc.), it typically takes closer to 9 months.

The goal isn’t speed, the goal is effectiveness. Life change happens over time through relationships as we gather around God’s Word together. Don’t rush the process, but don’t get bogged down and lose focus. One of the leader’s most important jobs is to balance the pace of the study with the needs of the group. When in doubt, ask for help.

There are three key expectations for every leader:

- Your continued growth as a Christ-follower through daily time in the Word, prayer, Scripture memory, and sharing your faith, so that you can model with integrity the objectives of this process.

- Your commitment to your group members to help them fulfill their expectations (see the next question).

- Your willingness to ask for help when a question or situation arises that you don’t have an answer for.

No leader is perfect, so don’t put that pressure on yourself! It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to change hearts. Your biggest commitment is faithfulness and humility!

The group members are expected to:

- Do the work each week and engage in added activities as they are introduced.

- Come prepared for and engage in the weekly group discussion.

- Be open and accountable to the group.

- Be open to the challenge of starting their own group after this one finishes.

Remember, the goal is to make disciples who will make disciples!

Some weeks are geared toward systematic theology, some toward inductive Bible study, and some are a series of exercises. We attempted to provide variety but to take an approach that works best for the given topic, such as:

- Hands-on Bible study (some with helps, some on your own)

- Exercises to help you synthesize what you are learning

- Specific scripture memory exercises to help you remember certain topics

- Weeks that are heavy on daily lessons and weeks that are light on curriculum but heavy on personal time in God’s Word or activities for the group to do together

We’ve found the best size is 4-6 people (same gender), including the leader. Any more or less than that and it is harder to have a robust discussion, and it can make scheduling difficult.

When and where your group meets is completely up to you! We encourage you to meet weekly and in a consistent location. Some groups meet at coffee shops, restaurants, homes, or at our Bee Cave or Southwest campus. Pick a place and time when you and your group members can be open and vulnerable, and a time that allows for consistent attendance.

The best place to start is with existing relationships. Who do you want to meet with weekly for the next 9-12 months, talking through life-changing truth and having life-changing experiences? That’s who you approach first!

We also have an ever-growing list of people who want to be in a group, so please ask for help if you are coming up short. We would love to help match you up with folks who want to be discipled, so they can make disciples!