Discipleship triads. Quads. Life support groups. Each of these define a smaller group of three to four people of the same gender who meet weekly to hold each other accountable for spiritual growth. This idea has been around for a long time and used in a variety of settings with varying degrees of success. One of the issues that determines the success of these kinds of groups is having a clear and defined purpose. That purpose is seen in what the group talks about or is supposed to talk about (these can be very different things).
As we looked at future resources, we wondered what would happen if the previous week’s Bible study session served as the basis for these groups.
- What would happen if these smaller groups met to discuss how what was discovered during the group Bible study time and daily Bible engagements impacted their lives that week?
- What if group members met to hold each other accountable for living out the truths discovered in their ongoing Bible study group?
- What if a husband and a wife held each other accountable, functioning as accountability partners? What kind of impact would that have on their marriage? On the way they raise their children?
In the Daily Discipleship Guide, you will find a set of three questions for accomplishing just this. These are found in the Talk It Out section on the last page of each session. Each question is borne out of one or more questions examined or actions encouraged either in the group time or the Daily Exploration features. The smaller group of three to four could discuss one, two, or all the questions included in this section. Even if a person is unable to meet with others during the week, he or she will still benefit from these questions. The goal is simple: finding a way of holding ourselves and others accountable for living a Christ-honoring life.
Download a sample of the new Daily Discipleship Guide at lifeway.com/exploredaily and look at the Talk It Out sections. How do you see the Talk It Out feature being used by group members?