It's been said that it is impossible to disciple people without proximity. We must share life with people as a living example of the truths we are imparting to them. Jesus demonstrates this method of teaching in John 13 when he washed his disciples feet.
"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him." John 13:14-16
Jesus did a few things here. He loved his disciples and taught them to love. He called them to serve, while also showing them how to serve. He demonstrated the greatness of servant leadership and said you should never aspire to be more than this. Jesus gives us a beautiful picture of the power of life on life example in disciple making. One way I think we can leverage this is by inviting people from our D-Groups to serve with us. As we are serving together, we will be doing a few things at the same time. We will be teaching them the truth that we should use our gifts to serve the body and giving them a real way to obey that. We will be teaching them the truth that leadership isn't just preparing Bible study and demonstrating humility to practice what you preach. Imagine the impact of them seeing you change diapers in nursery or standing in the cold holding a door with First Impressions. While serving together you can pray with them, discuss scripture with them, and deposit invaluable time into the relationship bank. It's a win, win!
A few steps to leverage serving together as discipleship:
- If you are already serving in an area of the church, schedule a rotation to include individuals from your D Group.
- If you aren't serving somewhere, pray and brainstorm with your group on an area you can get involved with together. You could take one formal group time a month and serve together instead of meeting.
- When people complain about areas in the church that are lacking, offer your D Group as a part of the solution by getting involved.
- During formal group time, highlight experiences of serving in the church. Brag on ways you have seen people in the group jumping in and using their gifts for the benefit of others.
Know The Spirit's Role In Discipleship
When discipling people, there are three roles that must be played. Our part, their part, and God's part. Obviously we are only responsible for one third of this equation. However, if we understand God's part, it can drive us to pray more fervently for him to do it. I pray this article helps you in that area.
http://discipleship.org/blog/know-the-spirits-role-in-discipleship/