Practical Tips for Making Disciples in Groups
Some Do’s & Don’ts
Do follow the basic Griggs Group order each week:
Read the chapter out loud as a group.
Discuss and share regarding the chapter.
Follow up on personal life and prayer requests.
Pray in some format.
Don’t assume everyone has read the chapter, is comfortable praying out loud, or will remember to follow up on prayer requests on their own. Don’t try a different group schedule (at least on a regular basis) without talking to Griggs Group leadership.
Do ask people what they think about the chapter using the 7 Arrows Bible Study Method.*
Don’t tell people exactly what the chapter means right away, as this will end the discussion.
Do put people on the spot. It’s very good to say someone’s name and ask a question, like:
“Sara, do you have any thoughts on this?”
“Justin, what does this text have you thinking about?”
Even if someone is quiet, ask them directly. It’s also very good to ask people follow-up questions. If someone gives an insight into the chapter, ask:
“Have you ever experienced that yourself?”
“How did you come to that conclusion?”
“What do you mean by ______________?”
Don’t expect the group to put themselves on the spot. Don’t be shy, and they will be less shy. Don’t allow someone to come to multiple groups in a row without being asked to speak at all. Don’t allow someone to drop a point or a fact without backing it up personally. We’re not just here to exchange facts, but to share life.
Do ask a lot of questions—specifically open-ended and time-specific questions, such as:
“When in your life could you have used verse 14?”
“Name a frustration you faced this week. How would verse 14 apply to that frustration?”
Don’t ask closed-ended questions after reading the text, like:
“Did you find verse 14 powerful?”
The answer will be yes or no.
Do hone in on people’s personal details. Ask and follow up about their friends, family, work, neighbors, kids, problems, opportunities, plans, and goals.
Don’t ask about things that are purely theoretical (i.e., “Will AI play a part in the last days?”).
Do read and pray through the Griggs Group passage on your own in advance, and come ready to share what Jesus is doing in your heart.
Don’t try to lead a discussion on the passage from a spiritually dry place, even if you’re naturally capable of getting discussions started.
Do challenge people to get from “Point A” to “Point B” in their walk with Christ.
Don’t forget to celebrate them in group when they reach a “Point B.”
Do share your story. A big part of making disciples is simply sharing your testimony of salvation and/or another big part of your faith journey. So at some point in each season, share your story.
Don’t assume people know your story. It takes a long time and lots of repetition for people to understand where you’re coming from.
Do come to group when you’re suffering, struggling, or stagnant. Bring these things into group for part of the discussion and prayer.
Don’t skip group when you’re having an emotionally or spiritually rough week. You will rob others of the blessing of learning from you and serving you.
Do strive for consistency and faithfulness. Only say what you’re ready to follow through on.
Don’t over-promise and under-deliver. If you say, “We’ll go do something super fun as a group at some point this season,” and then you don’t get around to it—that’s a loss.
The Seven Arrows of Bible Study
by Matt Rogers
What does this passage say? Summarize the main point of the passage in your own words.
What did this passage mean to its original audience? Understand the historical and cultural context to grasp the author’s original intent.
What does this passage tell us about God? Look for what the passage reveals about God’s character, actions, or promises.
What does this passage tell us about man? Consider what the text says about human nature, sin, or our need for God.
What does this passage demand of me? Identify any commands, examples to follow, or changes you need to make.
How does this passage change the way I relate to people? Reflect on how the passage impacts your relationships with others.
What does this passage prompt me to pray? Use the passage to guide your prayer, whether in confession, praise, or petition.
