Discipleship is an integral element of the church’s responsibilities. But it is more than getting a group of like-minded people together and nurturing a vision of faith and values in them. It also requires fostering connections with the members and between them. But strengthening bonds is easier said than done because people take time to open up with each other and their leaders. However, you can do your bit for your disciple group. It requires bringing them together and keeping them in a cohesive relationship with deeper connections. Here are some tips to help.
Focus on growing together
A discipleship group that grows together stays together in a deeper bond that gets stronger over time. Consider growth as a group journey instead of individual practice. Encourage people to speak during meetings, share their challenges and hopes, and seek solutions from each other. It ensures that everyone, including the leader, is on the same page and has the same values.
Build mutual trust
As a leader, help everyone in the discipleship group to build mutual trust. True connections with each other stem from transparency. But you cannot expect transparency to happen unless people trust each other. After all, no one wants to share pieces of their personal life with someone they do not trust. Leaders can play a significant role in this context by cultivating the right atmosphere among the group members.
Organize church events
Many church events benefit mutual trust and strengthen relationships. One such event is a church retreat. Retreats provide an opportunity for church members to get to know one another in a relaxed setting. They also provide an opportunity for church members to learn more about their faith. Another church event that benefits mutual trust is a church service project. By working together on a service project, church members have the opportunity to build relationships while helping those in need. You can search and analyze church event ideas for youth and find out which one will be beneficial for your discipleship group.
Invest in leadership development
The bonding between disciples depends on the qualities of the leader who guides them. You must invest in personal development by taking up a discipleship training program that empowers you with a good understanding of people. Moreover, it can enhance your spiritual maturity and transform you into a difference-maker. You will be in a better place in getting your disciples closer.
Plan hangout nights
People in discipleship groups tend to drift together by getting together for formal meetings only. Fostering a deep connection is more about making things informal. You can do it best by planning hangout nights for the group. Inviting them with their families is an even better idea. These hangout nights should be agenda-less, with the only goal of having fun with each other.
Organize weekend trips
You can go the extra mile with disciple bonding by organizing weekend trips for the group. It is an opportunity to break out of the ordinary and experience a new pattern of life. Your followers can build up camaraderie with each other better when they are away from the day-to-day affairs and stresses. They come together and build the trust and transparency that entails true community thinking.
Church leaders play a crucial role in fostering connection in their discipleship groups. But do not expect the road to be easy because it requires more than getting people together for weekly meetings and discussions. Think outside the box to understand what makes people think the same way and trust each other. These simple measures can go a long way in making people stick with each other and the group as well.
