Are Groups the Core of Your Disciplemaking Ministry?
John McClendon | November 2, 2026
As a leaders considers the groups ministry in the church the question must be asked, “Are groups the core of your disciplemaking ministry?” Healthy disciplemaking doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional environments where people consistently gather, study God’s Word, and build relationships that point them toward Christ. Healthy groups can become the core of your disciplemaking strategy —but only if they’re designed with care.
Here are the vital elements that help groups become your core disciplemaking groups:
📅 Consistency Matters
Core disciplemaking groups flourish when they meet regularly. A predictable schedule communicates reliability and helps maximize relationships. While occasional breaks may be necessary (holidays, church-wide events, etc.), pauses should be planned well in advance and communicated clearly. Leaders should map out the calendar at least a year ahead to protect the integrity of the group environment.
Key takeaway: Consistency builds trust and keeps guests connected.
📖 Bible-Centered Focus
At the heart of every core group must be Scripture. While relationships and cultural issues matter, the Bible is the foundation for transformation. Carelessness in curriculum choices or leader preparation weakens disciplemaking.
Curriculum provides:
- Direction and accountability for leaders
- Consistency for participants
- Tools for disciplemaking and training new leaders
Different approaches exist—Book-by-Book, Topical, Chronological, Sermon-based, Cafeteria-style, or Through-the-Bible—but whatever method is chosen, it must keep God’s Word central and accessible. Aligning all age groups with the same curriculum can also strengthen unity across the church.
Key takeaway: The Bible must be the textbook, not just a supplement.
🤝 Relationships First
God designed us for relationship—with Him and with one another. Core disciplemaking groups should be places where people learn to love others as Jesus did. Group size, life stage, schedule, and space all influence relational health.
- Size: Smaller groups (less than 20 adults) maximize meaningful connections.
- Leaders should share care responsibilities at a ratio of 1:5–7 individuals in the group.
- Life Stage: Grouping by age or stage of life helps ensure relevance and belonging.
- Schedule: Meeting before, during, or after worship services often works best, but flexibility may be needed for shift workers or unique contexts.
- Space: Rooms should prioritize people over furniture. Overcrowding or clutter can hinder growth.
Key takeaway: Relationships thrive when groups are sized appropriately, organized wisely, and given space to grow.
🌱 Connecting Guests and Members
Healthy core disciplemaking groups don’t just serve existing church or group members—they intentionally connect newcomers. Every guest who visits your church should be assigned to a group, and every church member should be expected to join one. This expectation communicates that disciplemaking is central to church life, not optional.
Key takeaway: Core groups are the front door for belonging and growth.
🛠 Practical Steps for Leaders
Disciple leaders must take responsibility for the health of the core disciplemaking group environment. That means:
- Planning schedules carefully
- Choosing curriculum wisely
- Training and supporting leaders
- Monitoring group size and relational health
- Evaluating space and making adjustments.
Final Thoughts
Core disciplemaking groups are more than Bible studies or social gatherings. They are disciplemaking environments where consistency, Scripture, relationships, and intentional connection all work together to help people grow in Christ. When designed with these elements in mind, core disciplemaking groups become the heartbeat of a healthy church—places where people encounter God, build authentic relationships, and live out their faith together.
John McClendon is a author, trainer of group leaders, discipleship pastor, and retired Executive Director of DLN.