June 30, 2026
Think Discipleship
A reflection on Real Life Ministries, small groups, and how intentional leaders, relational environments, and reproducible processes can move people from spectators to mature disciple-makers.
Small Groups
Small Groups helps churches build disciple-making communities where people grow in Scripture, prayer, and relationships. Explore practical, Bible-based articles on launching and leading groups, training leaders, choosing curriculum, facilitating discussion, and creating healthy group culture. You’ll find guidance on group multiplication, care and accountability, welcoming new people, and connecting groups to the church’s mission. Whether you lead a group, oversee a small groups ministry, or want to strengthen community in your congregation, these resources equip you to help people follow Jesus together.
July 1, 2022
How Can We Move from Independence to Connection?
By Chris DeWelt “O would some power the giftie gie us to see ourselves as others see us!” —Robert Burns (“To a Louse”) Many years ago, Carol and I were learning Spanish while temporarily living in Costa Rica and attending a school that specializes in helping missionaries prepare linguistically for life in Latin America. Not long after we arrived, the school’s director invited us to his office to get to know us. “So what agency are you with?” was his first question. “We are direct-support missionaries,” I happily replied. His face turned quizzical, and then he asked, “What church are
May 23, 2022
May 29 | Discovery
In what ways is humble-hearted and persistent prayer a vital part of living in obedience to God as we follow him?
May 16, 2022
May 22 | Discovery
Why would the father in the parable grant his younger son’s inheritance request and allow him to leave?
May 15 | Discovery
From this parable, what do you learn about how we should effectively and productively wait for Jesus’ return?
May 8 | Discovery
Recognizing that we all must “make a living,” how do we strike a balance between earthly possessions and being rich toward God?
April 25, 2022
May 1 | Discovery
The expert in the law tried to justify himself before Jesus. Why is that a bad idea?
April 18, 2022
April 24 | Discovery
In Luke 13:10-17; 14:1-6, what do Jesus’ heart and actions teach you about God?
April 11, 2022
April 17 | Discovery
Jesus committed himself into God’s hands (Luke 23:46). How can you follow the example of Christ in your commitment to him?
April 4, 2022
April 10 | Discovery
In Luke 7:36-50, what change in Simon’s perspective or beliefs was Jesus trying to achieve through his parable and subsequent three comparisons of Simon and the woman?
March 28, 2022
April 3 | Discovery
In Luke 7:11-23, how does Jesus' presence lead to a display of his power, which leads to an understanding of his purpose?
March 1, 2022
Authentic Community
By Rick Lowry God created every person with a “community gene.” We all have a natural longing to be with other human beings. From an early age, we have known the value of being a member of a group. Everyone grew up in some version of a family, a place where we belonged, living with significant others who helped shape us. We are in community, in groups, every day: the staff team at work, the board or committee on which we serve, the Thursday night Bunko ladies group, the guys who gather to watch NFL games—all small groups that satisfy,
February 20, 2022
Real Friends and Real Transformation
Editor Michael C. Mack shares how God used the first-ever small group he joined to change his life.
February 20, 2022
How You Can Grow in Authentic Community
How do you make your church, group, or class more authentic? Over the years I’ve discovered the following principles, most of which work best in smaller groups . . .
January 24, 2022
Jan. 30 | Discovery
In Romans 14:1-5, 13-23, what surface-level issues were people in the church having with one another . . . and what deeper issues may have been behind those problems?
January 17, 2022
Jan. 23 | Discovery
How did Jesus cause some people to stumble and fall and others to “never be put to shame”?
January 10, 2022
Jan. 16 | Discovery
What is the spiritual difference between working for wages and receiving a gift?
January 3, 2022
Jan. 9 | Discovery
In Romans 2:1-16, what comparisons and contrasts did Paul make between Jews and Gentiles?
December 27, 2021
Jan. 2 | Discovery
Recognizing that God’s love prompted him to send Jesus to the world to save us from our sins, how does God’s love and mercy work alongside his justice and wrath?
December 20, 2021
Dec. 26 | Discovery
The Sadducees’ view of life was very limited: we live, we die, that’s it. How do you think that kind of viewpoint would affect a person’s life?
