I wrote yesterday about Greg Ogden, a pastor, encouraging pastors and churches to “keep laser-focused on making reproducing disciples.” It turns out the process isn’t all that hard, and it’s actually widely known. I wrote 8 months ago what my mentor the late Dick Miller said about small groups:

We believe in small groups in which people can grow into Christ-likeness and spiritual maturity through time and exposure to the Word of God and the people of God in a grace-filled environment of accountability, transparency, and vulnerability. – Dick Miller, Navigator (passed away in 2011)

Greg Ogden talks about the “hot house” where plants can grow much faster. Here’s how his “micro-groups” of 3-4 people work. He writes:

When we…

• open our hearts in transparent trust with one another
• around the truth of God’s word
• in the spirit of mutual accountability
• engaged in our God-given mission

…we are in the Holy Spirit’s hot house of transformation.

Other advantages of the micro-group are that leaders are developed in the context of the group. They need no more additional training. Groups of 3-4 don’t even have the “group dynamics” issues of larger groups of, say, 8 – 12, where one person might dominate while another is quiet. Handling such a group requires extra training.

However, micro-groups aren’t automatic. To achieve optimal results, we need the right curriculum. I’ll write more about that tomorrow.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10.24, 25, ESV. Bob’s note: these verses are often used to encourage attendance at Sunday morning services, but more “one anothering” goes on in a micro-group than in a large group.)

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18.20, ESV)