Share

Discussion: 1.) This lesson wrapped up the apprenticeship section as a model for discipleship. What did you think of this idea as a model? How might it differ from some other discipleship models or strategies you’ve encountered before? 2.) The SHARE stage is based on output and production in the Christian life. What are some of the things you expect to see in someone who’s producing a genuine faith? Besides the list of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5, what are specific areas where Christians will bear fruit? 3.) A significant focus in this lesson was on the strategy of multiplication in ministry. How is this model different from addition? How does this model apply to the group you are in right now? What might change in your long-term strategy if this group looked to multiply itself for the benefit of others? 4.) ACTIVITY: While the JOIN-DO-SHARE model can be applied generally, it also applies to specific areas of our Christian life. Individually, create a list of areas where you are in each stage of your journey. Where are you joining, where are you doing, and where are you sharing? Then share your lists with one another. What do you notice? And what does this say about ways your group could be encouraging one another in your walk with Christ? 5.) CASE STUDY - You may remember the Case Studies of Jim, Rick, and Susan from the series on evangelism. Let’s take one more look at their stories for our strategies of discipleship. Read over the three case studies below, then answer these questions:

1.) What are the greatest discipleship needs for each person? 2.) What practical things would you do to help each person come closer to Christ? JIM Jim has experienced significant growth in his relationship with Christ. He and his wife formally made a commitment to follow Jesus two years ago and have devoted themselves to growing in spiritual disciplines and discovering their spiritual gifts. They went from joining a small group to leading one, and have begun to ask bigger questions about what God is calling them to do next. While Jim loves the opportunities he has as a mechanic to show God’s love to the community, he’s wondering if God is calling him to another place to serve. RICK Praise God for the change in Rick’s life! Several months ago, while on a camping trip, Rick asked some serious questions about what it means to follow Jesus, and with the group of other men on the trip, he experienced a deep and emotional time of repentance, ultimately resulting in a decision to follow Jesus. Since then, he has begun to attend church, has been baptized, and is building the foundational blocks of faith. He mainly finds his connection through the men’s ministry at the church. An area of concern that you’ve noticed is the way he handles his emotions. While he continues to be an outgoing guy, he has had a couple of instances of angry outbursts at others during an argument. Also, when asked if he would be available to serve in the children’s ministry, he brushed off the question by saying that he’s not into “that stupid kids' stuff." SUSAN Susan has been on a long road. Her relationship with her mother continues to be difficult. For a season, Susan stepped away from regular engagement out of respect for her mother’s feelings, but eventually decided to come back to church and her small group because she believed that’s what God wanted her to do. This ultimately resulted in Susan recommitting her life to Jesus about a year ago. Since then she’s been faithfully attending and learning about what it means to be a Christian. Two weeks ago, during a small group meeting, she confessed that she’s been involved in a sexual relationship for several weeks with a man from work. She feels great shame and embarrassment for her sin and seeks to change. 6.) Pray: Spend some time praying that God will show each of you areas where you could be SHARING with others in your life the good things God has done for you.