The purpose of this session is to examine how we will mobilize new followers of Jesus. We will explain a disciple-making pathway, showing how the next generation of disciple-makers will be made. This session will also focus on the Three-Thirds (3/3) discipleship process and analyze how to use it to help new believers grow in their relationship with Christ.
[If in a large group setting, choose a new facilitator in each small group who will guide the small group discussion.]
[NOTE: If someone’s needs demand more attention during this time, set a time after the meeting to help meet those needs.]
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ and/or what God can do through them. For example:
You are following Christ. You are becoming “fishers of men!” ( Matthew 4:19 ) Helping others grow is a critical part of the Great Commission. We are partnering with God in this work. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants, nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” As we faithfully share the Word of God, we can rest knowing that it doesn’t depend on us, but God brings growth.
It is important to know what to do when someone says “yes” to following Jesus. We play a critical role in making disciples who can make disciples so that all people will have a chance to hear the gospel and know someone who follows Christ. One way to do this is to teach them foundational truths found in PURSUE.
Now let’s experience the discipleship process by going through PURSUE’s Foundational Bible Study (FBS) #1 together. We are going to work through a discipleship meeting step-by-step so that you can understand how to use the Three-Thirds (3/3) discipleship process in your own discipleship meetings.
[NOTE: For this demonstration, lead the group through each section of PURSUE’s FBS #1: Assurance of Salvation (John 10:22-30). Here is a copy of the teaching notes and the session notes. Ensure group members have both sets of notes so they can see what they will need to lead their own group. If printed copies are needed, have those available to the group. If in a larger group, the facilitator is to give the instructions for each section to everyone. The small group facilitator’s role is to guide their group's discussion for each section. The overall plan of PURSUE can be found here.]
Although this will work with individuals, we desire to follow Jesus’ model of discipling people in community with others.
Let’s look at the Three-Thirds (3/3) discipleship process closer.
Facilitating a discussion on God’s Word allows the Spirit to teach new believers as they discover new truths together. It is made up of the following:
This is known as the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) process.
If your time together is short, focus on the four parts that get you to multiplication:
“Now that you have seen how to lead a PURSUE FBS lesson using the Three-Thirds (3/3) discipleship process, you will have a chance to practice leading a portion of a lesson.
Practice the Looking Up section of FBS #2: Relationship and Fellowship (Luke 15:11-24) or FBS #3: Keeping in Step with the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3).