From Large to Small to Core: Building Transformative Groups That Multiply Disciples

In a church, “large groups” refer to the main worship service with many people. “Small groups” are smaller gatherings for deeper fellowship, Bible study, and accountability. “Core groups” are committed members who are trained to disciple others and foster strong, spiritually mature leaders within a church or ministry.

Discipleship is teaching about Jesus. Making disciples is teaching a disciple how to make disciples who make disciples. Both are essential. Core Discipleship teaches Christ followers how to make disciples.

Crowd Discipleship – the 72: traditional large gathering Sunday services; examples include pulpit teaching, classrooms, Sunday schools.
Size: 15+ people – typically a large group gathering in most churches for corporate worship.
Audience: mixed gender and ages.
Communication: one-way monologue where information is delivered from the pastor or leader to the congregation with no opportunity for direct feedback or interaction from the congregation, meaning the pastor speaks, teaches, and leads with little to no active participation from the congregation beyond listening and responding passively.
Purpose: to bring about a change in knowledge.
Focus: celebration and worship.

Cell Discipleship – the 12: cell groups, home groups or life groups
Size: 5-14 people.
Audience: mixed gender and ages.
Communication: a typical cell group involves open and personal sharing of experiences, prayer requests, Bible study discussion, encouragement, accountability, and fellowship within a smaller group setting, often taking place in a home, where members can openly communicate about their spiritual lives and support one another on a deeper level than in a large church service.
Purpose: to bring about heart change and character; discuss what is being taught.
Focus: community and fellowship.

Core Discipleship – the 3: intentional gathering of 3-4 believers focused on spiritual growth, accountability, and equipping one another to make disciples.
Size: 3-4 people.
Audience: gender specific (men with men, women with women).
Communication: interactive, open, dialogue.
Purpose: Make disciples who make disciples; to bring about a change of direction, heart and position; knowledge, character and conduct.
Focus: commitment; teaching others how to make disciples who make disciples. Core Groups meet regularly to study Scripture, pray, share life experiences, and encourage one another in their walk with Christ. The goal of a Core Discipleship Group is to develop mature disciples who then disciple others, creating a multiplying effect. Core Discipleship Groups emphasize personal transformation, deep relational connections, and practical application of biblical truths in daily life. True Core Discipleship Groups require personal interaction and friendship between a more mature believer and younger believers. In this relationship, the younger believers are guided and coached to understand and apply Jesus’ teachings in daily life. This process takes time, effort, and love.

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