We ask every small group leader in our existing groups to appoint an apprentice leader who will head up their group at least once a quarter. Then, at the end of each quarter, we contact the leaders and ask if anyone in their group (apprentice or not) is ready to step up and lead their own group. If one of the leaders suggests a name, we ask for

Chapter 2 Who Are These Guys?

The Best Fishing Pools

It’s an intense model.

we’ve instituted groups for singles, peace officers, newlyweds, blended families, parents of teens, and a host of others. I call the people in these groups “schooling fish” because they naturally stick together and easily accept and bond with others who share their same interests or station in life.

Making Disciples

for most of our congregation the frantic pace of a typical week quickly pushed Sunday’s sermon to the background.

That doesn’t mean that those farther down the funnel (growing Christians, on-fire zealots, and leaders) are ignored. We have all kinds of people who have made their way down the funnel and popped out as leaders. But it mostly happens as they step forward to become an apprentice, host a group, or lead. The messy reality of frontline ministry

This has two huge advantages. First, it keeps extroverts and those who like to shoot from the hip from dominating the meeting. Second, it undercuts the natural tendency we all have to let the first person who speaks set the tone and framework for everyone else’s answer.