Summary
The end game for a Discover Group is that its members become committed followers of Jesus Christ. When one of the members comes to Christ, it’s not uncommon for the rest of the group to follow shortly thereafter. Sometimes a whole group will commit their lives to Jesus at the same time. Regardless the process, seeing the members come to Christ is the goal of the Discovery Group.
Once a person or group acknowledges faith in Jesus Christ, and a commitment to follow Him, we must obey Jesus’ command to baptize them in water as believers in Jesus Christ. Once a person is baptized as a new believer, they should also be welcomed to the family of God. This is what Acts 2:41 meant when it said the new believers were, “added.” Practically, this sometimes happens before their actual baptism since people are born again by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in Him for their salvation (Romans 10:9-10).
In this lesson we cover how to transition a Discover Group into a biblical New Testament Church as the Group members commit their lives to Jesus Christ.
**What is a Church?**
A church is a group of baptized believers in Jesus Christ who meet regularly to learn from God’s Word, worship God, share fellowship with Jesus and one another, nurture each other by the Holy Spirit and prayer, and leave with strength to obey God’s commands so that they reach more people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
One of the most important concepts we learn from God’s Word about a church is that it’s meant to be “a family.”
***1 John 3:1 (NIV)** “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! …”*
Unlike our discussion about Persons of Peace, Discover Groups, etc., “church” is where the “FAM” of BFAM kicks in. As believers, we are children of God, and brothers and sisters of one another. Every church gathering—large or small—is a part of God’s family, so God wants us to treat each other as family. This is, therefore, an important part of The BFAM Strategy; to “Be Family.”
Eight characteristics that makes a BFAM church different:
1. It treats church members like family, not like attendees.
2. It focuses on God’s word instead of a gifted teacher/leader.
3. It relies on the power of the Holy Spirit more than human energy.
4. It equips saints to do the work of ministry, not to sit in church.
5. It prioritizes obedience above knowledge.
6. It decentralized leadership instead of centralizing it.
7. It prioritizes the development of individuals, not building crowds.
8. It encourages people to go make disciples, not just to come be one.
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