Growing up in Zimbabwe, we used to visit my grandparents in the rural areas.  At night, the boys would sit by a small fire outside of the main hut.  About thirty minutes before going to bed, my grandfather would ask us to pull out the logs from the glowing fire.  By bedtime, the individual logs would have gone from glowing to smoldering, and, ultimately dying out. As I reflect on Discipleship, my grandfather’s wise words seem to speak to that.  A Christian who lives outside of community, away from the glowing fire of other Christians would cease to grow and soon would grow cold.

The spiritual discipline of small discipleship groups is important to the strengthening of your faith. Most churches comprise many individuals attending church, yet are not committed to the church and to each other.  It is more beneficial for a church to have ten growing, accountable Christians than 200 hundred disconnected, uncommitted congregants.  At The Salvation Army El Cajon Corps, through the small discipleship triads, we are learning that Christianity is best lived in community.  We are learning that holiness is strengthened through accountability.  Human beings are social beings.  We are created to live in community with God and with each other.  It is in the midst of living in community that our faith is both tested and strengthened.

Discipleship triads provide the benefits of studying God’s Word with others.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than none, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (NIV)  It is in working together with others that we grow and are inspired to be greater.

Discipleship triads can be a place where you can be vulnerable.

It is a place where you feel safe to share your biggest struggles, without fear.

In the discipleship triads, we sign a covenant which states that what is discussed in the meetings stays with the three members, and with God.  We encourage and expect people to be transparent, honest and truthful.

Discipleship triads challenge you to go deeper through reading God’s Word daily, praying regularly, and documenting your thoughts and feelings.  These groups are avenues of service to others, as well.

• Have you joined a discipleship group yet? If not, why?
• Are you growing in your Christian walk?
• What do you need to do to make time to be with others, and with God?