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Discipleship Groups
The Explore Track

A simple, no-prep guide for people seeking connection or are new to faith and exploring

For those seeking connection, new to faith, or exploring what it means to follow Jesus. Come exactly as you are.

What to Expect

Quick Reference Menu

Everything you need to facilitate meaningful gatherings - no prep required

Opening a Meeting (Pick One - 5-10 minutes)

Simple Check-in

"How are you doing today?" (one word or short phrase is fine)

Gratitude Moment

Each person shares one good thing from their day or week

Breath Together

Take three slow, deep breaths together - no need to pray out loud, but we should pray centering our thoughts and feels in God

Welcome Reminder

"This is a safe space to be exactly where you are with faith, questions, and life"

Closing a Meeting (Pick One - 5-10 minutes)

Appreciation Round

Each person says one thing they appreciated about the conversation

Simple Wishes

"What's one thing you're hoping for this week?"

Quiet Moment

Sit in comfortable silence for a minute, then share a word of encouragement

Prayer

Offer to pray for the group, but make it clear anyone can just listen

Main Activities (Pick One - 30-40 minutes)

Getting to Know Each Other

Highs & Challenges

Share the best and hardest parts of your week (as much as you're comfortable)

Life Snapshots

Tell about a place, person, or experience that shaped you

Simple Stories

"What's something about your family, work, or interests that others might not know?"

Questions Welcome

"What questions about faith, life, or God have been on your mind?"

Exploring Faith Together

Jesus Stories

Read a simple story about Jesus together. "What do you notice? What draws you to Jesus or surprises you about him?"

Bible Conversations

Read a short passage (like Psalm 23 or John 3:16) and simply talk about it - no right answers required

Faith Questions

Gentle discussions like "What does love look like?" or "Where do you see hope in the world?"

Different Perspectives

"How did you learn about God growing up? What questions do you have now?"

Simple Practices to Try

Gratitude Practice

Write down or share 3 things you're grateful for, then talk about how gratitude affects your day

Listening Prayer

Sit quietly for 3-5 minutes, then share what came to mind (thoughts, feelings, memories - all welcome)

Caring for Others

"Who in your life could use encouragement? How might you show them care this week?"

Everyday Sacred

"Where do you experience peace, beauty, or connection in your regular week?"

Life and Faith Integration

Daily Rhythms

"What does a typical day look like for you? Where do you feel most yourself?"

Relationships

"Who are the people who matter most to you? How do you want to care for them?"

Community Connection

"Where do you feel like you belong? Where would you like to belong more?"

Making a Difference

"What problems in your neighborhood or the world do you care about?"

Sample 3-Month Journey

Every other week for 6 meetings

1

Beginning Together

Focus: Getting to know each other and creating safety

Opening (10 min)

One person volunteer to pray out loud for the time

Main Activity (35 min)

Life Snapshots (25 min)

Each person gets 8 minutes to share about something that shaped them - could be a place they've lived, a person who influenced them, an experience that changed them, etc. No pressure to get deep; just help others understand your story.

Group Hopes (10 min)

"What made you want to try this group? What would make these next few months meaningful for you?"

Closing (5 min)

Gratitude round - each one say a prayer thanking God for something another person shared

2

Questions Welcome

Focus: Creating space for curiosity about faith and life

Opening (5 min)

Centering prayer - introduce this practice of silent prayer

Main Activity (40 min)

Faith Questions (20 min)

"What questions about faith, God, or life have been on your mind lately? What did you learn about God growing up?" (No pressure to have answers)

Different Perspectives (20 min)

Share briefly about your background with faith/church/spirituality - including doubts, good experiences, bad experiences, or just being curious

Closing (5 min)

"What's one thing you're curious about as we continue meeting?"

3

Getting to Know Jesus

Focus: Simple introduction to who Jesus is

Opening (5 min)

Centering prayer

Main Activity (40 min)

Jesus Story: The Good Shepherd (25 min)

Read John 10:11-16 together slowly. "What do you notice about Jesus here? What questions does this raise? What draws you to him or surprises you?"

Reflection (15 min)

"How do you think about care and protection in your own life? Who has been like a good shepherd to you?"

Closing (5 min)

Quiet moment and encouragement

4

Life and Connection

Focus: Understanding how we're wired for relationship

Opening (5 min)

Centering prayer

Main Activity (40 min)

Daily Rhythms (20 min)

"Walk us through a typical day. Where do you feel most yourself? Where do you feel stressed or disconnected?"

Relationships (20 min)

"Who are the people who matter most to you? How do you like to show care for others?"

Closing (5 min)

Practice praying for each other's relationships

5

Hope and Care

Focus: Discovering how God might be at work through us

Opening (5 min)

Centering prayer

Main Activity (40 min)

Making a Difference (20 min)

"What problems in your community or the world do you care about? Where do you see hope?"

Jesus Story: Feeding the 5000 (20 min)

Read Mark 6:30-44. "What do you notice about how Jesus cared for people? How do you see Jesus using ordinary things (like a few loaves and fish) to help others? What's one small way you might show care for someone this week?"

Closing (5 min)

Pray for willingness and eyes to help someone in our life this week

6

Moving Forward

Focus: Reflecting on the journey and next steps

Opening (5 min)

Gratitude moment - each person pray for something they are thankful for so far in the group

Main Activity (40 min)

Looking Back (15 min)

"What has surprised you about our time together? What have you learned about yourself, others, or God?"

Faith Reflections (15 min)

"How would you describe your relationship with God now compared to when we started? What questions are you still carrying?"

Looking Ahead (10 min)

"What would you like to continue exploring? Would you like to meet for another 3 months, try a different formation group, or explore other ways to connect?"

Closing (5 min)

Pray for wisdom and how to continue exploring together

Ready to Explore?

Take the first step in your faith journey. We'll connect you with others who are exploring too.

Questions? Fill out our form and we'll get back to you.

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