Much has been written about Jesus’ intentional disciple-making practice of gathering a small group of followers and equipping them to make disciples.In both the biblical record and in my own ministry experience there is incredible power when a few people gather together regularly to grow together in their faith, or to simply learn about what it might mean to follow Jesus.
For the last three years DNA groups have been an explicit part the Four Spaces – what we do within Threshingfloor – but as we neared the end of 2018 our leaders realized that the majority of those in our communities haven’t experienced the power of a DNA group. To that end, starting next week, we are intentionally jump-starting DNA groups by launching several new groups and aligning all our DNA groups by going through the same 8 week process.
I can’t wait to see what comes out of this redoubled focus on DNA. In my own life some of my greatest transformations and deepest learning has taken place when gathering regularly with a few others to engage with God’s word, each other, and God’s mission. I also believe that it’s one of the best contexts for someone who’s not yet a follower of Jesus to ask honest questions and discover more about faith.
Before we do this jump start, I wanted to write out what DNA groups are, and what they do. If you’re currently a DNA group leader, now’s the chance to ensure that your group aligns with the vision. If you’re starting one, use this as a guide.
What a DNA group is
Threshingfloor’s DNA groups are groups of 2–4 people of the same gender who gather regularly to discover more about God, grow in faith, and be equipped to make disciples of Jesus as they apply the Gospel to their lives in practical, tangible ways. DNA is the practice ground for Kingdom living and disciple-making.
What a DNA group does
There are four primary ways that DNA groups fulfill this goal:
1. Engaging with God’s Word
We believe that the Bible is God’s inspired word, therefore disciples of Jesus should be engaging with it deeply and consistently. God’s truth has power to transform lives, so the heart of a DNA group is what is known as Discovery Bible Study.
Intentionally geared toward those who don’t know Jesus as their Savior, the DBS process can also go deep enough that even someone who’s followed Jesus for decades can learn much in the process. Regardless of the stage of their spiritual Journey, DNA groups connect people deeply with God’s Truth and word by engaging with a specific passage of scripture through reading, discussion, and application.
2. Cultivating authentic relationships
We are created for deep, authentic relationships where the people truly see us and still love us. DNA groups create a space where people can get to know each other deeply, sharing the truth of who they are in a context where they can encounter the grace of God through his people.
As we are known by others we are transformed when those around us beautifully apply God’s truth to the broken and cracked pieces of our lives.
3. Applying Gospel truth to real life
When discovering God’s truth intersects with true community, DNA goes beyond just reading scripture and getting to know each other and becomes a space where we can put the Gospel truth to the test in our day-to-day lives. DNA groups are where you will discover freedom from anxiety, lust, depression, loneliness, and much more.
As you discover who God is you’ll also discover who you are in Christ. As the Apostle Paul mentions in one of his epistles, as we behold God in the face of Jesus we become like him.
4. Laying a foundation of core Kingdom practices
Faith and following Jesus isn’t an ethereal thing disconnected from how we use our time, money, bodies, and possessions. We believe that there are core practices that are foundational to a Gospel-centered, Kingdom life. DNA groups are a place to help you build practices into your life that will lay a foundation for a lifetime of Kingdom living.
Threshingfloor’s mission is to cultivate Kingdom communities – Gospel outposts that shine brightly the light of God’s goodness and love in the midst of a dark world. We believe DNA is a key piece in making that a reality. From engaging with God’s word to living in authentic relationships to applying God’s truth to your everyday life and practice, a DNA group is essential.
Are you a part of Threshingfloor and not in a DNA group? Now’s the chance to join the party. Are you in the FM area and looking for community and a place to discover more about Jesus? Our communities and DNA groups might be for you.
Contact us via Facebook or email us at contact@threshingfloorcommunities.com.
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