A Biblical Model for Your Church's Discipleship Strategy
The early morning sun cast long shadows across the dusty road as two men walked the seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Their hearts were heavy, burdened by recent events. Hope, once a vibrant flame, now a dying ember. They spoke intently, trying to make sense of a world that had suddenly been turned upside down.
The Stranger Who Opens the Scriptures
As they walked, a stranger joined them, falling into step with their somber pace. He listened patiently as they poured out their grief and confusion. "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened?" Cleopas asked, a hint of desperation in his voice. They recounted their personal stories of Jesus and how he had been put to death.
The stranger began to speak. He didn't dismiss their sorrow but met them with truth, explaining how all these things happened according to God's plan. As he spoke, something shifted within Cleopas and his companion. Their hearts, once downtrodden, began to burn within them.
From Shared Grief to Opened Eyes
When they reached Emmaus, the men felt an undeniable connection. They urged the stranger to stay with them, saying,
"Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.”
He agreed, and as they sat down to eat, a profound moment unfolded. The stranger took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. In that simple act, their eyes were opened. They were strangers no longer; it was Jesus, their Lord, in their midst.
Immediately, Jesus vanished from their sight, but the impact of his presence lingered. Their sorrow was replaced by exhilarating joy, their confusion by clarity.
"Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?"
they exclaimed to each other. They didn't hesitate. Despite the late hour, they rose and returned to Jerusalem, eager to share the incredible news with the other disciples.
Applying the Emmaus Model to Your Small Group Ministry
This story from Luke 24 illustrates the transformative power of genuine connection. It is a picture of our goal for spiritual formation. At our lowest point, we need connection and community. Around the dinner table, their eyes were opened to their Savior, who had been with them all along. He met them where they were, acknowledging their pain and gently guiding them towards understanding and hope.
The Sacred Space for Discipleship
Often, we start as strangers in a small group. Perhaps we are new to the church, or maybe we have stayed at the periphery. But small groups offer a sacred space, much like the road to Emmaus, where we walk together, sharing in the joys and sorrows of life as we become more like Christ.
From Isolated Individuals to a Christ-Centered Family
In a small group, we move from being isolated individuals to a strong Christ-centered family. This is one of the goals of a healthy small group ministry. We break bread together – whether literally or figuratively – sharing meals, laughter, and sometimes tears. We open the Scriptures together, allowing God's word to illuminate our paths and ignite our hearts. We pray for one another, bearing each other's burdens and celebrating each other's steps.
Our True Mission: Beyond Just "Doing Groups"
Small groups are not something we should offer our congregation because “it’s what we’re supposed to do”. They are the engine of a healthy discipleship pathway.
We cultivate biblical communities that begin with discipleship and produce not only friendship, but the hands and feet of Christ in towns and neighborhoods across our counties. I pray you have a renewed excitement and a fresh perspective on your small group strategy.
