Growing Discipleship Through Small Groups

Ready for God to do Something New

Last year’s FCA huddle in Anoka struggled. They had about 12 students who came regularly, but this summer they decided that wasn’t good enough. They wanted a change. Sophie decided, “We need something better. We can do better. As a senior girl leader, I felt it was my job to be one of the leaders who said we need to do better.” The first thing the group decided was that a 7 am meeting was not the best way to get more people involved. So they planned a fun kickoff large group event that got people engaged and wanting more. 

They still meet monthly for large-group meetings, but the emphasis is now on discipleship.

Today, there are over 50 students meeting in six discipleship groups. Sophie leads a group of nine girls, and they have been studying Esther, Genesis, and many other stories from the Bible. Right now, they are talking about the people in the Bible who had big faith, loved Jesus, and conquered big things. She is also trying to build one on one relationships with each girl. Gina and Emily taught Sophie how to be a disciple maker, and now Sophie says, “That’s my goal as a Christian, to lead these girls in a way that they can lead their own Bible studies and tell the world about Jesus.”

Sophie’s group started small. She said, “I started with three girls, prayed on it, and all of a sudden these girls asked to join the group. We’ve been pursuing other girls too.” Making disciples who make disciples is becoming the norm for these discipleship groups, and others are getting excited too as they notice something deeper about these groups that what they are accustomed to.

The small groups really take care of each other. Sophie’s small group even noticed that one of their members desperately needed a new Bible, and they got together and bought her a new one. Sophie said, “We just want to see people grow in their faith.”

Growing Future Leaders

About half of the small group leaders are seniors, but they are working hard to recruit new leaders. Sophie was recruited the summer after her sophomore year when Zach Hansen, FCA Area Director for the North Metro, tapped her on the shoulder at church and said, “You’re going to be an FCA leader.” He invited her to Leadership Camp. 

Sophie said, “I went and met all these amazing girls and fell in love with FCA and the environment it brings and the relationships it builds. I definitely grew in my faith and decided being a leader is definitely right for me.” Now Sophie is looking for other girls whose shoulders she can tap. 

Leaders who Lead from their Strengths

The current small group leaders are all uniquely gifted and bring something different to the table. As Sophie considers who may be a great leader, she knows not to look for someone just like herself. Lily is a truth teller, Marley is physically and mentally strong, Sophie S. is quiet but knows her stuff, Mallory is sweet and just loves people, Sydney walks like Jesus, Gavin is a great listener and encourager, Ethan is gifted in just being with others, and Noah is wise.

What the leaders do share is a love for Jesus and a desire that others know Him too. Sophie said, “We are very open and loving to each other. We keep each other on track in our faith and lead each other more to Jesus. People usually think they don’t want to join the groups because they will be judged, but as a leader we really want to see them start their faith and grow their faith in any way possible.” As leaders, they have created an open environment where people can come as they are and grow in their faith.