A Guide to

Networked local churches focused on

Life Together, Discipleship and Multiplication

Version 4.2

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PG 3 What are Missional Families

PG 4 Three Practices

PG 6 Structure and Organization

PG 7 Guidelines that Help

PG 9 Leadership Principles

PG 11 Launching a Missional Family

PG 12 Missional Family Children

PG 13 Confession of Faith

PG 15 Best Practices and Tools

Index

Copyright © 2007, 2014, 2015 Common Ground

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Underlying principles that define Missional Families?

According to scripture, our Father’s plan all along was to create one body (the Church) under the headship of Je-

sus Christ and it is this body that declares the reality of God’s salvation and glory [Eph 2-4] . This truth is what pro-

vides the fourfold foundation for the network of home churches we call Missional Families.

Priesthood of believers: Every believer has equal access to God and is called of God to use their

gifts for the benefit of the body. Every believer hears from God and is able to encourage and

edify the whole body. Living out this principle of the priesthood of believers exalts the headship

of Christ and God’s plan. (Ex 19:6; Isa 61:6; Rom12:1; 1 Peter 2:5; Rev 1:6, 5:10)

A Family of Families: A local church is a family of families with every individual an integral part

of the whole. Paul stated in Romans that there is one body with many members that belong to

each other. Commitment to family, and our conduct toward each other as family is often ad-

dressed in the scriptures. This principle of family beautifully illustrates God’s plan through Jesus

Christ. (Matt 24:45; Rom 12:5; 1 Cor 12:12; Eph2:19, 3:6; 1 Tim 3:15).

Headship of Jesus Christ: He establishes, grows and multiplies his body according to the will of

God. He has been given all authority, and is the perfect shepherd and a just judge. He distributes

the wrath of God and preservers the elect.. May his body never look to any tradition, structure or

idol of men to lead or direct us. We must realize that Jesus Christ does indeed provide headship if

we have eyes to see and ears to hear. (Eph 1:10, 4:15-16, 5:24; Col 1:18; Heb 3:2-6)

Testimony of God: The church declares God’s plan and glory. We don't do so through any spec-

tacular means of men, but by the sheer fact that we have been given a divine life within our flesh

which pours out. (Matt 5:14; Jn 8:12; 1 Cor 1:17, 2:13; Eph 3:10; Rev 1:20, 2:5 )

Out of these principles comes the three practices of Missional Families found on the next page.

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There are three practices which have been chosen to help Missional Families observe the principles mentioned on

the previous page. No practice and structure defines the church, but structure is necessary for the church to func-

tion here on this earth. Our concern is that the structure, or practices in this case, best serve the church in it’s life

and witness.

#1 Do Life Together

Community as God desires looks like a family. It is a group of people who have com-

mitted themselves to each other. This means individuals will build their lives and cal-

endar around their MF. This also means that everyone in a MF is involved and using

their gifts for the sake of each other and the mission.

Doing life together may seem like a difficult concept to grasp because it goes against

the normal flow and rhythms of western culture. However, it really is quite simple

when you think of it this way; In your immediate family, doing life together occurs

naturally. The things you do in every day life, are done with your family whether its eating a meal, going to the

store, doing chores or watching a movie. Now think of your MF as part of your family. Include them in the things

you would normally do. If you also include those neighbors, friends and family who you live around, then the next

principle will also happen naturally.

#2 Make Disciples

Community as God desires is missional. This means that all individuals in a MF are

actively participating together with each other and God to make disciples. Making

disciples is both a proclamation of the good news and the continued growth of

aligning every part of our life with the teaching and nature of Jesus Christ.

Discipleship and evangelism which go hand in hand often seem like a scary thing for many believers. However, it

is not scary at all when you realize this: discipleship is not something you do, it is the way you live. When a per-

son and especially a group of people live out their faith together it creates a reputation. This reputation naturally

leads to conversations and people being curious. The Holy Spirit then brings conviction, confronting a person with

their own sin. Then transformation occurs as individuals begin to identify and align their lives with the new nature

they have been given in Christ. Consequently, discipleship happens beautifully in the context of doing life to-

gether. This isn’t to say that it is always easy and clean.

Incarnational Living —> Reputation —> Conversation —> Confrontation —>Transformation

(living as Christ) (conviction)

A good books to read regarding incarnational living is: Flesh by Hugh Halter

Every day they continued to meet together in the

temple courts. They broke bread in their

homes and ate together with glad and sincere

hearts - Acts 2:46

As you are going, make disciples of all nations

Matt 28:19

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LIFE TOGETHER facilitates DISCIPLE MAKING

creating a need for MULTIPLICATION

#3 Prepare for multiplication

What happens when we do life together and make disciples? The Lord adds to our

number! At least he did in the NT Church. As the Lord adds to our number, MFs

should multiply. Think of this as planting new MFs. This can happen in multiple ways

but generally a family or two will leave its current MF and plant a new one, increasing

the reach and spread of the gospel, as well as allowing for more people to be part of

God’s design for life together in community.

If each person in a MF recognizes that they are part of the priesthood of believers and multiplication is viewed as

something to celebrate (think of it as a new birth) then multiplication will be a natural result of doing life together

and making disciple. We are God’s aroma, His witnesses, A light to our culture and Sowers of the Word. God

blows our aroma wherever he wishes, directs our witness, makes bright our light, and causes the seed to grow. We

are only faithful to share the message that the kingdom of heaven has come.

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:47

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Missional Families are networked together to provide support and help to Missional Families as they carry out

God’s purposes, impacting their neighborhoods and communities. In order for a healthy network to exist, there has

to be an ancillary and scalable leadership structure where every leader and MF is supported and connected to oth-

ers in the body of Christ. The structure or organization of the network is diagramed below.

The role of the MF leader, Network Leader and Cluster Leader is to serve, and help equip missional families as

well as provide connection between the MFs and the clusters. These leaders are instrumental in helping to organ-

ize the three types of gatherings (listed below) that are found in the Missional Family Network. It is important to note

that these leaders are not to be associated with the many cultural role and expectations that pastors have today.

1. Missional Family> Families gather to meet weekly in homes.

2. Network Huddle> Leaders, potential leaders and mature believers from a Missional Family cluster meet every

4 to 6 weeks to support each other, pray for issues, seek the Father’s council, deal with challenges, and in general

support one another. The council that met in Jerusalem would be similar to this [Acts 15].

3.Large Group Celebrations > Once a quarter every individual from one or more Missional Family clusters meet

together to celebrate. How many clusters meet together depends on the availability of a large enough space.

Missional Family:

There is no detailed model or pattern that Missional Families are asked to follow when they are together. Rather,

we want the Missional Families to be lead by the Spirit. There are however two expectations we ask of every mis-

sional family.

> Have at least one identified leader (but more than one is better):

A leader equips, oversees and helps connects the group to other Missional Families. A plurality of leader

ship is best but one is necessary.

> Eat a meal together every week:

The NT believers ate together, also called “breaking bread” [Acts 2:42, 46]. This was “communion” for them

and served to remind them of what God had done through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Some MFs may

need adjust this such as doing desserts rather than a full meal.

Cluster Leader

MF

N.L.

MF

MF

MF

MF

MF

A Missional Family (MF)

belongs to a cluster made up

of 4 to 5 other Missional

Families.

In a Missional Family cluster

a mature believer will serve

as network leader (N.L.) This

N.L. must be part of one of

the Missional Families in the

cluster.

Cluster Leaders provide a

needed link between 5 or 6

clusters.

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□ Proximity: When members of a MF live in close proximity to each other, doing life together

becomes less difficult. The farther apart individuals live from each other, the difficulty of doing

life together increases. Also, If the households that are part of a MF are close in proximity then

they will share a similar mission field, their subdivision or neighborhood.

□ Plurality of Leadership: A look at the Apostle Paul’s mission strategy in Acts 14 shows us that he and his

team appointed Elders (note the plural meaning more than one) of each local church. These leaders (elders) were

commended by the Spirit of God and were affirmed by others in the body of Christ. MFs can have a plurality of

leadership, in fact we encourage that. The advantage to this is accountability and it helps dispel too great a focus

on any one person. In other words, plurality of leadership can encourage mutual edification between all group

members.

□ Jesus can direct our time together: We are in the habit of thinking every MF meeting needs to have a cur-

riculum or some type of study to direct us. That is just not the case. If Jesus is head over his church then he is ca-

pable of directing us. Do we believe that we can be together and see God’s Spirit move as he prompts individuals

to share, testify, pray, sing a song, prophecy or whatever he wishes. God can direct our time together but we sel-

dom allow for him to do so.

□ Choose Curriculum Carefully Curriculums are only tools to help MFs think through scripture and perhaps

apply it in practical ways. If a curriculum is used then it should be chosen based on what is best to help move the

MF forward. For instance, do others need encouraged to share what they are hearing from God? Does the group

need an ordered study to lay a foundation of the basic principles of Christ’s teaching? In the section of this hand-

book titled, “best practices and tools,” is a list of a few curriculum that may be helpful.

□ Identity in Christ as his church: Missional Families can understand themselves to be the church. They do not

meet simply to get something they are lacking from a worship service or to supplement a part of their lives that is

missing. MFs are encouraged to observe the sacraments of baptism, the Lord’s supper and do the work of ministry.

It is important that every believer is understood to be a minister, not just those who went to a Bible College.

Realize that MF members may or may not attend a weekly worship service in another local church in addition to

their MF. Our goal is not to build walls of identification, but to build the Kingdom in which there is only one

church of Jesus Christ, and all believers belong to it. This church of Christ extends beyond human labels and iden-

tification.

□ Keep an Open Chair Mentality: When a MF becomes a closed group, not open to others, it is as good as

dead. Those who are new to the group can definitely change the dynamic of the group which may be uncomfort-

able for some but this is often a good thing. Missional Families should be open places where people can see the

Kingdom of God. If we have a closed or unwelcoming mentality we destroy the witness of Christ and may not be

walking by the Spirit of God. There are exceptions to this but God will make those clear. There will be some peo-

ple who only want to do harm or have an evil Spirit that cannot be welcomed into the MF.

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□ Acts 2:42 Togetherness: This scripture shows us what the early New Testament believers devoted themselves

to when they were together. It is reasonable to assume that based on the work of God’s Spirit among them, all four

of the following practices may be part of a MF’s life. Keep in mind that these practices can happen in both struc-

tured and non-structured time MFs share. The practices also can be observed apart from or in conjunction with

each other. However, do not make these practices a law or simply a tradition. It is best when they happen as the

Spirit leads. We do ask though that the breaking of bread be a regular part of the MF. Even this though can be-

come routine. Missional Families need to hear from the Spirit in anything they do.

Fellowship—Occurs in MFs

when believers come together and

Christ is central.

“Where two or three gather in my name, there I am with

them.” (Matt 18:20)

Breaking Bread—Whether simple or elaborate,

a shared meal fosters intimacy and transparency and

is fun. Communion can also foster intimacy in addi-

tion to focusing everyone on the central message of

Jesus Christ. In the NT church the Lord’s Supper

wasn’t a ceremony but was very much a part of the

shared meal each week.

Prayer—When we realize the work of

Christ is beyond ourselves we are compelled

to pray as the disciples did in the NT church.

We pray for boldness to share the truth, clar-

ity in delivering the message and persever-

ance in the face of trails and suffering.

Apostles Teaching—Jesus Christ clearly gave

the apostles a deposit of truth that they in return

were responsible for revealing to all people. This

deposit of truth needs to be guarded carefully and

every believer needs to be firmly established in it.

There are many tools and best practices which can help MFs do life together on mission (make disciples) and experience the excitement of multiplication. We hope to gather these tools and best practices and put them into writing as part of this guide. However, we also know that many of these tools and practices will be shared naturally as MFs network together. This brings up another great part of MFs, the potential to connect with and be part of other MFs.

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We already mentioned that Paul and Barnabas appointed leaders in all the local churches they planted. What we

haven’t mentioned yet is the frequency with which the apostles warned the churches of false teachers, and leaders

who would come in like wolves trying to make a name for themselves (Acts 20:28-31; 1 Tim 4, 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John

4:1). To take heed of this warning and to follow in the wisdom of Paul’s practices, some principles must be set in

place for leadership.

Leaders are identified according to three criteria:

Leaders do not need to be ordained or jump through a bunch of man made hoops in order to use the gifts they are

given or to fulfill their calling. However, they do need to be identified and comissioned. The below criteria are

how MF leaders are identified.

1. The Holy Spirit has made evident their calling to the Body of Christ

2. The Body of Christ has affirmed their character, competency and calling

3. Other leaders have affirmed their character, competency and calling

Leadership Development:

It is expected of every leader, potential leader and mature believer that they are a part of their cluster network hud-

dle. These gatherings are focused on equipping believers to use their gifts for the benefit of the body. They also

encourage us to live out the underlying principles talked about in previous pages.

Qualifications of a leaders:

Leaders, are trusted caretakers of God’s flock. They serve those in their MF, they instruct members in God’s

Word, edify and, equip all to use their gifts to bless the body of Christ.

We hold all of our leaders, to the same qualifications that the Bible declares to be fitting of overseers and deacons

in 1 Timothy 3. All Overseers are to demonstrate that they are living out genuine Christian lives, are regularly

ministering before God’s people, representing God’s people well, and are making wise decisions in their personal

lives and in their leadership.

Two principles that under gird the other qualifications.

1. Aspiration for the office indicates the leader desires to carry out the function of a leader, rather than simply

desiring a position.

2. Above Reproach means the leader has a sustained reputation for blamelessness, one against whom no legiti-

mate criticism can be made.

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Desirable Personal Qualifications

1. Temperate implies that the leader not only abstains from excessive intoxicating drink, but also maintains a

mental alertness and spiritual vigilance in daily life.

2. Prudent implies that the leader is a person of self control, one who has his passions bridled.

3. Self Controlled is similar to prudent but has a more general meaning that a leader had the moral strength to

curb or master himself.

4. Respectable refers to inner moral excellence and outward orderly Behavior.

5. Gentle does not imply weakness, rather a kind, yielding, forbearing spirit.

Desirable Personal Characteristics

1. Not addicted to wine literally means one who does not sit long at His Alcohol. This also carries the idea of be-

ing vigilant, so that no indulgences would lessen the leaders Christian watchfulness or soil his character.

2. Not pugnacious means he is not a bully or given to violence

3. Not contentious means he does not have a quarrelsome spirit

4. Free from the love of money means that he cannot be consumed with amassing material wealth.

5. Not fond of sordid gain is one who refuses to make a profit by shameful or disgraceful ways.

6. Not self willed: means the leader is quick to listen and does not assert his own rights above any other.

7. Not quick tempered: This implies that the leader does not “fly off the handle” or have a short fuse.

Social Qualifications

1. Husband of one wife means that he has a long standing reputation as being a one wife man. This also implies a

high standard of faithfulness and purity in marriage. This does not necessarily exclude a divorced person from

serving as a leader.

2. Manages his own household well is A leader who demonstrates an ability to provide leadership in the church

by the way he leads his own family.

3 Having children who believe refers to the leader as one who instructs his own children in the faith, so that his

teaching has full credibility with his own children.

4. Hospitable literally means “lover of strangers.” He is not prone to cliques and treats all people equally.

5. A good reputation with those outside implies that the leader’s life is exemplary to the non-Christian as well

as to the Christian. He is not simply a cultural Christian.

Spiritual Qualification

1. Loves what is good is one who devotes his life to what is best and wholesome

2. Not a new Convert The leader must be one who has had time to mature in his faith so that his role will not pro-

duce pride.

3. Just refers to personal righteousness and impartiality

4. Devout refers to the leaders personal holiness, so that he lives a life separated unto God.

5. Holding fast the faithful Word implies that a leader must be stable in his faith and obedient to the Word in all

respects.

6. Able to teach does not necessarily mean the leader has the spiritual gift of teaching, but it does mean he is well-

versed in God’s Word and is able to instruct others from the Word.

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Many Missional Families will be planted by one or two households that are sent out from a previously established

Missional Family. This can be referred to as planting, birthing or launching a Missional Family. However, a new

Missional Family can begin anytime three or more believers are committed to doing life together, making disciples

and seeing the reach of the gospel multiply.

Every Missional Family will look a little different and will launch a little differently. You can read about some of

the best practices and ideas in the back of this guide which may help. The Missional Family Network will also be

important to helping new MFs get on their feet and work through family life.

There is no specific time frame that is set in which a MF should multiply. However, most MFs will go through

various stages which are common. These include:

Learning how to be a family

- getting use to the rhythm of doing life together

- establishing some “family rules” and guidelines that help everyone define the family experience

- becoming vulnerable and transparent with each other

Learning how to be on mission together

- defining the mission field

- welcoming guests into the family

- including others outside of the MF in life together activities and rhythms

Dealing with conflict

- experiencing conflict for the first time in a MF

- learning how to deal with that conflict in a healthy way

Working through emotions that come along with multiplication

- sending out a family or two who is an intimate part of the MF

- celebrating the birth of a new MF

The Host of Missional Family Meetings

Hosts are households which open their homes for Missional Families to meet in. A host has the important job of

setting an environment of hospitality that makes others feel welcomed, safe, and comfortable. Below are a few

guidelines that can help create a welcoming and comfortable environment.

If you have pets, consider locking them up. Not everyone is comfortable with animals and this can make it

very awkward for an individuals in your own home to let you know they are not comfortable with your pet.

If your house has a strong odor from pets, cigarette smoke or otherwise, you should do what you can to elimi-

nate the odor. If the odor is too persistent, it may just be better not to host a missional family in your home.

When possible provide enough seating for everyone. This may not always be possible but as a host you should

go out of your way to make sure everyone has a place to sit and relax..

Especially where food is concerned, pay attention to sanitization and cleanliness. Guests in your home should

not have to feel concerned about such things.

It is helpful for new hosts to attend an existing Missional Family meeting so they can better understand what

good hosting looks like.

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Children in a Family Center

Children should be included as part of a Missional Family. How each MF ministers to children will be a little dif-

ferent. Ultimately we believe that father’s of individual households are to bear the responsibility of making sure

their children are brought up in the instruction and discipline of the Lord, however, they do so in conjunction with

their spouse and the MF they belong to (Eph 6:4).

Children should be encouraged to partake in various aspects of Missional Family Life. Below are ways in which

children might be part of the apostles teachings, which often present the greatest challenge for MFs.

1. Children can join in for part of the study. The part they are present for can be geared toward their under-

standing and may last anywhere from five to fifteen minutes or more on occasions. Children then can be sent

off to play and learn how to live in community with the other children. The teaching they are not present for

can be reinforced at home by the parents.

2. MFs can have the children be present for the full study. Granted, the children may get bored but they often

pick up more than we realize. Lessons can also be adjusted to include children more than they might other-

wise.

3. Don’t have the children present at all for the study but provide an alternative for the kids. Perhaps the MF

members can take turns leading the children in their own study.

There are other creative means in which Children can receive teaching such as doing break out groups where one

group consists of the children and is lead by an adult. Instruction for children in community is great but remember

that including them in every part of living out your faith in a MF is important.

A New Way If a MF is not using a curriculum but is simply coming together to share according what God is speaking to them,

children could definitely be part of this. So often we feel groups must use a curriculum or have a study but this is

just not the case. If Jesus is head of his church, certainly he is able to direct our meetings, rather than leaving it up

to a study to do that. Think about the impact this would have on children, to see God’s Spirit moving as he

prompts individuals to share, testify, pray, sing a song, and so on.

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Faith is more than a set of doctrinal statements and no list of such statements is truly an adequate expression since

faith must be lived. However, as a resource for sound doctrine the following provides our confession.

We believe…….

God’s plan to establish his kingdom and bless his creation is eternal and was prophesied about beforehand. (Matt

13:17, Rom 16:25, Eph 3:1-5, 2 Tim 1:8-10, Titus 1:1-3, Heb 11:39-40, 1 Peter 1:10-12)

Every person is born a sinner before God and thus at enmity with Him (Ps 14:3, 143:2, Prov 20:9, Eccl 7:20, Isa

53:6, Rom 3:9-23, 5:10-12, Gal 3:22, Eph 2:3, 1 John 1:8,10, , James 3:2)

The penalty of sin is death and God’s wrath (Gen 2:17, Gen 3:19, Ps 7:11, Ezek 18:4, Rom 1:18, 2:5, 5:12, 6:23,

2:5, 1 Cor 6:9-10, Eph 2:3, 5:6, Col 3:6, James 1:15, Rev 6:16, )

God’s unique Son, was sent to earth through a virgin birth as the person of Jesus Christ, he lived as a sinless man,

was filled with God’s Spirit, died and rose from the dead and now reigns with God at His right hand. (Matt 16:21,

17:9, 20:19, Mk 16:19, John 2:22, Acts 2:24-33, 3:15, 4:10, 5:31, 10:39-40, Rom 4:25, 6:4-9, 1 Cor 6:14, 15:4,

Eph 1:20, Heb 1:3, 1 Peter 1:21)

Jesus Christ established God’s Kingdom, fulfilled all prophesy, rescued us from sin, death and God’s wrath by

bearing our punishment upon himself through death on a cross. In Him we have forgiveness. Jesus Christ’s death

reconciles us with our heavenly Father, making us part of the family. (Gen 12:3, John 1:1-14, 5:18, 8:58, 10:30-33,

20:28, Col 2:9, Phil 2:5-8, Heb 1:8 in conjunction with Ps 45:6; Isa 53:12, Mark 10:45, John 3:16, Acts 3:25-26,

26:18, Rom 4:25, 5:9-10, Gal 1:14, 3:8, 3:13, Eph 5:2, Col 1:13, 1 Thes 1:10, 5:9, 1 Tim 2:6, Titus 2:14, Heb 2:14,

9:14, 1 John 3:8, 1 Peter 2:24, 3:18, 1 John 2:2, 1 John 3:16)

Water baptism and the Lord’s Supper is symbolic of being identified with Jesus Christ and his Church and thus

is important as a practice of faith. (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 10:44-48; 1 Cor 11:17-34, 12:1-31)

The Lord Jesus Christ will be completely manifest, personally, bodily, and visibly in fulfillment of His reign in

a kingdom that will never end. As the sovereign Lord, He will resurrect and judge all humanity. (Luke 21:27,

Matt 24:26-31; Lk 21:27; Acts 1:11; Heb 10:37; 1 Thes 4:13-18; Titus 2:11–14; Rev 1:7-8, 19:11-20:6)

Through the church, God’s eternal plan is being revealed to all, including those in the heavens; The church is

all believers of Jesus Christ who are unified through faith in Him. The church as part of Jesus Christ, should be

committed to his teaching, to obeying all of His commands, and seek to bring the gospel to the world. Matt 16:18,

Matt 16:18-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-47; 5:11-14; 13:1-3; 14:23; 16:5; 20:28; 1 Cor 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Eph 1:22-

23; 2:19-22; 3:1-13; 5:22-32; Col 1:18; 3:15; 1 Tim 4:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Rev 21:2-3

The Prophets and Apostle’s received from Christ a body of teaching regarding God’s Plan and Message.

These teachings are for all peoples in all times and in all cultures. These teachings are authoritative and are pre-

served to us today in the Bible. (Eph 3:1-13; 1 Thess 4:1-2; 2 Thess 2:15, 3:6; 1Tim 3:14-16; 2 Tim 1:13-14, 2:2,

3:9-10; Jude 3, 17)

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Believers set aside their old lives (old ways of thinking and living) and walk according to God’s Spirit. This new

life involves a renewed mind, conduct, attitude, actions, and Godly virtues. (Roman 12:1-2, 13:11-14; Gal 5:22-

33; Eph 4:22, -24 Col 3:12; 2 Peter 1:1-11)

Individual households and the behaviors of its members should function consistent with God’s created design for

man and the church. (Eph 5:22,25, 6:1-9; Col 3:18-21; 1 Peter 3:1-7).

The relationships, behaviors and order of Christian community and its members should be patterned accord-

ing to the teachings and wisdom passed on through the apostles. (Rom 12:9-15, 14:1-7; Phil 2:1-4; Col 1:24-

293:13-16; 1 Tim 3:14-16; Titus 1:5-2:15; 2 Thess 2:25, 3:6).

A pattern of ministry and relationships should define our interactions with unbelievers. The pattern includes

respect for authority, and good deeds towards those around us. (Rom 13:1-7; Col 4:5-6; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:12,

18)

Believers are to lead lives that are watchful and alert. (Eph 5:1-22, 6:10-18; 1 Tim 4:16; 1 Thess 3:6-15 Peter

5:8)

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Under Construction………..

UP-In-Out > 3 Relationships

(see book Big is Small, Slow is Fast for ideas)

Michael Frost—BELLS > Practices of Missional People

3 Components that must exist for Multiplication to occur

Gospel (intimacy with God)

Community (intimacy with others)

Mission (focus on making disciples of others)

Ideas for what to do with people when you get them together in hopes of launching a MF.

Meet over food (diner, lunch, breakfast)

Discuss fun but serious questions (what is success, etc…)

Do an activity together (serve together, go to a ball game, etc..)

Just get to know each other and don’t worry about launching any kind of structured meeting time until every-

one is comfortable with each other. This may take a month or more of meeting together over dinner or how-

ever, before you get to a place of meeting to purposely look at scripture, pray together, worship, etc..

Curriculums:

The First Principles Series, published by Bild Int’l can be a great asset for establishing individuals and whole

MFs in the principles of Christ and His Apostles. This whole study can take two or more years to go through. The

advantages of this curriculum is that is thorough and very ordered. Be sure to focus on the questions in this cur-

riculum to facilitate discussion. Only use the others sections of each lesson to support the discussion.

Seven Miracles of Jesus in the Gospel of John. This extremely simple study is a great tool to get others to facili-

tate the discussion. This study is also a powerful look at Jesus and our response or Him. You simply take the 7

miracles in John listed below and ask the same four questions about them. http://cmaresources.org/article/seven-signs-in-john

1. Changing Water To Wine John 2:1­11

2. Healing the Official’s Son John 4:46­54

3. The Invalid of Bethesda John 5:1­18

4. The Feeding of the 5,000 John 6:5­14

5. Jesus Walking On The Water John 6:16­21 (25­35)

6. Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind John 9:1­41

7. The Resurrection of Lazarus John 11:17­46

Questions to ask about each story:

What does this story say about people?

What does this story say about Jesus?

What does this story say about you?

Who needs to hear this story?

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