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Leader Resources

Principles for BMB Discipleship Groups

Leader Resources

These are general resources designed to equip group leaders and facilitators and help them to grow in leading well.

How to apply Scripture to your life

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Principles for BMB Discipleship Groups

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These are general resources designed to support the participant in their personal devotional life between group meetings.

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Principles for BMB Discipleship Groups

1

Focus on the individual

Individual as the Core:

The most critical component of discipleship is the individual. Success with one person is the foundation for success with a group.

  • Example: Jesus’ model (1 Corinthians 15:6 mentions 500 disciples) included large groups (500), smaller groups (120, 72, 12), and intimate circles (Peter, James, John), but He often focused on individuals like Peter.
  • Application: Build a deep, personal relationship with each BMB to earn the right to speak into their life, advise, and hold them accountable (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).

Personalized Care:

Like a mother with triplets, tailor discipleship to each BMB’s needs, not treating them as a uniform crowd.

  • Scripture: “We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children… we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us” (1 Thess 2:7-8).

Mutual Accountability:

The caregiver-BMB relationship is two-way, involvement in each other’s lives, while building mutual trust and being sincere and open with each other. (Ruth 2:19-23)

2

Build Relationships with mutual responsibility & commitment

Love and Value:

Relationships must be rooted in genuine love and mutual value, not duty. Negative energy from a strained relationship discourages meetings.

  • Example: Naomi and Ruth’s relationship (Ruth 1) illustrates a mutual commitment—“nothing will separate us”— this is vital for BMBs facing isolation or persecution.
  • Challenge for Caregivers: Assess your relationship with each BMB—do you enjoy their company? If not, it may hinder the discipleship process.
  • Outcome: A loving bond motivates personal Bible study—“I’ll do it because I was asked by someone I trust,” not out of obligation.

3

Contextual Flexibility and Security

Adapting to Context:

BMBs’ former Islamic practices (e.g., set prayer times) require reorientation to Christian freedom—prayer can happen anytime, anywhere. Unlike Islam’s structured prayers, BMBs can pray while walking, driving, or sitting under a tree, facing any direction.

Become learners of the BMB world through engagement with the BMB.

This means listening to their stories, understanding their challenges, and walking alongside them in faith.

Creative Group Formation:

Create groups in a creative way, choose meeting places wisely, ensuring safety and natural fellowship.

4

Forming and Sustaining Groups

Start with Individuals:

Work with BMBs individually before forming groups, assessing their readiness and trustworthiness.

  • Example: Introduce individuals casually (e.g., over tea) to build real trust, not forcing premature group cohesion.

Group Composition:

Preferably select same-gender groups (e.g., men with men, women with women) to avoid complications (Ruth 2:8-9, Boaz’s instruction to Ruth was to stay with the girls).
  • Exception: Mixed groups are acceptable for families (husband-wife, parent-child).

Size and Language:

Keep groups small (2-7 people) and ensure that all speak the same language (e.g., Swahili speakers together) for effective communication.

Punctuality:

Value time as a sign of respect to maintain momentum in the group.

5

Cultivating Trust and Fellowship

Trust Through Relationships:

Trust emerges from individual discipleship, not from a position of authority by the leader.

  • Process: Mature believers mentor younger ones, fostering a safe space for sharing struggles (e.g., “I’m struggling with this”).

Beyond Bible Studies:

A group should be a family—playing soccer, hiking, sharing joys and sorrows—not just a Bible study.

Handling Struggles:

Support members with addictions, illnesses, or mistakes without judgment, adjusting plans to care for them.

6

Goals and Structure

Clear Objectives:

Define a task (e.g., studying Ruth for six months) and commit to finishing it together, avoiding indefinite timelines.

Caregiver’s Role:

Lead without dominating—encourage participation, respect views, and adapt to group discoveries.

Conflict Resolution:

Address arguments or differences gently, handle complex issues with individual follow-up.

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