|
Life Transformation Groups (LTG's)
|
|
|
We believe that Life Transformation Groups are an incredible tool to help followers of Jesus become all that God desires them to be. In fact, we highly encourage every member of NBCC to participate in an LTG. While an LTG does not qualify as a church, we believe that new churches can often begin through growing LTG's. Below you will find some common questions about LTG's. These questions are also found in our LTG brochure.
What is an LTG?
An LTG is made up of two or three people—all of the same gender—who meet once a week for personal accountability and spiritual growth and development. It is recommended that a group not grow past three but rather multiply into two groups of two once the fourth participant has proven faithful to the process. The group meets typically for an hour and does not require curriculum, special training, or a leader.
Three specific tasks are to be accomplished in an LTG: 1. Sin is confessed in mutual accountability. 2. Scripture is read repetitively both in context and in community. 3. Souls are prayed for strategically, specifically and continuously.
Who Should Be in an LTG?
There are only two suggested qualifications for starting or joining an LTG:
1. A desperate need for Jesus Christ and a desire to know him more intimately 2. Faithfulness in the process itself (2 Tim. 2:2)
These two criteria balance one another to keep the group on track both with healing for hurting people and health for helping people. To compromise either of these principles will slow down or derail the effectiveness of the group.
Why Two or Three?
Here are several Biblical reasons why a smaller unit of two or three is better than a larger group when it comes to making and multiplying disciples:
1. Community (Eccl. 4:9-12): Life change does not happen in a vacuum; it happens in relationship with others. For most, it is difficult to have the kind of close-knit bond that can change lives with more than three people at any one time. The best context for life-changing community is in a group of two or three. 2. Accountability (I Tim. 5:19): Few things in life get done without some degree of accountability. The New Testament lists at least twenty-eight “one another” commands. We need one another live the life Christ intends for us. 3. Confidentiality (Matt. 18:15-17): It is easier to maintain confidentiality in a group of only two or three rather than a larger group of ten or twelve. 4. Flexibility (Matt. 18:20): It is much easier to coordinate the calendars of only two or three rather than a typical small group of fifteen. An LTG can meet anywhere! 5. Reproducibility (2 Tim. 2:2): It is easier to reproduce a smaller group than a larger and more complex entity. Perhaps that is why the Lord commanded us to make more disciples rather than small groups or churches. Transformed disciples in community is the base unit for the Kingdom of God!
Three Tasks of an LTG
Sin is confessed to one another in mutual accountability. The first thing the LTG does together is ask each other the Character Conversation Questions. The meeting starts here because it is easy to lose track of time talking about other things. Each person takes turns answering the same question. The group must be a safe place to be honest in.
Scripture is read repetitively—in context and in community. The power of the LTG is in the unleashing of God’s Word in the lives of people. Each group decides on a book of the Bible they will read for the week—a larger volume of Scripture is recommended. (A goal of 25-30 chapter per week is recommended; although this is something that should be worked up to!) If a smaller book is chosen, possibly read it 2-3 times during the week. When the group comes together, they ask if the reading was completed. If any one person was not able to complete the reading, the entire group re-reads the selected passage. It may take up to 3-4 weeks for a group to complete a larger portion. That’s okay—reading entire books in repetition and in community will yield rich rewards. Once the group finishes the reading, they can select another passage.
Souls are prayed for specifically and regularly. Each member of the LTG is to identify two or three people in their sphere of influence who need Jesus. These names are written down by the group and prayed for throughout the week. It is best to choose one name each day and pray for them using suggestions from the Strategic Prayer Focus portion of this card. Those who begin to seek Christ become perfect candidates for new LTG’s and multiplication of the group can occur naturally and spontaneously—and in a way that the whole group can celebrate together.
|
|
mail@newbeginningschurch.net | telephone: 301.697.6546 | fax: 775.201.3864 | Office Address: 209 Welsh Hill Rd., Frostburg, MD 21532 |
