The Discipleship Process...Polly Pocket-Style.

This week, I got schooled by a six year old - I'm referring to it as, "Lessons by Libby."

This is Libby.

She is precious and sweet and missing a few teeth.  She is also my daughter's bestest friend.

Libby loves Polly Pockets.  This week Libby's mom spied her playing a new game.

Libby was playing, "Home Group."

Libby's parents (Josh and Cassidy) are very involved LIFERS, participating in and leading groups since Libby was a year old.  This week Cassidy and I asked Libby what her Polly Pockets were doing in their little group.  Libby said, "They are doing what mommy and daddy do - having Home Group."  

Libby's mom asked who was leading, Libby pointed out John.  (His wife Carol was unavailable for the photo.) 

Libby said John and Carol lead and host this Polly Pocket Home Group - in the backyard of their Polly Pocket home.  

I asked Libby what kinds of things to do they do in Home Group?  Do they watch cartoons together?  Sit and crochet blankets?  "No," giggled Libby, "they get together and talk about Jesus.  They want to make disciples," she smiled.  

Then she pushed her bangs out of her face and continued, "You are supposed to get together - like Jesus got together to make disciples."

And then it clicked for me.  

I'd been schooled by a six-year old.

You see at Real Life, we have entire leadership trainings on our process.  We've identified "keys to making disciples,"...it comes with a whole slide show power point presentation, trust me.

This is what we teach our leaders about the key components (everything a disciple-making group must possess): 

Four Key Elements:
     1. There is a biblical foundation.
     2. An intentional leader is present.
     3. It involves a relational environment.
     4. The process is reproducible.

Those are big fancy words to describe what a six-year old discovered by simple observation. 

Libby has been brought up in a home with parents who participate in this very process.  Libby, in her afternoon playtime, knew instinctively that she needed a leader, a nice, comfy place for people to get together and  to talk about God's word in the same method Jesus modeled.  And clearly, the process is reproducible...even Polly Pocket-Style.

The thing I love most about Libby's little lesson is the reminder that our children are watching.  Every time we choose to fight for relationship, repent and turn to Jesus, and continue to go to Home Group week after week, we are teaching our children something.  It's discipleship at it's finest. 

We get the opportunity to teach the next generation that it's not just about obeying Jesus' words, but following his methods as well.

Nice work Miss Libby.

H =D