(ONE) This is a 3:1 mentorship group.  That means there will be three people in the group and one leader.  
The Discipleship Team started meeting in April to set up and plan this ministry.  In our planning, we came across a book by Greg Ogden titled “Discipleship Essentials.”  In it, he lays out the rationale.  I’ve included an excerpt from it below (pg xii-xiii) because he explains it better than I can.  
"Why do I believe that a triad or quad, known as “micro groups,” is superior to one-on-one?
 (1) The one-on-one sets up a teacher-student dynamic. The pressure is upon the discipler to be the answer person or the fountain of all wisdom and insight. When a third person is added, the dynamic shifts to a group process. The discipler can more naturally make his or her contribution in the dynamic of group interchange.
(2) Micro groups shift the model from hierarchical to relational. The greatest factor inhibiting those who are being discipled to disciple others (multiplication) is the dependency fostered by one-on-one relationships.
The triad/quad, on the other hand, views discipleship as a come-alongside relationship of mutual journey toward maturity in Christ. The hierarchical dimension is minimized.
(3) The most startling difference between one-on-one and threes or fours is the sense of “groupness.” The sense of the Holy Spirit’s being present in our midst occurred much more often in the group versus the one-on-one.
(4) There is wisdom in numbers. The group approach multiplies the perspectives on Scripture and application to life issues, whereas one-on-one limits the models and experience. By adding at least a third person there is another perspective brought to the learning process. The group members serve as teachers of one another.
(5) Finally, and not to be minimized, by adding a third or fourth person who is being equipped to disciple others, the multiplication process is geometrically increased.
You might ask, if three is better than two, why isn’t ten better than three? The larger the group, the more you water down the essential elements that make for transformation.
 (1) Truth—Learning occurs in direct proportion to the ability to interact with the truth, which becomes more difficult with an increased number of voices contributing. It also becomes increasingly difficult to tailor the rate of learning to the individual, the larger the size of the group.
 (2) Transparent relationships—Self-disclosure is integral to transformation, and openness becomes increasingly difficult in direct proportion to the size of the group. If we are not free to divulge our struggles, then the Spirit will not be able to use the group members to effectively minister at the point of need.
 (3) Life-change accountability—The larger the group, the easier it is to hide. Accountability requires the ability to check to see if assignments were completed, or commitments to obedience were maintained. Greater numbers decrease access to a person’s life."

(TWO) Some people may be surprised to find that they are in a group with people who are in different life stages than them.  We believe that we can all learn from each other no matter what stage of life we’re in.  We hope that you will find that benefit and stick with the group to see how God can use you and how you can learn from each other.

(THREE) This is a commitment of 9-12 months.  Our hope and prayer is that after the 9-12 months, you would consider leading a group of women at some point (this is not an expectation).    Jesus’ last commandment to his followers in Matthew 28:18-20 “As you go, make disciples (followers of Christ, not Christians, not converts), baptize (reflects conversion), teach (help them to grow in understanding and Christ likeness).  

(FOUR) Each group will look different.  Each group will be made up of people in different life stages, study different things, meet at different days/times… but all will include a time of Bible study, prayer and accountability.