If Christians take the concept of disciple-making seriously, they find it has a way of turning their worlds inside-out. Not a bad thing, but often uncomfortable. Missional Community and Core Group ministries find their way not by focusing on their own internal issues in Holy Huddles but by looking beyond their problems and giving attention to the needs of those beyond their inner (Christian) relational circles. Discipleship is not about perfection; it’s about taking on the image of Christ together.

These Missional groups are essential to empowering and supporting God’s people in the mission of disciple-making. Missional Communities and Core Groups are not meant to create new comfort zones, but rather develop environments where one can become and live out life as a disciple of Christ. Here the disciple is called out, encouraged to go beyond comfort zones and do things never imagined. Missional Communities and Core Groups are not programs. Their objective is for the disciple of Christ to find their way to be on mission to fit the calling of each unique group’s life culture dynamic.

At their foundation, Missional Communities and Core Groups develop a heart and mindset that is aware and deliberately focused on sharing the Good News through word and deed with those who have yet to know Christ as their Savior and Lord. As disciple-makers, they cultivate an “outward-orientation” to multiply. They are multiplying more disciple-makers so that as people begin a walk with God through a relationship with Christ, they too become disciple-makers. Finding ways to share their faith and disciple another will be an essential part of group life together. A disciple-making disciple-maker focus will ensure that the group is healthy and life-changing.

Missional Communities and Core Groups depend on the Holy Spirit to show them how to make a difference in every sphere of influence. Read Acts 1:8 relationally and not geographically. Jerusalem becomes local-personal-family-neighborhood relationships, and Judea becomes the local culture-community functions-city or county-wide-business relationships.  Samaria becomes the people outside of your culture, but in your space (a Samaritan would have been an outcast to the people Jesus was speaking to, even considered an enemy). The ends of the earth become cultures worldwide. Each group must ask what each relational sphere looks like and what opportunities exist within each for our Missional Community?

Acts 2:42-47 (NLT) “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”

1 Peter 2:9-12 (NLT) “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people.

Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”