Huddle Groups are existing small groups and Bible studies which transition into groups focused on helping its members engage in making disciples.
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”– 2 Timothy 2:2
A Huddle Group is a gathering of potential disciple makers who come together for the purpose of action-oriented accountability, encouragement and prayer. It no longer meets for the sole purpose of the growth of its members, but becomes a group which locks arms together so that each member is able to reproduce themselves through personal discipleship with unbelievers, new or untrained believers. Many current Bible studies which have been meeting together for years and have perhaps become comfortable “Holy Huddles” need to be encouraged to transition into outreach-minded Huddle Groups in order to help its members begin to multiply.
Why Huddle Groups?
The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. We all need accountability, but not only for avoiding sin; we also need to surround ourselves with likeminded believers to help us be obedient in the things God calls us to do. (Proverbs 27:17, Hebrews 10:24) There is a major need for accountability among believers to be engaged in multiplying our faith, and this is the primary reason for the formation of offensive-minded Huddle Groups.
And let us consider how to stir one another up to love and good works,
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.– Hebrews 10:24-25
The Purpose of Huddle Groups
In addition to ongoing encouragement and accountability, Huddle Groups also:
- Pray together for wisdom and effectiveness.
- Share ideas and best practices as well as recommended materials for disciple making.
- Provide guidance through the struggles and questions that arise.
- Provide evangelism training.
- Act as a referral network for those desiring to be discipled.
- Share local ministry and outreach opportunities.
Huddle Group Members are believers who understand the gospel, how to read and interpret Scripture and how to pray. (2 Timothy 2:15) They are believers who are called to multiply.
Characteristics of Effective Huddle Group Members:
- Understand that all Christ followers are to be disciple makers and have the desire to be obedient in this area. (Matthew 28:18-20, Act 1:8, 2 Timothy 2:2)
- Are committed to pray daily for God to provide 2-4 unbelievers, new or untrained believers to disciple. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
- Seek to continue their own spiritual growth as they lead others. (Colossians 3:16)
- Desire to overcome sin as they grow in their love for the Lord. (Psalm 97:10, 1 Peter 2:11)
- Committed to spending time in the Word and prayer in preparation for the discipleship group meetings. (2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Peter 1:13)
- Seek mutual encouragement and accountability with other like-minded believers. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- Committed to turn their discipleship group into a new Huddle Group after 1-2 years so that those being discipled are trained, encouraged and held accountable to multiply themselves. (2 Timothy 2:2)
We suggest an initial meeting schedule which includes a 6-week evangelism & discipleship training series to jump start the group. Attendance should be required, either in person or zoom. Afterwards, the Huddle Group meets as desired, but proposed monthly.
Time to Act?
Have you been in a Bible study which has been meeting for several years? Perhaps it is time for the Bible Study to transition into a Huddle Group, where each member begins their own Discipleship Group with unbelievers, new or untrained believers. While it is necessary that every believer have a source for growth and training in righteousness, it is also necessary that every mature believer be involved in actively reproducing their faith in the lives of others.
Ongoing Role of Reel Life
In addition to promoting the formation of Huddle Groups, Reel Life will produce blogs or video material to encourage leaders to “press on towards the goal to win the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14)
Reel Life encourages life on life, obedience-based discipleship as opposed to the transfer of knowledge alone. Just as Jesus, the Master disciple maker, taught his followers and ministered alongside them, we promote equipping believers in both word and deed. Involvement in local ministry and outreach is foundational, and Reel Life also provides opportunities for Discipleship Groups to serve together locally.
We also recognize that Huddle Group Leaders are potential mission trip leaders and encouraged to participate in an annual short-term trip. The trip would serve as a platform for ministry alongside
other members of the Huddle as well as those being discipled as a vital part of their equipping process.
For information about starting a Huddle Group, or transitioning your existing Bible Study or small group into a Huddle Group, please contact us at info@reel-life.org.