How to Start and Lead a Gathering

Introduction

Jesus calls ordinary believers to make disciples within the relationships, homes, and networks where he has already placed them. This path provides a simple, reproducible rhythm for starting and multiplying gatherings of new disciples. It integrates the center of our life with God—his Word, prayer, and fasting—with the five movements that drive disciple-making: serving, seeking, inviting, gathering, and coaching. Each step builds on the last, forming a Spirit-led cycle that moves from communion with God to mission among people. When practiced consistently, these steps help believers live out the Great Commission in natural, relational, and sustainable ways. More importantly, this path shows young church planters that Jesus can use them—right now, right where they are.

VISION + CALLING

  1. Vision and Pathway Overview → Calling and Readiness Snapshot

  2. Jesus’s Great Commission → Mission and Calling Plan

FOUNDATION (MOVE THIS EARLIER)

  1. Personal Rhythms of Word, Prayer, and Dependence → Spiritual Rhythms Plan

  2. Praying for Ourselves and Others → Prayer and Intercession Map

METHOD + HEART

  1. Our Approach to Making Disciples (Five Movements) → Disciple-Making Framework

  2. Love God and Love Others → Motives and People Focus

  3. Overcoming Obstacles → Obstacles and Countermeasure Plan

PEOPLE (SERVE → SEEK)

  1. Identifying Our Networks → Relational Network Map

  2. Serving Others → Service and Care Plan

  3. Finding Receptive People → Priority People and Next Steps

INVITE + MESSAGE

  1. Evangelism Training (Path to God) → Path to God Master Outline

  2. Inviting into Discovery (Clear Invitations) → Gospel Sharing and Invitation Plan

GATHER

  1. Starting an Ongoing Study → Study Vision and Design

  2. Gathering in Christian Community → Gathering Format and Facilitation Plan

  3. Launch Preparation → Launch Plan and First 6–8 Weeks

COACH + MULTIPLY

  1. Coaching Introduction and Snapshot → Coachee Snapshot

  2. Coaching Framework and Ongoing Rhythm → Coaching Framework

  3. Debrief, Growth, and Multiplication → Growth, Stability, and Multiplication Plan