“If you want group members to stick, give them a chance to count the cost.”
Being one of Jesus’ disciples wasn’t easy, comfortable, or something for the “I don’t want you to stretch me” types. Jesus had a penchant for asking more from His disciples than they probably believed they could give. Why did they stay in the game? Because they knew what was coming.
Jesus asks His disciples to count the cost before joining His team. The principle of counting the cost is one that should be part of every group conversation, and this conversation should take place either before the first meeting with each group member individually or with the entire group the first week the group gathers.
Rick Howerton is the Small Groups and Discipleship Specialist at Lifeway Christian Resources. He has authored many small group studies, is a highly sought-after trainer and speaker, and is the author of Destination Community: Small Group Ministry Manual as well as A Different Kind of Tribe: Embracing the New Small Group Dynamic. He is also the co-author of Disciples Path: A Practical Guide to Disciple Making and Countdown: Launching and Leading Transformational Groups. But Rick’s deepest passion and his goal in life is to see “a biblical small group within walking distance of every person on the planet making disciples that make disciples.”
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