WHY WE DISCIPLE
Discipleship Groups exist because Jesus did not call us to simply believe, but to follow—and to help others follow Him. His final words were not a suggestion, but a commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Discipleship is how faith is formed, lives are transformed, and the Church is multiplied. Throughout Scripture, we see that spiritual growth happens best in the context of intentional relationships—“Follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of people” (Matthew 4:19). As leaders, we step into this calling not because we have arrived, but because we are willing to walk with others toward Christ. The Apostle Paul captured this heart when he said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Discipleship Groups are our way of living out this mandate—creating space for people to grow in truth, practice the way of Jesus, and be sent to make disciples of others. As Dallas Willard once said, “The greatest issue facing the world today is whether those who are identified as Christians will become disciples.” This is the sacred work you’ve been invited into.
Cornerstone Discipleship Groups
The Pathway of Transformation
Phase 1
FOUNDATIONS
FEBRUARY - MARCH
FOUNDATIONS
FEBRUARY - MARCH
- Build a foundation of TRUST
- Share your stories
- Build a foundation of THEOLOGY
- Learn the basics of the faith
- Resource: Trust and Follow Jesus (workbook)
Relational Milestone
Schedule a lunch hangout together
Schedule a lunch hangout together
Phase 2
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
APRIL - JULY
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
APRIL - JULY
- Learn to follow Jesus PRACTICALLY
- You’ll develop the spiritual disciplines of Scripture, Prayer, Sabbath, Solitude, Fasting, Community, Generosity, Service, & Witness.
- Resource: Practicing the Way Course
Relational Milestone
Attend a Community Mission’s event to all serve.
Attend a Community Mission’s event to all serve.
Phase 3
PERSONALIZED GROWTH
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
PERSONALIZED GROWTH
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
- Study what fits your group’s NEEDS
- Survey the group about what they want to learn (deeper theology, marriage, parenting, apologetics, etc.)
- Resources: RightNow Media & Curated Resources PDF
Relational Milestone
Schedule an “Everyday Outreaches” act of kindness to do together
Schedule an “Everyday Outreaches” act of kindness to do together
Phase 4
MULTIPLICATION
OCTOBER
MULTIPLICATION
OCTOBER
- Challenge the group to split in 2 next year & MULTIPLY
- Study the heart of disciple making
- Resource: The Multiplying Life + Optional Multiply Plan
Relational Milestone
Schedule a discipleship CLOSEOUT Celebration
Schedule a discipleship CLOSEOUT Celebration
WHAT A TYPICAL WEEK LOOKS LIKE
Weekly Rhythm
Weekly Rhythm
- Relationship & check-in
- Scripture, discussion, or curriculum
- Accountability & application
- Prayer together
WHO DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS ARE FOR
- Those wanting to grow spiritually
- Those seeking deeper community
- Those ready to be challenged
- Those willing to commit and be consistent
Thinking of starting a Discipleship Group?
We want you to know:
We want you to know:
- Leaders don’t need to be experts
- Leaders practice alongside the group
- Training and support provided
- Clear expectations and coaching
So now what? What are the next steps?
01 Identify Your People
Who are the 2–4 people God has already placed in your life that you can invite to walk this discipleship path with you? Groups built on existing relationships are more likely to grow deeply and stay committed.
02 Let Us Know You’re Starting a Group
03 Choose Your Rhythm
Pick a weekly meeting day and time that works for everyone, and schedule your first gathering.
04 Prepare Spiritually
Spend time praying for your group—asking God to shape hearts, build trust, and guide the journey ahead.
05 Get Your Resources
Pick up Trust and Follow Jesus from our Cornerstone bookstore, the curriculum for Phase 1.
06 Launch Your Group
Gather, start the journey, and commit to walking this path together.
CURRICULUM
Each phase of Discipleship Groups uses intentional resources designed to support spiritual formation, biblical engagement, and disciple-making.
Each phase of Discipleship Groups uses intentional resources designed to support spiritual formation, biblical engagement, and disciple-making.
PHASE 01
TRUST AND FOLLOW JESUS
TRUST AND FOLLOW JESUS
This foundational resource helps groups explore what it truly means to follow Jesus, build trust, and establish healthy discipleship rhythms together.
PHASE 02
PRACTICING THE WAY
PRACTICING THE WAY
Groups engage the Practicing the Way video series, learning how to live the lifestyle of Jesus through spiritual practices.
Resources available via RightNow Media
Bible Reading
Participants are strongly encouraged to engage a Bible reading plan during this phase—whether that’s the Cornerstone annual plan, a discipleship reading plan, or a YouVersion plan.
Resources available via RightNow Media
- Video teaching series
- Leader’s Guide
- Participant Guide
Bible Reading
Participants are strongly encouraged to engage a Bible reading plan during this phase—whether that’s the Cornerstone annual plan, a discipleship reading plan, or a YouVersion plan.
PHASE 03
PERSONALIZED GROWTH
PERSONALIZED GROWTH
Groups choose a video series or book that aligns with the interests, needs, or life stage of the group, allowing for deeper, contextual growth.
Resources include RightNow Media and approved book studies.
Resources include RightNow Media and approved book studies.
PHASE 04
MULTIPLICATION
MULTIPLICATION
Groups focus on disciple-making and preparing to multiply.
Primary Resource
Multiply by Francis Chan
Download Free eBook Hard copies are also available through the Cornerstone Bookstore.
Primary Resource
Multiply by Francis Chan
Download Free eBook Hard copies are also available through the Cornerstone Bookstore.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
