Evolution not revolution

Fresh from my Cincinnati learning community I've been thinking a lot about what I experienced.  Crossroads is a very active mega-church.  They began 16 years ago ago with a few couples that wanted to create a church where they wouldn't be embarrassed to bring friends.  Since that time they have grown to over 12,000 people on any given Sunday. They certainly have a lot of friends! Their challenge now is to transition a massive group towards the focused intensity of huddles.  It won't be easy.  However, they did a number of things I thought were genius:

1. They involved 250 influential leaders who have a heart to disciple others.  Here's a reality that's becoming clear to 3DM: not every leader wants to multiply!  Consider this important point when looking for people of peace.

2. They are giving time for process and dialogue.  Even the driven Bill Hybels admits that process is so integral to buy in.  Don't be afraid of questions, push-back and wonderings as people think about discipleship.  The unfortunate reality for the church is discipleship has become foreign.  It seems weird to us.  So you will get a lot of questions.  Allow for the discussion to unfold and keep in mind that there is a difference between an honest question and a resistant heart-just ask a Pharisee.

3. They are thinking EVOLUTION not REVOLUTION.  Discipleship is a process that unfolds not flips.  It's spiritual transformation so it requires time, energy and focus.  Pacing is also very important.  When leading consider both the group's development as well as the individuals.  The goal isn't to "finish the program" but to all Jesus to continue His "finishing" work on you!

A simple step to the right

The identity triangle is a powerful tool in helping disciples understand how to work from rest.  One of our big challenges is to rely on grace rather than self effort.  What happens when we don't is a feeling of exhaustion and failure because we can't "do it all right".

When you hear that in your huddle go to the "identity triangle":

Here's how a simple step to the right can help:

1. If they are struggling in obedience...it is likely tied to their identity.  Help them see they are fully acceptable in Christ.

2. If they struggle in their identity...it is likely tied to their understanding of God.  Do they see God as a harsh task-master?  Can they see Him as their caring Abba?

A lot of the challenges your people face will stem from one of these two things.

Difference between small groups and huddles

Here's an excellent post from Doug at 3DM: http://mikebreen.wordpress.com/2012/03/19/the-difference-between-huddles-and-small-groups-and-why-many-people-use-both/

One additional thought.  Small social spaces give us a place where we as leaders can notice those who despise "status quo".  In other words they are leaders!  They want to influence and impact.  They desire change.  They are the ones that ask "is this all we're going to do?".  So as you move about keep your ear tuned for those who are desiring something more, something deeper.  They may in fact be your next huddle.

The importance of going SLOW!

If your huddle is going to learn and grow...you will have to move SLOWLY!  That is so contrary to our culture's inflamed pace, but every learning study affirms this.  Look at these educational diagrams and notice how similar they are to what we are practicing in huddle with the circle:

For decades now we have known how important a reflective process is for learning, but have adamantly ignored it for convenience sake.  We delude ourselves that we are making learning happen by plowing through reading assignments and regurgitating disconnected facts on paper (ok enough ranting Mark!)

Lets not make the same mistake as many of our educational institution-let REAL learning run its full cycle through the process of reflection (using the circle).

Now to do that you and I as leaders are going to have to be vigilant in a number of ways:

1. Don't rush!  The goal isn't to hit as many kairo as you can in a meeting or get through the shapes in record time!

2. Review often.  Check back with people in and out of huddle.  Ask them what they are learning and noticing.

3. Practice ourselves.  As leaders we are busy people.  There are a lot of demands on our time.  FOCUS.  Find a way to note what God is teaching us and stay on it like a dog on the hunt.  Do the same for your disciples.  Stay focused.

4. Make fruit your aim.  Ask your huddle, "how will I look/act different if I really get what God is saying to me".  You'll know you are there when you see it!  So to the person who says, "Oh God wants me to slow down" ask them, "and what does a slowed down Mark look like?"  They may need time to really think on that...fine give them time.  BUT be sure to come back to it because the clearer they SEE it the sooner they will move towards it.