1) What is a small group?
At UCM, Small Groups usually consist of at most 10 people who meet weekly (in-person or hybrid) to share their faith and life experiences and encourage one another.
Small Groups are designed to serve the threefold purpose of belonging, building up, and bearing fruit, thereby fostering Christ-centered community within the larger church.
There are two kinds of Small Groups: Life Groups (LG) and Catalytic Discipleship Groups (CDG).
2) What is a Life Group?
LGs are guided by varied emphases, such as prayer, Bible study, or a shared outreach or activity. These are led by a UCMer dedicated to gathering and cultivating a group around one or more of these emphases for a season or a lifetime.
3) What is a Catalytic Discipleship Group?
CDGs are guided by a definite emphasis on disciple-making. These are led by a UCMer equipped to plant and nurture another CDG within an 18-month life cycle.
4) How can I join a Life Group?
You can first visit an LG by invitation of the LG leader/member, or by asking the Discipleship Administrative Coordinator (DAC) to assign you to one.
5) Can I choose a Life Group to join?
Yes, but the LG leader needs to agree, and the Discipleship Administrative Coordinator (DAC) needs to be informed.
6) Can I join a CDG?
Possibly. For a CDG to start, the certified CDG leader gathers at least two UCM friends. For this reason, UCMers may not join an already existing CDG. They can, however, register their interest with the Discipleship Administrative Coordinator (DAC), and a new CDG leader may ask them to join a new CDG.
7) I want to join a Life Group, but can’t find one that suits my availability.
The Discipleship Administrative Coordinator can only direct people according to the LGs' provided schedules. UCMers are encouraged to start new LGs that suit their availability and interests.
8) Should I be a UCM member or a regular attendee to be able to start a Life Group?
Yes.
9) I would like to start a Life Group. What do I do first?
Consult the DAC. Gather at least two UCM friends; the Discipleship team shall orient you on how to lead/host an LG. Please refrain from inviting people who are members or attendees of other Christian churches. The Discipleship ministry ethic is to refrain from “shepherding another church’s sheep” so that all may grow together from their home church commitment.
10) I would like to start a CDG. What do I do first?
A prospective CDG leader comes from having regularly participated in a CDG. S/he must first gather at least two UCM friends. The Discipleship team will equip them to lead the CDG.
11) What training is provided for those who would like to start a CDG?
It begins by regularly participating in a CDG. Consult with the DAC for the church’s process, which includes a conversation with the Pastor of Discipleship. [CDG leaders are equipped and certified for the CDG planting purpose. A prospective CDG leader must gather at least two UCM friends, and the Discipleship Team will equip them to lead the CDG.
12) Can I invite non-UCMers to be part of my CDG?
Consult the CDG leader. The Discipleship ministry ethic is to refrain from inviting people who are members or attendees of other Christian churches (“shepherding another church’s sheep”) so that all may grow together from their commitment to their home church. CDGs may invite unchurched or pre-believing friends and loved ones.
13) I’m a Small Group leader and feel we are hitting a roadblock in my group. Any advice?
The Discipleship team provides leadership training in facilitation skills and enhancement of Small Group experiences. Contact the DAC.
14) I’m currently a Small Group leader. What kind of training is available this year?
Enhancing Small Group Experience; Becoming a CDG leader; Starting a CDG
15) Something is going on in my Small Group that I need help thinking through. Any advice?
Consult with a member of the Discipleship team.
CATALYTIC DISCIPLESHIP LESSONS (CDL)
16) Why “catalytic”?
Catalytic is from the word “catalyst.” In chemistry, it is a substance that accelerates a reaction. There is an urgent need for action when it comes to reaching those who are spiritually searching or lost, becoming disciples, and making disciples.
The UCM core leadership is focused not only on making disciples but also on making disciple-makers in accordance with this action-centered principle.
17) What’s the difference between the Spiritual Journey and the Catalytic Discipleship Lessons?
The Spiritual Journey is the term used to describe UCM’s fundamental disciple-making process. It is a lifelong journey of studying the Bible, obeying what it says and trusting God to bring about a true understanding of the world and a deep love for its Creator.
The Catalytic Discipleship Lessons is one of the resources used in the “journey” to help you practice simple and practical spiritual growth habits with those around you.
18) How does discipleship using the CDL work?
It is modeled after how Jesus invested in the lives of his 12 disciples. It is intentionally coming alongside another person and sharing God's love with them, starting from wherever they are spiritually and in a way they will understand - “meeting people where they are.” Each lesson focuses on praying, studying the Bible, and living life together purposefully. In CDL, the emphasis is on 1:1 discipleship.
19) Who do I invite to disciple?
To disciple people effectively, one must choose the right person prayerfully, which usually does not happen overnight. Ask God to show you who you can invest in. Usually, a discipleship relationship happens with people already in your life.
20) I started the Discipleship Lessons with someone new to the faith. However, s/he is not interested in continuing the lessons. Any advice?
Offer to share or go over the gospel again. S/he might need a clearer knowledge of the good news. CDL is done willingly. People are free to discontinue it and revisit it another time upon request.
PERSONAL EVANGELISM WORKSHOP (PEW)
21) What is the Personal Evangelism Workshop? Do I need to memorize everything word for word?
PEW is the gospel-sharing training for adult UCMers where participants memorize the nine Scripture verses. However, participants don’t have to learn the narrative unless they choose to become certified.
22) Why do I need to go through the PEW certification process?
The process enables the trainers to ascertain the participants' preparedness for Gospel sharing. Those who have been certified are also invited to assist in training others.
23) How many chances do I have to go through the certification process?
As many as needed.
24) I attended the PEW and was certified, but I haven’t been able to share the gospel with anyone yet. Do you have any advice?
PEW-certified people are ready to share the good news. Contact your trainer or the DAC for prayer and encouragement.
25) How will I know if the person I shared the gospel with truly accepted Christ?
S/he confessed or prayed to receive Christ as Lord and Savior and desires to continue their discipleship journey with a Christian church where they can grow in the faith.
26) I’m new to UCM and would like to get involved. How do I do that?
Approach the Discipleship Ministry Desk during the fellowship time after worship services, consult the UCM website, or contact the DAC.
27) I would like to speak to the Pastor.
Contact the Pastor’s Secretary for an appointment.
28) I would like to request prayer/counseling.
Contact the DAC.
