“I just want to make sure this isn’t a cult. Or a pyramid scheme… or a-”
“YES! Yes. that’s exactly it!” I responded a little too excitedly to Matt’s question while shifting my phone over to the other ear.
We had finally caught up about my invitation for he and Amy to join the our first huddle. Kat and I were inviting the leaders from our group to experience the discipleship model we’d been learning from 3DM.
“A pyramid scheme?” He chuckled.
“Yes. A pyramid scheme gone right! Because in a real pyramid scheme resources flow upward from the bottom. This is the opposite. Resources flow downward, and as the ripples continue, more and more people benefit. Unlike a pyramid scheme, there is no emphasis on control. It’s about building a structure where everyone has a safe environment to process life, and everyone is also creating that for others in return.”
“Hahaha, well, parts of this still seem off, but we want to do it.”
Later, I reflected on the power of sharing life with each other. It’s pretty amazing how much our friends are willing to sacrifice to give our huddle a try. Finding solutions to child care, meeting late at night, driving reasonably long distances, all for something openly compared to a pyramid scheme!!!!! That really left an impression on me. But below the surface, it also makes a lot of sense.
Even if people don’t have the jargon to explain it, I think those of us who have been trying to follow Jesus for a long time sense deeply that there is a lack of discipleship in our church culture. There is a longing for something more that isn’t there.
Matt said it, “We are just really excited to do something on a much deeper level with people we love and trust.” This came from a guy who I have been in one Bible study or another with for 14 years! Our smallest and most intimate spaces (Bible studies) don’t naturally fill the needs expressed by Matt. Discipleship does, though. It’s simple, personal, and life based.
What is God saying to you?
What are you going to do about it?
I love the model that 3DM uses. It’s comprehensive, easy to reproduce, and there are great resources to support the use of their model (including coaches). But really, the specifics of the model used don’t matter as much as it does that we prioritize discipleship by unlocking conversations and topics that have long been buried beneath the rigor of life and ministry. If we are healthy, if it works, if God is moving us, then we can help others do the same.
How is your family?
Are you rested?
How is your work life?
Are you praying?
Are you seeing the fruit God has put in your life?
What is God saying to you?
What are you going to do about it?
