Intentional Gathering – In every known Movement around the world, lost people are discipled in groups even before the Movement begins, and usually before they fully respond to the Good News. Why? It is easier to gather-then-win than to win-then-gather.
• Pray for disciples of Jesus to reach out to groups of people, no matter how small, instead of individuals (Lk 10:5-7).

5 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

Group decisions provide strength (Ecc 4:12).

Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

• Thank God that where 2 or 3 are gathered in His Name, He is there (Mt 18:19-20).

⁹ “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

• Pray that disciples of Jesus will boldly ask lost people if anyone in their household or community of friends would also like to hear Good News (Acts 16:31-34).

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

• Ask God to show His children (including you and me) who in their lives would like to be discipled as a group, no matter how small. (ideas from Robin Smith)

So, when I was living in Delhi, I kept thinking about the verses about inviting people over who could not return the favor. Some of the most friendly people I met were household workers in the neighborhood. So I would invite them over as a group since they all knew one another. They brought their daughters and we had a good time together even though I was just learning Hindi language. I didn’t know all I know now about discipling them but I certainly did plant seeds among them. I encourage you all to look for groups of people to share stories of Jesus with and do abundant seed planting. These ladies are always so happy to see me whenever I go to visit. Looking forward to going to Delhi in May.

Think about what you learn from this post about God, people, and what stands out to you.

How can you put this into practice this week? We are trying to reach an owner of a salon in the bottom of our condo building here in Chicago and his friends.

What ideas is God giving you today?