Date

8-29-2025

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

David Cruz Martinez

Keywords

discipleship, small groups, multiplication, intentional, leadership, missional

Disciplines

Christianity

Abstract

Centralizing Discipleship through Small Groups explores how intentional leadership development and relational disciple-making practices can reframe a megachurch’s approach to spiritual formation. Conducted at Hope City, a dynamic, urban, multisite nondenominational congregation, this mixed-methods action research integrates qualitative interviews, quantitative Likert scale surveys, and a focus group to evaluate the effectiveness of a holistic discipleship framework. Key interventions included a Group Leader Intensive Training (LIT), the implementation of Rooted small groups, and the launch of Intentional Relational Discipleship (IRD) groups, all designed to shift the church’s culture from attractional programming to a missional, relational ethos. Data revealed that small groups, guided by intentional leadership and a theologically grounded framework, catalyze authentic spiritual growth, deepen relational connections, and activate participants in mission. Leaders consistently reported a transformation in perspective, moving from merely hosting groups to intentionally shepherding spiritual growth, while surveys showed incremental growth in spiritual disciplines and relational depth. These findings affirm the dual funnel of discipleship as a replicable model for fostering spiritual vitality and multiplying disciple-makers. However, the study also identifies challenges related to transient church context, short-term measurement limitations, and the need for sustained coaching and data systems to track group multiplication over time. Ultimately, this research contributes to the ongoing conversation around recalibrating church culture from event-based programming to relational disciple-making, offering a practical framework for cultivating healthy, multiplying small group environments within the modern church.

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