As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
What are Discipleship Groups?
We're so excited to launch Cornerstone's Discipleship Groups on Sunday October 5, 2025. This new ministry is the result of many months of prayer and planning by Lead Pastors Andrew and Jamie and Cornerstone's pastoral staff. Our conviction is that everyone in the Cornerstone Church family have regular, structured opportunities to act upon the Word of God they hear at every church service by engaging with and ministering to one another in a small group setting.
That's because the real work of Biblical discipleship as consistently revealed in scripture is relational. It's people relating to people. As believers, we're called to minister to one another by building each other up in the Lord. That means hearing others' perspectives and sharing our own, giving and receiving Godly encouragement, ministering to the needs of others through prayer and the laying on of hands and simply walking alongside brothers and sisters in Christ and strengthening one another in the Lord.
How do Discipleship Groups work? What makes them different?
1) UNIFIED. The most foundational aspect of Cornerstone's Discipleship Groups is the Word of God as taught during Cornerstone's regular Sunday services. Each week, all of Cornerstone's Discipleship Groups will use the same discussion guides and group study resources to take a deep dive into the previous Sunday's sermon, with an emphasis on group discussion, personal and practical application and encouraging one another in the Lord. Each week's study guide, devotional and discussion materials - all drawn from the previous Sunday's sermon - will be made available churchwide each Monday.
2) PURPOSEFUL AND FOCUSED. Discipleship Group meetings - whether held on the Cornerstone Church campus or off-site - are designed to be a thoughtful time of deep focus on specific truths from scripture and an opportunity for honest reflection about the victories and challenges of incorporating those truths into our daily lives.
Meetings will be relatively short (about an hour), so it's vital each meeting remain focused on the topic at hand. 'Fellowship' occurs naturally anytime we gather in love with other believers but Discipleship Groups are not fellowship groups. They are about growing into spiritual maturity alongside other believers. The brief time allotted for Discipleship Groups simply won't allow for off-topic conversations or catching up with friends. But if spending a focused hour engaging with other believers to 'apprehend that for which we were apprehended' is what you're looking for Discipleship Groups are for you!
3) INTENTIONALLY SMALL. Discipleship Groups aren't meant to grow - they're meant to multiply. Much research - and our own experience - says that the ideal size for a small group in which everyone feels comfortable contributing freely typically ranges from six-eight people, with about 12 being the upper limit of an effective 'small group.'
Discipleship Groups aren't meant to - and won't be permitted to - continue growing far beyond this outer limit of ~12 participants. When a group begins to grow past this 'just right' number of participants, a new group will be formed to ensure all Discipleship Groups maintain a size that promotes maximum participation for all who attend.
4) FACILITATED BY GROUP MEMBERS. Each discipleship group isn't about who leads it, because Disciple Groups don't have a designated 'leader.' The focus is on believers from all age groups, all walks of life and all stages of life engaging with and encouraging one another in the Lord as we live out our faith. This IS 'ministering to one another' as scripture commands all believers to do. Becoming a disciple means realizing we do not have to know every verse of scripture for God to work through us to powerfully impact our world.
Discipleship Groups are all about doing. They're the gym where we exercise our spiritual muscles. Learning how to pray for people by praying for people. Learning how to encourage by encouraging. Being doers of the Word moves us toward a clearer understanding of the giftings and talents God gave us.
Instead of traditional leaders, each Discipleship Group will have a facilitator from within the group who helps keep the discussion focused and on track and who assists with administrative duties (for example, relaying a prayer request or urgent need to Cornerstone's pastoral staff). Facilitators will serve for a term of three months, then roll out of that position to be replaced by another member of their group.
5) ACTION ORIENTED. More than a year ago, Pastors Andrew and Jamie began seeking the Lord about a new small groups ministry that would give everyone who calls Cornerstone Church home a regular opportunity to operationalize the Word of God we hear taught at Cornerstone every week. To be doers of the Word and not hearers only. Discipleship Groups will maintain an emphasis on how we as believers practically apply the Word of God to our daily lives and mature as believers. We believe this effort will powerfully impact the entire Cornerstone Church family, strengthen our personal walks of faith and lead many to uncover giftings they never knew they had.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're so excited to launch Cornerstone's Discipleship Groups on Sunday October 5, 2025. This new ministry is the result of many months of prayer and planning by Lead Pastors Andrew and Jamie and Cornerstone's pastoral staff. Our conviction is that everyone in the Cornerstone Church family have regular, structured opportunities to act upon the Word of God they hear at every church service by engaging with and ministering to one another in a small group setting.
That's because the real work of Biblical discipleship as consistently revealed in scripture is relational. It's people relating to people. As believers, we're called to minister to one another by building each other up in the Lord. That means hearing others' perspectives and sharing our own, giving and receiving Godly encouragement, ministering to the needs of others through prayer and the laying on of hands and simply walking alongside brothers and sisters in Christ and strengthening one another in the Lord.
How do Discipleship Groups work? What makes them different?
1) UNIFIED. The most foundational aspect of Cornerstone's Discipleship Groups is the Word of God as taught during Cornerstone's regular Sunday services. Each week, all of Cornerstone's Discipleship Groups will use the same discussion guides and group study resources to take a deep dive into the previous Sunday's sermon, with an emphasis on group discussion, personal and practical application and encouraging one another in the Lord. Each week's study guide, devotional and discussion materials - all drawn from the previous Sunday's sermon - will be made available churchwide each Monday.
2) PURPOSEFUL AND FOCUSED. Discipleship Group meetings - whether held on the Cornerstone Church campus or off-site - are designed to be a thoughtful time of deep focus on specific truths from scripture and an opportunity for honest reflection about the victories and challenges of incorporating those truths into our daily lives.
Meetings will be relatively short (about an hour), so it's vital each meeting remain focused on the topic at hand. 'Fellowship' occurs naturally anytime we gather in love with other believers but Discipleship Groups are not fellowship groups. They are about growing into spiritual maturity alongside other believers. The brief time allotted for Discipleship Groups simply won't allow for off-topic conversations or catching up with friends. But if spending a focused hour engaging with other believers to 'apprehend that for which we were apprehended' is what you're looking for Discipleship Groups are for you!
3) INTENTIONALLY SMALL. Discipleship Groups aren't meant to grow - they're meant to multiply. Much research - and our own experience - says that the ideal size for a small group in which everyone feels comfortable contributing freely typically ranges from six-eight people, with about 12 being the upper limit of an effective 'small group.'
Discipleship Groups aren't meant to - and won't be permitted to - continue growing far beyond this outer limit of ~12 participants. When a group begins to grow past this 'just right' number of participants, a new group will be formed to ensure all Discipleship Groups maintain a size that promotes maximum participation for all who attend.
4) FACILITATED BY GROUP MEMBERS. Each discipleship group isn't about who leads it, because Disciple Groups don't have a designated 'leader.' The focus is on believers from all age groups, all walks of life and all stages of life engaging with and encouraging one another in the Lord as we live out our faith. This IS 'ministering to one another' as scripture commands all believers to do. Becoming a disciple means realizing we do not have to know every verse of scripture for God to work through us to powerfully impact our world.
Discipleship Groups are all about doing. They're the gym where we exercise our spiritual muscles. Learning how to pray for people by praying for people. Learning how to encourage by encouraging. Being doers of the Word moves us toward a clearer understanding of the giftings and talents God gave us.
Instead of traditional leaders, each Discipleship Group will have a facilitator from within the group who helps keep the discussion focused and on track and who assists with administrative duties (for example, relaying a prayer request or urgent need to Cornerstone's pastoral staff). Facilitators will serve for a term of three months, then roll out of that position to be replaced by another member of their group.
5) ACTION ORIENTED. More than a year ago, Pastors Andrew and Jamie began seeking the Lord about a new small groups ministry that would give everyone who calls Cornerstone Church home a regular opportunity to operationalize the Word of God we hear taught at Cornerstone every week. To be doers of the Word and not hearers only. Discipleship Groups will maintain an emphasis on how we as believers practically apply the Word of God to our daily lives and mature as believers. We believe this effort will powerfully impact the entire Cornerstone Church family, strengthen our personal walks of faith and lead many to uncover giftings they never knew they had.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will childcare be provided?
Initially, the majority of Discipleship Groups will be held in the Cornerstone Church Education Building each Sunday from 9:00am-10:00am.
Childcare WILL be provided during these Sunday morning meetings, but will not be provided for groups meeting at Cornerstone at other times of the week or offsite.
Childcare WILL be provided during these Sunday morning meetings, but will not be provided for groups meeting at Cornerstone at other times of the week or offsite.
Will Discipleship Groups replace Cornerstone University or Connect Groups?
No! Discipleship Groups have a narrow and specific purpose that is distinct from Cornerstone University's in-depth teachings and Connect Groups, which are all about finding fellowship in the body of believers at Cornerstone.
What's the time commitment for the first group of facilitators?
Facilitators will serve for a term of about three months each. The first group of facilitators will serve from the launch of Discipleship Groups in October through the end of December.
Cornerstone's staff have put a lot of thought and effort into minimizing the amount of time facilitators will have to commit to their duties outside of regular group meetings.
Cornerstone's staff have put a lot of thought and effort into minimizing the amount of time facilitators will have to commit to their duties outside of regular group meetings.
Does being a facilitator mean I can't serve in another area at the same time?
Not at all. If you're already committed to serving in another area at Cornerstone, please be sure to discuss your schedule and obligation with Cornerstone staff prior to committing to a facilitator rotation.
Can facilitators hold meetings offsite or only at Cornerstone?
Discipleship Groups can be held at any available class or meeting space on the Cornerstone campus or in the home of a member who is willing to host.
Whether onsite or offsite, group meetings may not be held during regularly scheduled church services or church-wide events.
Please note that all Discipleship Groups are always open to new members until they reach full capacity. Offsite groups will require some additional forethought and planning with Cornerstone staff before they are approved to begin meeting. Please speak with Pastor Jason if you're interested in hosting a group in your home.
Whether onsite or offsite, group meetings may not be held during regularly scheduled church services or church-wide events.
Please note that all Discipleship Groups are always open to new members until they reach full capacity. Offsite groups will require some additional forethought and planning with Cornerstone staff before they are approved to begin meeting. Please speak with Pastor Jason if you're interested in hosting a group in your home.
Can my group go longer than 13 weeks?
Once started, all Discipleship Groups will continue indefinitely without regard to which facilitator first held that position with the group or whether they even continue to attend the group.
Since facilitators do not "lead" Discipleship Groups in the traditional sense, and since their terms are temporary, the 'who' of each group's facilitator should be of far less concern than the group itself.
Please bear in mind, all Discipleship Groups are always open to anyone who wants to attend until a group reaches capacity.
Since facilitators do not "lead" Discipleship Groups in the traditional sense, and since their terms are temporary, the 'who' of each group's facilitator should be of far less concern than the group itself.
Please bear in mind, all Discipleship Groups are always open to anyone who wants to attend until a group reaches capacity.
Are there qualifications to becoming a facilitator?
Yes, but not many. We ask that potential facilitators:
1) call Cornerstone Church their home church,
2) have attended Cornerstone regularly for at least six months, and
3) have completed either Cornerstone's New Members class or Intro to Cornerstone Life class.
1) call Cornerstone Church their home church,
2) have attended Cornerstone regularly for at least six months, and
3) have completed either Cornerstone's New Members class or Intro to Cornerstone Life class.
As a facilitator, how will I communicate with Cornerstone staff?
All study materials, discussion questions, resources and communication for Discipleship Groups will be digital.
We want to see Discipleship Groups flourish and multiply and making communication as efficient as possible. During facilitator training, new facilitators will be given access to a digital platform for managing and communicating with group members.
We want to see Discipleship Groups flourish and multiply and making communication as efficient as possible. During facilitator training, new facilitators will be given access to a digital platform for managing and communicating with group members.