Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:25
Read below for information regarding DNA groups!
Want to know more?
Below is a list of commonly asked questions
Who can be in a DNA group?
Anyone who has committed his or her life to Jesus and claims Him as Lord and Savior, can be in a DNA group.
Who should the DNA group consist of?
Ideally, a DNA group will be made up of four people from a variety of walks of life and ages. This prevents people from only knowing those in the same stage of life as they are and promotes learning from others who are not like one another.
What is the commitment to being in a DNA group?
Members commit to meet weekly, faithfully read their Bibles, pray for one another and for those who don’t yet know Jesus, and honestly answer the six accountability questions.
Anyone who has committed his or her life to Jesus and claims Him as Lord and Savior, can be in a DNA group.
Who should the DNA group consist of?
Ideally, a DNA group will be made up of four people from a variety of walks of life and ages. This prevents people from only knowing those in the same stage of life as they are and promotes learning from others who are not like one another.
What is the commitment to being in a DNA group?
Members commit to meet weekly, faithfully read their Bibles, pray for one another and for those who don’t yet know Jesus, and honestly answer the six accountability questions.
Why do DNA groups meet weekly?
It is important to meet often for encouragement and accountability. Hebrews 3:13 states, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (NIV) If a group met less often than weekly and had to miss a week, there would be a large gap of time between meetings. Since a DNA group is an important part of each member’s spiritual growth, meeting weekly is best.
What if I can’t make our regularly scheduled DNA?
One of the benefits of only having 4 people in each group is the flexibility it provides. If one person knows in advance they cannot attend a regularly scheduled meeting, they can let the others know and another time can be scheduled within the same week. If another time cannot be scheduled, then the other three people can still meet for accountability and encouragement.
It is important to meet often for encouragement and accountability. Hebrews 3:13 states, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (NIV) If a group met less often than weekly and had to miss a week, there would be a large gap of time between meetings. Since a DNA group is an important part of each member’s spiritual growth, meeting weekly is best.
What if I can’t make our regularly scheduled DNA?
One of the benefits of only having 4 people in each group is the flexibility it provides. If one person knows in advance they cannot attend a regularly scheduled meeting, they can let the others know and another time can be scheduled within the same week. If another time cannot be scheduled, then the other three people can still meet for accountability and encouragement.
Facilitating a Group
Who "leads" the DNA groups?
A Facilitator, Not a Leader
This choice of the word “facilitator” rather than “leader” is key in understanding your role. Too often the title of leader is misunderstood. It is usually considered to be the person in charge, or the one who does the teaching. A picture of a hierarchy comes to mind with one person being at the top while the others are underneath. One definition of a facilitator is, “A person or thing that makes an action or process easy or easier.” Your purpose is to help the process of discipling one another move along easier. You help discussion take place by asking thoughtful questions. You help draw out people who may not be participating. You set a good example in Bible reading and prayer. You stand alongside of those in the group, not above them. Thus, a facilitator needs to approach their role simply as one person helping another in the spiritual growth process.
This choice of the word “facilitator” rather than “leader” is key in understanding your role. Too often the title of leader is misunderstood. It is usually considered to be the person in charge, or the one who does the teaching. A picture of a hierarchy comes to mind with one person being at the top while the others are underneath. One definition of a facilitator is, “A person or thing that makes an action or process easy or easier.” Your purpose is to help the process of discipling one another move along easier. You help discussion take place by asking thoughtful questions. You help draw out people who may not be participating. You set a good example in Bible reading and prayer. You stand alongside of those in the group, not above them. Thus, a facilitator needs to approach their role simply as one person helping another in the spiritual growth process.
Facilitating a DNA Group
Facilitating a DNA group is a wonderful opportunity as well as a great responsibility. By being a facilitator, you assume a certain amount of responsibility for the group. You are a catalyst in helping people grow spiritually as they interact with one another around the Scriptures and in prayer. But it is also an opportunity for you to grow. Perhaps you will be stretched in certain areas in which you are not comfortable. You may also learn you have strengths of which you were previously unaware. Through facilitating a DNA group, however, you will learn to lean more on the Lord and on the power of the Holy Spirit. This sheet is designed as an aid in helping you become a better facilitator so that we all “grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ.” (Eph. 4:15)
Facilitating a DNA group is a wonderful opportunity as well as a great responsibility. By being a facilitator, you assume a certain amount of responsibility for the group. You are a catalyst in helping people grow spiritually as they interact with one another around the Scriptures and in prayer. But it is also an opportunity for you to grow. Perhaps you will be stretched in certain areas in which you are not comfortable. You may also learn you have strengths of which you were previously unaware. Through facilitating a DNA group, however, you will learn to lean more on the Lord and on the power of the Holy Spirit. This sheet is designed as an aid in helping you become a better facilitator so that we all “grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ.” (Eph. 4:15)
how do i begin?
I'm ready to start my own group, now what?
Who do I ask to be in a DNA group?
First, begin by humbly asking the Lord who you should ask. Do not rush this process. Write down a list of people the Lord brings to mind. It is not necessary to try and “match” people by who will get along or knows each other. In fact, the process of being in a close group with someone who is in a different stage of life, different personality, or different spiritual maturity helps in growing a disciple who loves all people. The greatest factor in asking someone to be in a DNA group should be their desire to grow in their relationship with the Lord.
What happens when someone declines?
There are many reasons someone may choose not to be in a DNA group at a particular point in time. Young children, lack of time, fear, or unworthiness are all possible reasons. Sometimes, however, it is for those very reasons that a person would benefit if they were in a DNA group. If someone says no, gently ask why they are declining. Make sure they understand what a DNA group is and how it may help them. If they still refuse, thank them for considering and ask someone else.
First, begin by humbly asking the Lord who you should ask. Do not rush this process. Write down a list of people the Lord brings to mind. It is not necessary to try and “match” people by who will get along or knows each other. In fact, the process of being in a close group with someone who is in a different stage of life, different personality, or different spiritual maturity helps in growing a disciple who loves all people. The greatest factor in asking someone to be in a DNA group should be their desire to grow in their relationship with the Lord.
What happens when someone declines?
There are many reasons someone may choose not to be in a DNA group at a particular point in time. Young children, lack of time, fear, or unworthiness are all possible reasons. Sometimes, however, it is for those very reasons that a person would benefit if they were in a DNA group. If someone says no, gently ask why they are declining. Make sure they understand what a DNA group is and how it may help them. If they still refuse, thank them for considering and ask someone else.
Why four people?
With too many people in a group, usually around 5 or more, someone can “hide” and not be involved in conversation. Also, meetings take longer when there are more people sharing. With only two in a group, it turns into a mentoring relationship. One person is usually teaching the other. Four is nice because if someone can’t make it on a given week, there are still three people meeting and encouraging one another.
Where do we meet?
Meetings can happen anywhere, but here are a few things to keep in mind. Find a place that is relatively free of distractions and where everyone can focus. Meet in a place where everyone is comfortable to share. Find somewhere that is relatively convenient for everyone. While meeting in someone’s home is ideal, coffee shops, restaurants, even at a workplace, is also possible as long as it meets the criteria above. Meeting at the church building is an option but moving offsite is preferable.
With too many people in a group, usually around 5 or more, someone can “hide” and not be involved in conversation. Also, meetings take longer when there are more people sharing. With only two in a group, it turns into a mentoring relationship. One person is usually teaching the other. Four is nice because if someone can’t make it on a given week, there are still three people meeting and encouraging one another.
Where do we meet?
Meetings can happen anywhere, but here are a few things to keep in mind. Find a place that is relatively free of distractions and where everyone can focus. Meet in a place where everyone is comfortable to share. Find somewhere that is relatively convenient for everyone. While meeting in someone’s home is ideal, coffee shops, restaurants, even at a workplace, is also possible as long as it meets the criteria above. Meeting at the church building is an option but moving offsite is preferable.