This past year we coached churches in youth ministry, particularly Philadelphia’s youth leadership team. We are training them to use a discipleship model known as a “huddle.” The concept comes from Mike Breen’s book “Building A Discipling Culture.” 

“Therefore, go and make Disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”   Matthew 28:19-20.   

The command is to make “disciples” not “converts;” however, most churches focus on converts rather than The Great Commission. Our hope is to launch the Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry strategy throughout churches in Ukraine by following two steps.

First, we help people identify themselves as followers of Christ through the rite of baptism.  Second, we teach them to obey everything. This is the heart of the huddle and ideal goal: have people gather together to learn how to listen to Christ, evaluate what Christ is saying to us, discuss how the Word might apply, develop a plan of obedience, share it with others for accountability, and then act on that plan. Our intention is to have each of these leaders begin a huddle in six months with the youth of their church. 

During one huddle session we asked a simple question: “What did Christ say to you through our look at discipleship last night?”  I cannot share what was spoken because we emphasize confidentiality with huddles, but I can rejoice with you over the personal decisions and dedication made about living in obedience to the Great Commission. Thanks be to God!