A new year is upon us. According to industry leaders, 12% of all new gym memberships happen in January, making it the busiest month for gyms. We know those commitments soon fade, but studies have shown that most gyms lose 50% of their new members within six months1. In fact, 80% of January gym joiners quit within five months.2 It’s a common trend known as the "New Year's resolution effect." Many individuals make resolutions to get fit or lose weight at the beginning of the year, leading to an initial surge in gym attendance. This dropout rate is influenced by a combination of factors: unrealistic expectations, busy schedules, social anxiety or intimidation, health issues or injuries, lack of visible results, and a lack of support. However, besides having a definite routine or plan, nearly all of the remedies offered by the experts include one thing: “Accountability”. Their instruction is to find a workout buddy, a trainer, a class, or a group to seriously increase our rate of success.3
1 Timothy 4:8, says, For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
It’s funny, how the same principles of health and strength in our physical body apply to our spiritual life as well. May I suggest, that in all of our fitness this year we commit to spiritual fitness, and step into the accountability that will make success more likely? Let’s talk about “D-Groups”.
What are D-Groups?
In our church, a D-Group is a group of four to six people who recognize their need for deeper fellowship and want to encourage and be encouraged to grow in their faith. Realizing God’s Word as the source of their strength, this group helps encourage one another to be in the Word and make application of the Word to their lives with accountability to one another in what will give us the most strength.
How has God used D-groups to encourage?
“I had a group of men that we shared our lives with and prayed for each other. We helped each other with real physical needs outside of the meeting time. We pushed each other to a deeper study of God's Word. There were times when I was in a better place than others and I carried them and encouraged them. Then, things would switch and they would encourage me along. I can't think of a time when we were all in a bad place. Iron truly does sharpen iron. D-Group is a phenomenal way for that Proverb to manifest itself.” —Ty C
“I think I’ve been part of a D group for five or more years. It is one of the best things I’ve ever done. It changed my Bible reading habits. It also changed my bible memorization, which was practically non-existent. Those two things alone were life-changing. It sharpened me when it came to giving my testimony and sharing the gospel. It deepened my relationships with people, especially in my marriage and with my children. It completely changed the conversations we were having. I was able to meet some of my closest sisters in Christ through these groups. Listening to other views on certain passages was eye-opening and helped me learn so much. I’m able to get sound advice from other Godly women. I get suggestions on books and podcasts, we pray for each other, and we encourage one another. I could go on and on! I have not been part of an organized group since early in the summer and have missed it so much. I can definitely feel the absence. I’m really looking forward to it again!” — Eliza A.
The D-Groups within our church are both Open D-Groups and Advance D-Groups. For us, they are a tangible manifestation of our church's vision. The vision of our church is “to glorify God by being a robust, Gospel-centered community that champions Biblical truth and family values, prioritizes intentional discipleship, and passionately engages in evangelistic and missionary efforts to expand God’s Kingdom.” D-Groups play a crucial role in realizing this vision.
Open D-Groups are designed to be lighter and more flexible and accommodate the diverse needs of individuals, acknowledging that life circumstances and schedules may sometimes hinder more intense commitments. This inclusivity fosters a sense of community, allowing people to connect, share, and grow in their faith despite varying challenges.
How has God used D-Groups to encourage?
“There's really not enough time or space to describe how pivotal D-Groups have been to me personally. I've been blessed to be a part of Dgroups for the last four or so years. The growth I've experienced as a believer has been tremendous. The daily reading plan, weekly memory verses, and accountability by other men has helped me mature as a Christ-follower, husband, father, boss, friend, and neighbor. God has used this small group setting as a place where us men can laugh, share, encourage, admonish, love, and pray for one another. It's, without a doubt, one of the favorite parts of each week!” — Aaron A.
The Lord has used d-groups to impact my life tremendously. I have learned and grown so much through them. Studying in God's Word, being strengthened & encouraged by other sisters in Christ, memorizing Scripture! Can't wait for D-Groups next year! —Kara Y.
On the other hand, Advance D-Groups exemplify our commitment to intentional discipleship. These groups embody a high level of commitment, aiming to advance the Gospel through reproducing disciples, fostering spiritual growth, and developing leaders within the body of Christ. The rigorous standards set for Advance D-Groups align with our vision's emphasis on building a robust, Gospel-centered church that actively multiplies faith in others.
With a unified, church-wide reading plan, our entire church is drawn together. In essence, both types of groups contribute to the overall vision by providing avenues for discipleship, community building, and leadership development, creating a dynamic and unified church that lives out the principles of Biblical truth and intentional discipleship at its core.
Difference in D-Groups
Keys to D-Groups
D-Groups are BIBLE driven. (2 Tim 3:16-17) The Word is the content of our discipleship.
D-Groups deepen FELLOWSHIP(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12): There is strength in togetherness. We need each other (see Proverbs 27:17).
D-Groups facilitate ENCOURAGEMENT (1 Timothy 5:19): We need encouragement as we live out the Christian faith.
D-Groups enable PERSONAL relationships to form. (Matthew 18:15-17): Talk about your questions, insights, struggles, and victories. It’s a great way to build strong relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ.
D-Groups aim to FOLLOW the example of Jesus, who invested in a few disciples and commissioned them to make more disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20) - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
D-Group Dynamics
Open D-Group Facilitator:
Workshops are conducted twice a year on Sunday nights, aimed at equipping with the basics to encourage a healthy group.
Facilitators have access to the Men’s or Women’s D-group coordinator for help along the way.
Advance D-Group Leader Orientation:
An orientation for Leaders is hosted at the beginning of the year.
Monthly or quarterly follow-up meetings for Advance D-Group leaders help equip and maintain focus and momentum.
Flexible Scheduling:
Every group chooses a convenient day, time, and location for their own meetings.
Weekly D-Group Meeting:
Preparation:
A Bible reading plan and weekly memory verses are provided to the entire church encouraging church-wide engagement.
Participants read, memorize key verses, and maintain a reflective notebook.
Observation:
Focus on Details: Who, what, when, where, and why of the passage? Identify key phrases, repetitions, and literary devices.
Compare Translations: Read the passage in different translations to gain a broader understanding of the meaning.
Cross-references: Look for other passages in the Bible that reference the same topic or characters.
Interpretation:
Author's Intent: What was the author trying to communicate to the original audience? How does the passage fit within the context of the book and the Bible as a whole?
Original Meaning: Consider the historical and cultural context of the passage. How would the original audience have understood it?
Meaning for Today: How does the passage apply to our lives today? What are the timeless truths or principles we can learn from it?
Application:
Personal Reflection: What does the passage say about my relationship with God, myself, and others? How does it challenge or encourage me?
Specific Actions: Identify concrete ways you can apply the message of the passage to your daily life. What habits or attitudes might need adjusting?
Practical Implications: How can this passage contribute to building a more loving and just community?
Participation:
Everybody journals, and shares at least one thing they wrote down during the week.
Practice:
Everybody attempts to quote memory verses together.
Prayer:
Intercessory prayer for specific needs within the group.
Follow up on prayer requests and track progress.
Prayer for individuals who need a saving relationship with Jesus.
Get Started
So, are you ready? Ready to ditch the fleeting fads and step into something real? Ready to be challenged, encouraged, and transformed by the unyielding power of God's Word and the necessary support of fellow believers? Then find your D-Group. Step into the fire. And rise, stronger than ever, into the light of His Kingdom. What are you waiting for? Let’s get it together!
(If you want to get into shape, contact your leaders and see where you can start. Here is a link to our reading plan, feel free to use it!)
Subscribe to the Reading plan on Google Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=YzQ0NmJkOTAwODEyMTZmNzZhMjEzMDQ1YmRhNDZhNmVmODM5YTBkMzY4ZTE3MjNkMTc2ODY2YWU1NWE0ZjVjN0Bncm91cC5jYWxlbmRhci5nb29nbGUuY29t
https://www.exercise.com/grow/gym-membership-statistics/
https://www.glofox.com/blog/6-new-years-resolution-gym-statistics-you-need-to-know/
https://www.noobgains.com/gym-membership-statistics/