What comes first, the chicken or the egg? This question has plagued man for centuries. Honestly, it's probably not something that keeps many people up at night. So here's a question, does revival happen to a church first or one individual at a time? Some think revival comes when a big crowd gathers for "revival meetings" when a speaker preaches and gets people "fired up for the Lord." For others, revival means bigger groups on Sunday mornings. The idea is growing that revival isn't necessarily a church event; it comes to individuals and works through the church. Ed Stetzer writes, "Many pastors have learned that you can attract a crowd but still not have a church."[1] Revival may come by attracting a crowd for "revival meetings," but let's look at the importance of D-groups for personal and corporate revival and fulfilling the Great commission.
Jesus preached to congregations (crowds), taught groups (the twelve), and discipled D-groups (Peter, James, and John). This time alone with Jesus was vital. D-groups at Trinity model Jesus' time with Peter, James, and John. I will focus on four reasons why D-groups are a catalyst for revival.
First, D-groups focus intensely on developing foundational spiritual disciplines. The disciplines of Bible reading, memorization, Bible meditation, prayer, journaling, and evangelism are all focal points in a small group of 3-5 members. Over about a year, these spiritual habits have the potential for remarkable spiritual growth when interwoven into the fabric of our lives.
Second, D-groups provide accountability in the disciplines mentioned above. Most of us have great intentions but never follow through with spiritual disciplines. Each week, D-groups meet to share what God is doing in their lives and report how they are doing in their spiritual walk.
Third, confidentiality is a powerful tool. James says to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed" (James 5:16). Trust develops where genuine confession, repentance, and prayer over weaknesses are strong forces against sin. There is freedom in confessing your sins in a trusted group. Rather than condemnation, prayers go up for deliverance.
Fourth, D-groups equip and replicate. After one year, d-group members are encouraged to pour their lives into three to four others. Again, disciples making disciples is the goal.
D-groups provide accountability, confidentiality, focus on spiritual disciplines, and reproducibility. These factors raise the sails for revival organically throughout the congregation. This movement increases the power and passion for the Great Commission.
[1]Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson, Comeback Churches, 84.