When a disciple-making group is ready to multiply, leaders should prepare new facilitators, communicate the purpose, protect relationships, coordinate with church leadership when appropriate, and launch new groups without treating multiplication as a breakup.
Confirm New Leaders Are Ready
Look for character, biblical clarity, reliability, and willingness to serve.
Discuss Multiplication Early
The group should not learn about the plan at the final meeting.
Explain the Mission
Multiplication creates room for more people to be discipled.
Prepare the New Leaders
Let them lead portions of meetings before launch.
Keep Relationships Honored
People may feel real sadness about changing a close group.
Coordinate With the Local Church
Church leaders should understand how groups fit the congregation’s disciple-making strategy.
Launch With Prayer
Commission new leaders rather than simply dividing the attendance list.
Article 197: Keep the Process Simple
New groups should be able to reproduce the same biblical priorities.
Provide Early Coaching
The first months may include new challenges.
Create a Ninety-Day Multiplication Plan
Identify new leaders, proposed group members, launch timing, church coordination, and coaching dates for the first three months. A simple plan protects both mission and relational care during transition.
Multiplication Should Extend Depth, Not End It
Healthy groups reproduce relationships, Scripture, obedience, accountability, and mission rather than sacrificing them for growth.