Establish Nurture Groups

What Are Nurture Groups?

Nurture groups (sometimes called discipleship groups) are small gatherings where new believers can explore what it means to follow Jesus in a supportive, relational environment. They bridge the gap between completing an introductory course and joining an ongoing house group or small group.

These groups provide a structured yet flexible space for growth, questions, and community during the crucial early months of faith.

The Purpose of Nurture Groups

Nurture groups serve several important purposes:

• Deepening understanding of Christian faith, the Bible, and what it means to follow Jesus
• Building community among new believers who are at a similar stage of their journey
• Encouraging spiritual practices like prayer, Bible reading, and worship
• Providing a safe space for questions, doubts, and honest exploration
• Preparing for integration into ongoing small groups or house groups

How Long Should They Run?

Nurture groups typically meet weekly for around three months. This gives enough time for relationships to form and for participants to grow in confidence without making the commitment feel overwhelming.

At the end of the three months, participants should be ready to transition into an ongoing house group or small group where they can continue to grow in faith and community.

What to Cover

Content for nurture groups should be accessible, practical, and focused on spiritual formation rather than academic knowledge. Topics might include:

• How to pray — Moving beyond formal prayers to natural, conversational prayer
• Reading the Bible — How to approach Scripture, where to start, and how to apply it to daily life
• Living as a Christian — What does following Jesus look like in everyday decisions and relationships?
• The Holy Spirit — Who is the Holy Spirit, and how does God guide and empower us?
• Worship and church life — Understanding the rhythms of church, the sacraments, and corporate worship
• Sharing faith — How to talk naturally about faith with friends and family

Use accessible resources like Pilgrim, Life on the Frontline, or other courses designed for new believers. Adapt materials to fit your group's needs and context.

The Format

A typical nurture group meeting might include:

• Welcome and refreshments — Creating a relaxed, hospitable atmosphere
• Opening prayer — Simple and accessible, modelling what prayer looks like
• Discussion or teaching — Exploring the week's topic through conversation, video, or Scripture
• Reflection and questions — Space for participants to process and share
• Prayer — Praying together for one another and the week ahead

Keep meetings to around 90 minutes. Any longer and people may feel exhausted; any shorter and there's not enough time for meaningful connection.

Creating the Right Environment

Nurture groups work best when they feel safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental. To create this environment:

• Meet in a comfortable, informal setting (someone's home is ideal)
• Encourage vulnerability by modeling it yourself
• Affirm questions and doubts as part of healthy faith
• Celebrate growth and progress, however small
• Build friendships that extend beyond the meeting time

Transitioning to House Groups

At the end of the three months, help participants transition into an ongoing house group or small group. This might mean:

• Inviting them to join an existing group
• Transforming the nurture group into a new house group
• Pairing them with a mentor who attends a house group

The key is to ensure the transition feels natural and supported, not abrupt or isolating.