Vision (Where we want to be)

To develop lifelong followers of Christ.

It is stressed in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 that walking alongside of people results in transformed lives. "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." Families need places for their child to receive discipleship from believers who will reinforce the gospel that they hear and see at home and in church. So, for students who are ready to go deeper in their relationship with God, we offer D Groups. Through D Groups, students experience authentic relationships with an adult and group of peers who will accept, pray for, stretch, teach, encourage and hold them accountable to grow in their faith and live it out in words and actions so that the reality of Christ's kingdom will be experienced on earth. Our goal is that every teen and youth at Madison will be part of a Caring Community through participation in Youth Group and D Groups.

D Group Mission (Why we exist)

To develop leaders and small groups for the purpose of connecting teens to one another so they grow in their understanding of Jesus Christ as His disciples.

High School D Groups

D Groups are 4-6 students who are committed to one another and ready to let their faith change their life. Groups will be chosen from those who share similar interests and are at similar stages of their spiritual development. D Groups will be led by spiritually mature leaders and will meet 2-4 times per month at the location that the group chooses. They will also complete one service project that the group will choose. To be in a D Group students must be committed to meeting and desire to grow in their faith.

How We'll Get There

D groups will be given three choices for Discipleship:

Current Topic Study - We will follow a study of various topics that will reinforce the seven checkpoints. The study will follow the weekly talks students will hear on Sunday nights at Youth Group that may be written by a member of the Youth Group staff.

Study a Book of the Bible - Groups have the option of working through a specific book of the Bible using curriculum that will either be written by Youth Group staff or published by a reputable Christian publisher. Regardless of the topic, the material must be a reinforcement of the seven checkpoints.

Study of Choice - D Groups will have the option of studying a contemporary topic of interest such as what the Bible says about homosexuality, abortion, money management, etc. They can use curriculum that will either be written by Youth Group staff or published by a reputable Christian publisher.

All of the curriculum that will be used in these options will align with the Seven Checkpoints that are used through the ministry year calendar.

Middle School D Groups

Middle School D Groups are small groups that meet during the Youth Group time to go over the night's talk, hold one another accountable and offer leaders a chance to build relationships with their students.

How We'll Get There

• Bible Studies that coincide with the night's talk will be used to solidify the theme of the night.
• D Group outings will be held periodically for students and leaders to fellowship with one another and build community.
• Each D Group will complete one service project per semester that they choose together.