Cultivating a Life for God: Multiplying Disciples Through Life Transformation Groups

Neil Cole presents a straightforward approach for multiplying disciples that anyone can do anywhere. "The Life Transformation Group (LTG) system is a grass roots tool for growth. Through this simple system the most essential elements of vital spiritual ministry are released to common Christians without the need for specialized training. It taps the disciple's internal motivation and provides the support needed to grow in the essentials of a spiritual life. The LTG empowers the common Christian to do the uncommon work of reproductive discipling." (p. 63) Here is a simple overview of what an LTG is: (p. 70) 1. LTGs meet once a week for approximately an hour. 2. LTGs are groups of two or there (the 4th person is the beginning of the second group and multiplication is imminent). 3. The groups are not co-ed, but gender specific. 4. There is no curriculum, workbook or training involved. 5. There is no leader needed in the group. 6. Only three tasks are to be accomplished: a. Sin is confessed to one another in mutual accountability. b. Scripture is read repetitively, in entire context and in community. c. Souls are prayed for strategically, specifically and continuously. Cole believes in the raising of leaders from the harvest for the harvest. His practical and reproducible approach is a great strategy for church planters who are seeking to start new churches by reaching non-Christians instead of attracting Christians. Here are some of the strengths of utilizing Life Transformation Groups in a local church (p. 49-51): 1. LTGs build Community - Life change doesn't happen in a vacuum; it happens in relationship with others. (Ecclesiastes 4:12) 2. LTGs foster Accountability - Few things would get done in life without some degree of accountability. (Matthew 18:15-17) 3. LTGs maintain Confidentiality - It is easier to maintain confidentiality in a group of two or three rather than a larger group of ten or twelve. (Proverbs. 25:9-10) 4. LTGs provide Flexibility - It is much easier to coordinate the calendars of only two or three than a typical small group of fifteen. (Matthew 18:20) 5. LTGs model Reproducibility - It is easier to reproduce a smaller, simpler group than a larger and more complex entity. (2 Timothy 2:2) I definitely recommend this book! Neil Cole does an excellent job of presenting a simple, reproducible strategy for disciplemaking. His personal passion for reaching the lost is contagious. (If you haven't read his book "Organic Church," I recommend it, too!)

This book introduces Life Transformation Groups (LTGs), groups of two or three people who get together once a week for an hour, perhaps over a meal, for mutual accountability (using predefined accountability questions), to reflect on the Scripture they've been reading during the week, and to pray strategically for their unbelieving friends. Probably the simplest and most easily replicable approach to disciple-making we have come across.