God's Plan A: PEOPLE

Inspired by the book: How People Grow (by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend)

How People Grow (Discipleship Overview)

If you want to help people grow, it’s essential to understand that relationships are God’s primary method for growth. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation because connection is part of God’s design for humanity. When we distance ourselves from relationships, we also distance ourselves from God and the way He intends for us to mature. Relationships with others are His instruments for transformation, making them indispensable for biblical and effective growth. Without the Body of Christ—the community of believers—the process is incomplete. Below are five ways the Body of Christ plays a vital role in helping us grow.

The Body Of Christ, God's People, Can Provide You With Powerful Help In...

1. Connection

Our deepest need as humans is connection. Thriving and growth happen through healthy relationships, while isolation leads to withering and struggle. Emotional and psychological issues often stem from alienation, and recovery involves reconnecting at deeper, healthier levels.

Unfortunately, some Christians focus more on religious practices than the relational connectedness the Bible prescribes, leaving them feeling spiritually and emotionally unwell. Disconnection from God’s people often leads to a disconnection from God Himself.

When the Body of Christ functions as intended, it creates a community where people are supported, their hearts are filled, and growth occurs. Connection with God and with others in His Body forms the foundation of growth. Without one, the other is incomplete.

"They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow." - Colossians 2:19 NIV


Small Group Reflection Questions:

2. Discipline & Structure

Self-discipline doesn’t develop in isolation—it is learned through “other-discipline.” Whether received in childhood or adulthood, discipline from others helps us internalize structure and self-control. God designed growth to involve correction and support from others.

The Body of Christ plays a crucial role in helping people regain control over their lives through loving discipline and structure. Without this, growth often stagnates.

Whether through gentle correction or accountability, the Body ensures that individuals receive the discipline they need to flourish.

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:11 NIV


Small Group Reflection Questions:

3. Loving Accountability

Accountability is essential for growth, but it’s not a stand-alone solution. Accountability reveals issues but cannot fix them. It must be paired with discipline, structure, and healing to bring lasting change.

Effective accountability groups monitor progress and ensure individuals are pursuing necessary steps for transformation. This includes counseling, recovery programs, or other practical support systems. True accountability walks alongside people as they take the actions needed to address their struggles.

Accountability works best when it’s rooted in love, ensuring individuals stay on track while seeking deeper healing and growth.

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2


Small Group Reflection Questions:

4. Grace & Forgiveness

Grace, by definition, comes from outside of us—it is unmerited favor. God often dispenses His grace through other people in the Body of Christ. While we can connect with God’s grace through prayer, we fully experience it when we open our hearts to others who love us as God does.

Head knowledge of grace isn’t enough; it must be experienced. Vulnerability and openness in relationships allow grace to reach the broken and guilty places in our hearts. Without this heart-level connection, growth is stunted.

Fellowship isn’t just social interaction—it’s sharing our hearts deeply so that healing and grace can take root.

"Every believer has received grace gifts, so use them to serve one another as faithful stewards of the many-colored tapestry of God’s grace." - 1 Peter 4:10 TPT

"My friends at Corinth, our hearts are wide open to you and we speak freely, holding nothing back from you. If there is a block in our relationship, it is not with us, for we carry you in our hearts with great love, yet you still withhold your affections from us. So I speak to you as our children. Make room in your hearts for us as we have done for you." - 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 TPT


Small Group Sharing Questions:

5. Support & Strengthening

Support is essential throughout the growth process. We all face challenges beyond our strength, and others are there to help us endure grief, trials, and transformation.

The Body of Christ operates like a physical body: when one part is hurt, the rest rally to provide healing and strength. Isolation from the Body leaves us vulnerable to spiritual and emotional harm. Support from others enables healing, restoration, and growth.

By carrying each other’s burdens, warning the idle, and helping the weak, the Body ensures no one has to navigate challenges alone.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

"And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone." - 1 Thessalonians 5:14 NIV

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

"They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow." - Colossians 2:19 NIV

"From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." - Ephesians 4:16 NIV


Small Group Reflection Questions:

God’s plan for growth has always been people. The Body of Christ, through connection, discipline, accountability, grace, and support, functions as God’s hands and feet in the world. Each member has a role in the growth and healing of others. When we isolate ourselves, we cut off these vital channels of God’s provision.

True growth happens when we embrace the relationships God provides. His design ensures that we are not only connected to Him but also to each other—because in His plan, people are the means through which His love and power are most tangibly expressed.

"From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." - Ephesians 4:16 NIV

"They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow." - Colossians 2:19 NIV

"Every believer has received grace gifts, so use them to serve one another as faithful stewards of the many-colored tapestry of God’s grace. For example, if you have a speaking gift, speak as though God were speaking his words through you. If you have the gift of serving, do it passionately with the strength God gives you, so that in everything God alone will be glorified through Jesus Christ. For to Him belong the power and the glory forever throughout all ages! Amen." - 1 Peter 4:10-11 TPT