The church is the “Body of Christ” – the “Tangible Kingdom of God” revealed to a broken world. DNA is the smallest organizing part of the human body. It is the molecular framework – the building blocks that make us who we are. DNA groups at Gospel Life Church are the smallest organizing structures for the believers.
DNA groups are comprised of 3-5 men or 3-5 women who meet regularly to, “Dwell in the Word”, “Navigate the Heart”, and “Act in Obedience”. The target time for a DNA meeting is 90 minutes, but possibly longer with 4-5 people.
Here is a 10 minute video training on DNA’s:
Here is an explanation of each of the 3 components:
1. Dwell in the Word– We desire for every DNA to study the Bible together. As you study a passage together, ask the “4 Questions” – Who is God, what has He done, who are we, and how do we live?
Colossians 3.16, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”
John 15.5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Psalm 119.81, “My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your Word.”
Psalm 119.105, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
2. Navigate the Heart– One of the definitions of navigate is “to guide or shepherd.” The phrase we like for this 2nd part of DNA is “Gospel Shepherding.” This is where we check in on each other on a deeper level beyond the events/circumstances of our lives. You may start with a circumstance, but the goal is to get below the surface. Take turns talking through the inner emotions, attitudes, and beliefs that we are wrestling with. The others in the group listen with “Gospel Ears,” asking probing questions to find areas of unbelief and idolatry, and then speaking the Gospel (speak the truth in love). During this time, the goal is to better understand how we fail to believe the Gospel, and then repent of our unbelief. This is hard to do, and it takes years to learn how to shepherd each other in the Gospel. We need the Spirit to guide us. Over time, the group is able to shepherd one another, and as a result, heart transformation will most likely occur.
Proverbs 4.23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Psalm 26.2, “Test me Lord, and try me; examine my heart and mind.”
Psalm 19.14, “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Oh Lord my rock and my redeemer.”
John 16.13, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
3. Act in Obedience– When the Spirit is gracious enough to reveal truth to us through the Word and through navigating our hearts, we are called to obey what we learn. We must hold each other accountable and pray for one another. Others in the group can ask us from meeting to meeting how we have lived differently, and continue to encourage us in the Gospel.
Jeremiah 42.5-6, “May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act according to all the Word with which the Lord your God sends you to us. Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God.”
James 1.22, “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.”
Ephesians 4.1-2, “I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called (Gospel, Eph 1-3), with humility and gentleness.”
Pray before each meeting that the Spirit would guide and direct your time, and try to be sensitive to His leading.
That said, here is a sample schedule for a DNA meeting: Catching up – 5-10 minutes Dwell in the Word – 15-20 minutes (Study the passage from Sunday or work through a book together) Navigate the Heart – 60 minutes (20 mins for each person, or 30 for 2 people, or 60 for 1 if needed) Act & Pray – 10-15 minutes (Share out loud how you are going to attempt to act in obedience, and then pray for each other – also pray at other points in the meeting as the Spirit leads)
If you are not sure how to start studying the Word together, here is a great resource/study guide to help you start: https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Christ-Together-Participant-Guide/dp/099684936X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2HYBWDCN654IY&keywords=growing+in+christ+together&qid=1566048281&s=gateway&sprefix=growing+in+Christ%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-2



