M is for Mutual

Journey, together. Commitment and agreement to a covernant, together. Actively support each other and pray, together. Share leadership. All are heard and respected. Relationships are nurtured and developed.

A is for Accountability

Not judging, but sharing joy in success and support in challenges. Never comparing successes with others, but in celebrating success giving thanks to God.

D is for Discipleship

"To witness to Jesus Christ in the world and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit."

 

Mutual Accountability Discipleship Groups meet to:

Become better disciples of Jesus Christ

Wait on and watch over each other in love

Experience belonging to a group who members are trustworthy and supportive -- not judgemental

Identify and nurture leaders for mission and ministry

MAD Groups Use a Covenant

Affirms that being a disciple takes hard work, practice, and patience

Offers a way to balance all the teachings of Jesus: private and personal; public and social

Tells what we expect from one another

Designed by consensus of group members

Four core clauses:

Compassion

Compassion is the practice of extending our life into another's condition in suffering and in joy. It is the simple things we do out of kindness to our neighbor -- anyone in need, anywhere in the world.

Devotion

Devotion is the exercise of relating to God by means of scripture reading, prayer, fasting, and meditation. It is the private ways we meet face-to-face with God.

Justice

Justice is the exercise of standing alongside our sisters and brothers in sufferings AND working to change conditions that cause suffering. It ask "Why is the suffering?" and works for change.

Worship

Worship is the practice of gathering as a body to bring glory and honor to God. It is the ministries of word and sacament that help build each other up in the Body of Christ.