Most small group discipleship fails. Here’s how we (accidentally) found a better way

After years of well-intentioned programmes that moved hearts but not habits, mid-week groups were fading at Derek Hughes’ church. He explains how a slower, simpler experiment quietly changed everything 

I’d quietly given up on discipleship. 

After more than 30 years helping people grow in faith, I’d tried everything: one-to-ones, accountability groups, Bible studies, reading plans.

Each time the content was solid, people were enthusiastic. And yet genuine transformation was rare. People learned, agreed, even enjoyed the sessions. But few seemed to change in ways that lasted. 

Over time, attendance faded, energy drained, and I found myself wondering whether real discipleship was just a beautiful idea that never quite worked in practice. 

Then, almost by accident, we stumbled onto a slower, simpler, and far more transformative way…