Grow & Go - September 2026

D-Group or Large Group Bible Study?

It is that time again in the life of Oakhill Baptist Church where we intentionally have a season to disciple one-another in small D-Group and Large Group bible studies. The question arises often, “What is a D-Group” and what makes it different than a Large Group bible study? My aim of this writing is to help us understand this better.

A D-Group is short for Discipleship Groups and are small groups of around five men or women who are focusing on intentionally leading one another toward growing spiritually. These groups of disciples meet during a season of usually 6-8 weeks for intentional verse by verse study of God’s Word, working together to better understand and apply the Scriptures in their lives. In this small group setting, believers at Oakhill practice the spiritual disciplines together – reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on Scripture, praying, and learning. These groups are to also foster unity within the body of Christ and encourage one-another to be Christians who evangelize, serve, and grow to be more like Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 27:17 gives us a picture of what this looks like saying, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

A D-Group is a safe space where you can build meaningful Christ-centered relationships with other faithful attending members of Oakhill Baptist Church. In this setting is where discussion and application of the Scriptures occur so that everyone attending leaves with a better understanding of what the original author who wrote the biblical text being studied meant for us to glean by what they wrote. It is important that we have the right understanding (hermeneutic) so that when we go out into the world, we can teach others also.

D-Groups are not just a safe space to find out about what the Bible says and means – it is for us to then go and live it out! I hear it often said and it is true that “what is in our minds must move to our hearts.” I like to add something else to that statement by saying, “what is in our minds must move to our hearts, and then out to our mouths to tell others, and then translate to our hands and feet.” James reminds us of this simply where he said, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (Jm 1:22). We cannot just stay to ourselves in the church with some head knowledge about Jesus. The call for each of us is that we must go and tell others about Christ – or we are deceiving ourselves. In a D-Group setting, through discussion and sharing real-life experiences, you will discover practical ways to apply God’s Word to your relationships, decisions, trails, and everyday life so we become more effective disciples who make disciples.

Another aspect of D-Groups is that they provide a valuable place for the church to raise-up faithful leaders who can teach. The Bible is clear from James again: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (Jm 3:1). Within the church, we need intentional spaces where new Bible teachers can be cultivated. D-Groups give people the opportunity to gain experience in this area within a supportive environment, helping them develop the confidence and skills needed to lead others toward biblical spirituality and faithful gospel living.

In a Large Group bible study, the most encouraging thing occurring is the amazing opportunity that arises for people to connect and build relationships with others in the church they might not always have the chance to talk with. In a Large Group bible study, it is a great space to hear perspectives from many different people, as one person leads, in a gathering where sometimes the more intimate setting of a small group might feel awkward for some to talk. Many times, in our Large Group bible studies there are twenty plus people, whereas there are 3-6 people in a D-Group.

In either case, the most encouraging thing to know as we enter this season together of intentional bible study, is knowing that over 100 of our members are intentionally diving into the Word of God, led by the Spirit of God, and striving to be more like the Son of God. My encouragement for you is that you will sign-up for one of these offerings, no matter what season of life you are in, regardless of which setting you prefer, and get in the Word with other brothers and sisters in Christ.