What is a POD Group?

A POD group is a radically new type of church-based small group that is designed to help members put into practice what is studied and thus grow towards maturity in Christ.

As an acronym it stands for:

P= People of God meeting together
O = Outward looking – being equipped to take God’s word into the world and learning to let the light of Christ shine from our lives
D = Discipleship and Development – following after Christ’s example and growing in Christ likeness

Also, a ‘pod’ is where seeds grow together and is a collective term for groups of dolphins and other such aquatic animals that travel together.  These PODs are also for growth and journeying together in Christ.

It is generally recognised that small groups provide a different kind of learning for Christians from the larger gatherings of Sunday services.  They are safe groups where there can be trust, intimacy, confidentiality and accountability.  Also the style of learning from the Bible will be quite different from straight talks, as important truths are discovered through questions and discussion, hopefully led by a prayerful and prepared leader.  Praying can be much more personal and involved, and there can be a deep sense of love and support.  They can be places where folk can take first steps in the use of spiritual gifts.  All these positives are sought to be retained in POD groups.

But there can be a down side to the typical way small groups often go; they can become rather inward looking and can easily start to stultify over a couple of years.  Often when a leader asks how the passage studied and be applied, there are a number of ideas shared, but, in my experience, the following week, if the leader asks if or how the applications have gone, there is an awkward and embarrassed silence and a lot of staring at shoelaces!  Yet small groups should be places that spark action and applied discipleship.