WithYou
The Fifth Practice
Debrief After
Risk and reflection are where growth takes root.
This practice is about learning in the doing.
It’s about taking a step, reflecting on it together, and asking, “What did we hear? What did we try? What got in the way?”
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.
- Mark 6:30Step out and try!
Real transformation doesn’t come from information alone. It comes from stepping out and trying something.
Jesus didn’t just teach ideas; He sent His disciples out to put His words into practice. Afterwards, they came back and talked together about what they had seen and experienced.
Fruitful disciplers deeply understand this rhythm. They help people move beyond simply knowing Scripture toward actively living it out, then gathering again to reflect on what God did through their steps of obedience.
This isn’t about getting it perfect—it’s about real growth through real action.
Then talk about it.
When we reflect together after stepping out, we begin to truly see how God was at work. We notice our struggles, celebrate our victories, and recognize where He showed up in unexpected ways.
Reflection helps us learn from what we've experienced and become more responsive to God’s presence and leading next time.
The Rhythm of a Disciple Discipleship isn't linear. It’s a repeating cycle that moves us from simply knowing about God to genuinely knowing Him through lived experience.
Try something. Talk about it. Notice what God did. Repeat.
Faith grows when we risk something and see God meet us in it. That’s where knowing about God becomes actually knowing Him.
Ways to Debrief
Not every moment needs a group.
Sometimes the most powerful growth happens when you stop, look back, and ask Jesus what He saw. Don’t rush to the next thing—take a few minutes to reflect with Him.
After you take a step of obedience—big or small—pause to ask Jesus what He wants you to notice.
You could say: “Jesus, where were You in that? What do You want me to see? What’s next?”
After the outreach, conversation, or hard decision, stop and process.
What did God do? What did you learn? What felt off? This is where team growth and personal transformation happen.
Try creating space to share, reflect, and grow after the action.
You could say: “What stood out? What surprised you? What should we do next?”
Help your kids connect action with meaning.
When something happens—a good choice, a hard moment, or a step of obedience—pause to talk it through. What did we learn? Where did we see God?
Try reflecting together after something real happens. Keep it short, honest, and safe.
You could say: “That was kind of a big moment—what do you think God might’ve been doing in it?”
Taking time to reflect—whether on your own or with others—may feel unfamiliar, especially when it’s easier to move on to the next thing. But debriefing is a very powerful part of discipleship.
Absolutely—you can debrief with Jesus. Bring your experience to Him in prayer. Ask what He saw, what He wants you to notice, and what He’s inviting you into next. Reflection isn’t limited to groups—it’s about making space to hear and grow.
Start simple. Ask Jesus: What happened there? Where were You in it? What do You want me to see? The Spirit loves to help us notice what we might miss on our own. Over time, reflection becomes a rhythm—one that deepens your awareness of God’s presence in everyday life.
Shift your posture. Ask more open questions, let silence stretch a little, and invite others to ask each other questions. Discipleship is shared.
Gently shift the conversation from ideas to actions. Ask, “How did that show up in your week?” or “What did that look like in real life?”