Module 1: Post-seminar Guide

Guide for BMB Caregivers

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Introduction

This manual is a Caregivers’ tool, written for BMBs engaged in AFLAME discipleship program to create BMBs ministry within the Body of Christ. The BMB program aims to disciple the growing number of BMBs, to find their place in fellowship and to grow steadily in becoming like Christ.

This guide is designed for caregivers who have attended a seminar on BMB discipleship and are returning to their communities to start discipling groups. Drawing from a discussion on the Book of Ruth and broader discipleship principles, it provides practical tools and insights tailored to the unique needs of BMBs—new believers from Muslim backgrounds.

As participants are exposed to the Word of God, they will dialogue with the biblical text, strive to reach a level of needed understanding and start to apply the learned truths and principles to their own lives.

Principles for BMB Discipleship groups

These principles outline foundational considerations for caregivers seeking to start and sustain discipling groups with BMBs. They address individual focus, relationship-building, practical challenges, and group dynamics, reflecting an emphasis on personalized, contextual discipleship.
Individual as the Core:
  • The most critical component of discipleship is the individual. Success with one person is the foundation for success with a group.
  • Example: Jesus’ model (1 Corinthians 15:6 mentions 500 disciples) included large groups (500), smaller groups (120, 72, 12), and intimate circles (Peter, James, John), but He often focused on individuals like Peter.
  • Application:  Build a deep, personal relationship with each BMB to earn the right to speak into their life, advise, and hold them accountable (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).

 

Personalized Care:
  • Like a mother with triplets, tailor discipleship to each BMB’s needs, not treating them as a uniform crowd.
  • Scripture:  “We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children… we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).
  • Mutual Accountability: The caregiver-BMB relationship is two-way, involvement in each other’s lives, while building mutual trust and being sincere and open with each other. (Ruth 2:19-23)
Love and Value:

Relationships must be rooted in genuine love and mutual value, not duty. Negative energy from a strained relationship discourages meetings.

  • Example: Naomi and Ruth’s relationship (Ruth 1) illustrates a mutual commitment—“nothing will separate us”— this is vital for BMBs facing isolation or persecution.
  • Challenge for Caregivers: Assess your relationship with each BMB—do you enjoy their company? If not, it may hinder the discipleship process.
  • Outcome: A loving bond motivates personal Bible study—“I’ll do it because I was asked by someone I trust,” not out of obligation.
Adapting to Context:

BMBs’ former Islamic practices (e.g., set prayer times) require reorientation to Christian freedom—prayer can happen anytime, anywhere. Unlike Islam’s structured prayers, BMBs can pray while walking, driving, or sitting under a tree, facing any direction.

 

Become learners of the BMB world through engagement with the BMB.

This means listening to their stories, understanding their challenges, and walking alongside them in faith.

 

Creative Group Formation:

Create groups in a creative way, choose meeting places wisely, ensuring safety and natural fellowship.

Start with Individuals:

Work with BMBs individually before forming groups, assessing their readiness and trustworthiness.
Example: Introduce individuals casually (e.g., over tea) to build real trust, not forcing premature group cohesion.

Group Composition:

Preferably select same-gender groups (e.g., men with men, women with women) to avoid complications (Ruth 2:8-9, Boaz’s instruction to Ruth was to stay with the girls).

  • Exception: Mixed groups are acceptable for families (husband-wife, parent-child).
Group Size and Language:

Keep groups small (2-7 people) and ensure that all speak the same language (e.g., Swahili speakers together) for effective communication.

Punctuality:

Value time as a sign of respect to maintain momentum in the group.

  • African Context: Punctuality is a challenge; enforce it to prevent frustration and dropout.
Trust Through Relationships:

Trust emerges from individual discipleship, not from a position of authority by the leader.

  • Process: Mature believers mentor younger ones, fostering a safe space for sharing struggles (e.g., “I’m struggling with this”).
Beyond Bible Studies:

A group should be a family—playing soccer, hiking, sharing joys and sorrows—not just a Bible study.

Handling Struggles:

Support members with addictions, illnesses, or mistakes without judgment, adjusting plans to care for them.

Clear Objectives:

Define a task (e.g., studying Ruth for six months) and commit to finishing it together, avoiding indefinite timelines.

Caregiver’s Role:

Lead without dominating—encourage participation, respect views, and adapt to group discoveries.

Conflict Resolution:

Address arguments or differences gently, handle complex issues with individual follow-up.

First Contact Caregiver and BMBs

The first contact is critical! It is an opportunity for Caregivers to put in the heart of the group member, the vital goal of becoming like Christ. Therefore, there is a warm welcome aspect, but there is also an intentional engagement, both at individual and group level.

After introductions and making them feel welcome, discuss with the group members how the groups will function and discuss with them the following:

  • What are BMBs looking for? What are their expectations for this group?
  • What are their real needs in terms of priorities?
  • How often will the group meet?
  • How would group members like to be kept accountable?
  • What are the limitations, risks and sacrifices to bear?
  • What are BMBs engagement to reach the goal?
  • How and why to work in small groups?
  • What are expectations towards the caregiver? Clearly discuss the goals and mutual responsibilities of both caregiver and group members.

 

Ensure that every group member will understand that the group meetings are mainly for studying the Bible, sharing their struggles and growth and supporting one another.

Commitment:

Give an introduction to the Bible study plan for the next 6 months and the commitment needed:

  • Regular attendance
  • Participation in group discussions – it will not be lectures/teachings.
  • Homework: Bible reading, personal devotion and memorization.
Homework:

Each group member starts to read through the book of Ruth at their own pace.

Personal Devotion:

Discuss the importance of personal devotion:

  • What group members understand about personal devotions
  • How did they do that while still a follower of Islam?
  • Why it is important to diligently study the Word of God.

 

Provide the daily devotion template to group members and explain how they can use it.

Read the Personal Devotional Guide

Guidelines for Discipling Group Meetings

This template outlines a typical group meeting for 3-7 BMBs, led by a caregiver. The balance between structure and relational warmth should be maintained. It includes insights on welcoming, sharing, study, and accountability.
Caregiver’s Role:

Arrive first to set up and greet, stay last to close—be fully present.

Place:

Secure, discreet location (e.g., home, rice-picking session, boat) based on context.

Time:

Agreed-upon, punctual start (e.g., 11 AM)—respect everyone’s time.

Text:

Pre-select a passage (e.g., Ruth 2) for consistent study, avoiding overwhelm.

Welcome:
  • Greet each person personally— “How are you? How’s your family?”—making them feel valued.
  • Tip: Use reminders (e.g., texts) to confirm attendance.
Opening Prayer:

Pray for focus and unity, setting the tone.

Check-In:
  • Ask, “How have you been this week and how are you now? Any challenges” Share from personal devotions or life.
  • Goal: Build trust and identify needs (e.g., “How can we help you?”).
Bible Study:

Read the passage together, let group members raise questions regarding the text, discuss observations, and explore meaning.

  • Caregiver’s Role: Guide without dominating—encourage all to speak, respect differing views.
    Use guiding questions for each topic in Ruth but allow enough time for their own reflections and questions. Questions can be used to add to what they missed. (See questions for each chapter in Ruth below)
  • Example: “What do you see in Ruth 2? How did Boaz treat Ruth?”
Application:
  • Discuss: “What will we do with this?”—allow flexibility if no application emerges.
  • Situational: Some may need time to process—don’t force it.
Scripture Memory Review:

Divide into pairs (2-3 people) to recite memorized verses, correcting gently.

Planning:

Agree on the next passage and meeting time.

Closing Prayer:

Thank God and pray for each other’s applications.

Warmth:

A welcoming, family-like atmosphere where all feel safe to share.

Support:

Handle struggles (e.g., sin, illness) with encouragement, not judgment.

Flexibility:

Adjust for urgent needs—pause the study if a member requires care.

Balance Participation:

Prevent one person from dominating—draw out quiet members gently.

Resolve Conflict:

Defer serious arguments to personal follow-up.

Set Goals:

Aim to finish a phase (e.g., Ruth study in six months) for a sense of accomplishment.

Manage the time:

Allow enough time for discussions and questions. Do not rush through the Scripture passage or guiding questions. As a caregiver, you can be flexible depending on what is happening in the group. Let members reflect on their observations and use questions to add additional context to the chapter.

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