In this Bonus Conversation, we dig into a key distinction that shapes decentralized movements: the difference between an equipping gathering and a weekend service.
At first glance, they might look similar—but in reality, they serve radically different purposes. One forms a culture of activation and mission. The other tends to reinforce a culture of attendance and inspiration.
This conversation builds on the companion article:
👉 Read full story here:
🔥 Key Takeaways:
🔥 Equipping Gatherings Focus on Disciple-Makers, Not Consumers
Equipping gatherings are designed for leaders—for disciple-makers and microchurch leaders.
They're not seeker-sensitive. They're not Sunday morning "inspiration."
They’re gritty, training environments where the expectation is you’re here to be sent, not to be entertained.
🔥 Structure: Circles, Not Rows
Rows have their place.
But in equipping gatherings, the goal is to move from rows to circles as fast as possible.
The genius isn’t just on stage—it’s in the room.
We engage one another, tell stories, and unearth wisdom from the whole Body of Christ.
🔥 Source of Stories: From the People, Not the Platform
Every gathering begins with Stories of Mission:
Where have you joined Jesus this week?
Where have you seen God at work?
Even the smallest steps—prayer-walking, a 30-second conversation with a neighbor—get celebrated.
We’re building a culture where everyday obedience matters more than big showy wins.
🔥 Engagement: Discovery-Based, Not Lecture-Based
Teaching isn’t passive.
Every training is grounded in Scripture through discovery:
What does Luke 10 say about people of peace?
How can we apply it this week?
Participants engage with tools like Context Mapping, BLESS rhythms, and relational mapping through practice and debrief, not just notes on a page.
🔥 Training Through Practice and Debrief
At equipping gatherings, you don't just hear about a tool—you practice it in the room:
Learn listening prayer? You practice it.
Learn how to identify people of peace? You map your networks.
Learn the 4-H tool for spiritual conversation? You actually use it with a partner.
And then we debrief:
What felt awkward?
What worked?
What questions are still burning?
🔥 High Support + High Challenge
We don't just inspire; we expect action.
Everyone writes an I WILL statement based on the Spirit’s prompting—and we follow up.
(Yes, it’s a little uncomfortable at first. That’s good.)
We’re training disciple-makers, not passive spectators.
🔥 Grounded in a Movement Liturgy
Every equipping gathering is rooted in the Missionary Pathway:
Extraordinary Prayer and Fasting
Living as a Missionary
Planting the Gospel
Microchurch Emergence
Multiplication
No random series. No chasing trends.
We’re embedding the phases of movement into our collective bones.
🎯 The Bottom Line:
Equipping gatherings aren’t theaters. They’re gyms.
They’re spaces where ordinary people are equipped to become spiritual mothers and fathers—leading extended spiritual families in everyday places, living the way of Jesus.
It’s a counter-formation away from consumer Christianity.
And it’s what hubs do best.
Hubology, hubology, hubology. Let’s go.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation for a deep dive into how we structure equipping gatherings to catalyze movement.
💬 Join the conversation: Drop your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments below!
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📄 Missed other articles in the Hubology series? Catch up here:
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