Presbyterian Church has become a beacon of hope, spiritual growth, and community transformation. Founded in 1989 by Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian is known for its thoughtful engagement with culture and its commitment to discipleship. A key to its growth and impact has been its strategic emphasis on small groups that multiply. By fostering intentional community and empowering lay leadership, Redeemer has demonstrated how the principle of doubling groups can transform lives in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
The Vision of Doubling Groups
From its inception, Redeemer Presbyterian Church has recognized the vital role of small groups in spiritual formation and outreach. In the dense urban environment of New York City, where many people experience loneliness despite living among millions, small groups provide a place of belonging and growth.
Tim Keller often emphasized the importance of relationships in discipleship. “Christianity is not an individualistic faith,” Keller taught. “The Gospel is best experienced and shared in the context of community.” This belief inspired Redeemer’s robust small group ministry, which has become the backbone of its discipleship strategy. Tim Keller says:
The first family was given an exalted mandate. No sooner had God invested Adam and Eve with his image than he issued the following injunction: “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it” (Gen. 1:28). What sounds like a recipe for overpopulation is actually a prescription for ecological blessing. By calling for the multiplication of families, God intends to saturate the planet with relational units manifesting his image, so that every nook and cranny of creation will be subdued by the presence of his likeness. Under the sovereign decree of an all-wise God, the family is the vehicle by which his triune likeness will be disseminated to the four corners of the earth.[1]
Building a Culture of Multiplication
Redeemer’s approach to doubling groups is intentional and systematic. The church has developed a culture where multiplication is celebrated, and every small group leader is encouraged to identify and mentor future leaders. This approach ensures that the church’s small group ministry remains vibrant and expansive.
For example, Lydia’s conversion immediately becomes a bridge to the conversion of her household, making her home the first church in Philippi. By Acts 16:40, Paul and Silas are going to Lydia’s home to meet the brethren. The same thing happens in Acts 18 with the household of Crispus. What did this mean? It meant that the church at Philippi, Corinth, and everywhere else could only grow naturally by multiplying new assemblies or house churches. Though Paul writes to the “church” (singular) at Corinth, it is obvious by the end of the book that he is addressing a number of household churches—Chloe, Stephanus, et al. Because in the early church the household church was the basic building block of the movement, church planting was built into the church’s very nature. You could only grow churches by multiplying new household-based assemblies of Christians who met under elders.[2]
Key Strategies:
Training Leaders: Redeemer invests heavily in leader development. Prospective leaders attend a comprehensive training program that equips them to facilitate discussions, mentor group members, and handle challenges effectively.
Identifying Apprentices: Each small group leader is tasked with identifying an apprentice who can eventually start their own group. This mentorship ensures a steady pipeline of new leaders.
Fostering Community: Groups are designed to be relationally rich, focusing on shared experiences, prayer, and Scripture. This relational depth makes the groups attractive to new members and encourages retention.
Mission-Oriented Groups: Redeemer encourages its groups to adopt a missional mindset, serving the broader community and engaging non-believers in meaningful ways.
Stories of Transformation
Redeemer’s emphasis on doubling groups has led to countless stories of life change. One such story is that of Jessica, a young professional who moved to New York City feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Invited to a small group by a coworker, Jessica found not only friendship but also a deeper understanding of the Gospel. Within a year, Jessica became an apprentice leader and eventually started her own group. “Leading a group stretched my faith,” Jessica shares. “But it also gave me a front-row seat to see God transforming lives.”
Another transformative story is that of Andrew and Marie, a married couple who joined a group during a challenging season in their relationship. Through the support and wisdom of their group, they experienced healing and growth. Inspired by their experience, they now lead a group for young couples, sharing their story to encourage others.
Doubling Groups in an Urban Context
Redeemer’s success in doubling groups is particularly notable given the unique challenges of its urban context. New York City is a fast-paced, transient environment where people often struggle to find time for meaningful connections.
[1] Timothy Savage, The Church: God’s New People, ed. D. A. Carson and Timothy Keller, The Gospel Coalition Booklets (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011), 9.
[2] Timothy Keller, Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 356.
