Havruta: Learning & Growing Together

What is Havruta?

When Heather and I were in Indonesia earlier this year, we encountered an unfamiliar but interesting word/concept that helped us gain a deeper understanding of the historical practice of discipleship. The word is "Havruta." Havruta, meaning “friendship/partnership," also represents an ancient Jewish method of learning Scripture through dialogue, accountability, and relationship, much like we practice in our Discipleship Communities. 

Instead of learning alone, two (sometimes three) believers commit to read, reflect, and apply God’s Word together.

Jesus modeled this with His disciples by asking questions, inviting conversation, and sending them out in pairs (John 10; Mark 6).

The Focus & Values of Havruta

As we learned the dynamics of this new concept, we observed one practice of the Havruta that was notably different than our current discipleship practices here at Clearpoint Church - it is the practice of Daily-ness!

Havruta should be built around 3 areas of focus:

1. UP - Relationship with God: “Up” refers to worship, prayer, intimacy, and obedience to God. It’s about living in continual communion with Him and being shaped by His Word and Spirit.
   

2. IN - Relationship with One Another: “In” focuses on building authentic, loving relationships within the body of Christ. It’s about mutual care, encouragement, accountability, and discipleship.
   

3. OUT - Relationship with the World: “Out” represents fulfilling the Great Commandment and Great Commission - reaching the lost, serving the poor, and being salt and light in the community. Discipleship is not complete without outward engagement.

Havruta also incorporates these 6 values (and others) as modeled by Jesus:

• Truth: The truth of God’s Word is the instrument that sharpens and grows us.

• Mentorship: Learning and growing through guidance, encouragement, and shared wisdom.

• Dialogue: Asking questions, sharing insights, and listening for the Spirit’s voice together.

• Accountability: Walking alongside one another in Covenant Partnership with honesty and grace.

• Prayer: Covering one another in prayer daily, just as Jesus prayed for His disciples (John 17).

• Daily Connection: Staying connected through prayer, text, or encouragement.

How to Practice Havruta at Clearpoint

1. Form a Partnership

• Ask your Life Group Shepherd to help you take the next step in your discipleship journey. (with Starting Point and Kingdom Life Guides).

• Establish a Discipleship Community (Havruta) and be ready to practice the Havruta values and practices to help you grow deeper in your walk with Christ and with others.
  

2. Connect Daily

• Send a text with a verse, prayer, or encouragement.

• Pray for one another by name each day.
  

3. Meet Weekly

• 30–60 minutes on Zoom, FaceTime, or in person.

• Discuss the Starting Point or Kingdom Life material studied for the week.

• Ask questions:

  • What stands out?

  • What does this teach us about God?

  • How do we apply this to our lives?
    

4. Encourage & Challenge

• Share wins and struggles honestly.

• Speak encouragement and truth into each other’s lives.

• Keep each other accountable in faith, purity, and purpose.
  

5. Multiply

• As you grow, invite others into Life Groups and help them form Havruta (Discipleship Community) partnerships.

• Every Life Group can be filled with connected pairs sharpening one another.
  

Why Havruta Matters

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”— Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)

When believers commit to walking together in the Word, prayer, and encouragement, discipleship becomes personal, relational, and transformative.

Note: Ideally, the Havruta (Discipleship Communities) should be established within/and among your Life Group members. Example: A Life Group of 8 can have 4 Havrutas (Discipleship Communities), etc.