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GENERAL BAPTIST MINISTRIES

Organizing to Make Disciples

Mission One 2013

Discipleship

O R G A N I Z I N G T O M A K E D I S C I P L E S

Mission One 2013: Discipleship

Compiled by General Baptist Congregational Ministries Dr. Franklin R. Dumond, director

100 Stinson Drive Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 www.GeneralBaptist.com

573.785.7746 September 1, 2012

Table of Contents

Preface: Introducing Mission One .................................................. 1

I. STRATEGIZING TO MAKE DISCIPLES ............................................................... 3

Human Learning .............................................................................. 3

Human Development ...................................................................... 4

Mentoring ........................................................................................ 5

II. ORGANIZING TO MAKE DISCIPLES ................................................................. 6

From the Outside In ........................................................................ 6

Evangelism the First Step in Discipleship ....................................... 8

Accidental, Incidental and Intentional Discipleship ........................ 12

The Power of Systems .................................................................. 12

Discipleship Classes ................................................................................................................ 13

Baptism ..................................................................................................................................... 15

Worship Attendance ................................................................................................................ 16

Every Member in Ministry ........................................................................................................ 17

Small Group Participation ....................................................................................................... 18

A Discipleship MAP (Ministry Action Plan) .................................... 19

III. LEADING TO MAKE DISCIPLES .................................................................... 21

A Three Pronged Strategy ............................................................ 21

Numerical growth....................................................................................................................... 21

Institutional growth .................................................................................................................... 22

Incarnational growth .................................................................................................................. 22

Leading in the 21st Century ........................................................... 22

The Tipping Point .......................................................................... 24

Recovering the Lost Art of Disciplemaking .................................... 26

IV. THE ARENAS OF DISCIPLEMAKING ............................................................. 27

One-by-One Disciplemaking ......................................................... 27

Radical ...................................................................................................................................... 28

Experiencing God .................................................................................................................... 29

A Bible Reading Plan ............................................................................................................... 29

Personal Spiritual Growth Assessment ..................................................................................... 31

One-on-One Disciplemaking ......................................................... 46

Apprenticeship ......................................................................................................................... 46

A Strategy for One-on-One ....................................................................................................... 47

Ogden: Discipleship Essentials ................................................................................................ 48

One-on-Some Disciplemaking....................................................... 49

Discipleship/Membership Classes............................................................................................. 49

Retreats ..................................................................................................................................... 49

Elective Studies ......................................................................................................................... 51

Small Groups ............................................................................................................................. 52

Growth Groups .......................................................................................................................... 53

Resources for One-on-Some Disciplemaking ........................................................................... 55

One-on-Many Disciplemaking ....................................................... 57

Worship Service Survey ............................................................................................................ 58

A Preaching Calendar ............................................................................................................... 58

Going Deep ............................................................................................................................... 60

E-100 ......................................................................................................................................... 62

The Story ................................................................................................................................... 63

Sticky Church ............................................................................................................................ 63

V. TIPS AND TOOLS FOR DISCIPLEMAKING ....................................................... 64

A Sample Prayer ........................................................................... 64

A Spiritual Survey .......................................................................... 65

A Discipleship Strategy for New Believers .................................... 65

Plan for Action Steps ..................................................................... 66

Seasonal Resources ..................................................................... 66

The Communication Card ............................................................. 66

Epilogue: Not Just a Program ........................................................................... 69

M I S S I O N O N E 2 0 1 3 D I S C I P L E S H I P

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Preface: Introducing Mission One

Born out of the visionary leadership of Dr. James Murray, Mission One provides theme development and programming suggestions for General Baptist Churches.

lthough he has retired as our Executive Director, the plans Dr. Murray

organized will remain in place throughout the Mission One Initiative.

The annual plan books will provide focused resources for our churches

that in turn should result in focused ministry by our churches.

The purpose of this five-year vision and strategy plan is stronger and more

vibrant local churches each doing some part of winning the world for Jesus Christ.

Can you imagine the impact if each local church did its part in this great

adventure?

The compilation of these materials

has been undertaken by Congregational

Ministries. In addition to the

contributors identified on the pages of

the book, the materials used in Next

Level Training, Next Level Coaching

and those files retained from long years

in the pastorate have all been adapted or

used to develop this emphasis on

spiritual growth and discipleship.

Of course no single work on the subject of discipleship could ever exhaust

the approaches to or even list the resources for engaging in the age-old art of

disciplemaking. The listing of resources and the compilation of best practices has

been done to offer a guide for local leaders who, under the leadership of the Holy

Spirit, will craft a disciplemaking ministry that effectively makes disciples in each

local church.

Digital files of this plan book, as well as those for previous years, will be

found at www.gbmissionone.org. Additional hard copy sets and CD versions may

be secured from Congregational Ministries by calling 573-785-7746 or e-mailing

[email protected].

A

M I S S I O N O N E

O V E R V I E W

2011 Prayer, Fasting, Reconciliation

2012 Evangelism

2013 Discipleship

2014 Stewardship

2015 Global Mission Explosion

http://www.gbmissionone.org/

mailto:[email protected]


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In an academic setting discipleship may be defined as being born of the Spirit,

the disciple manifests mature love to God by becoming like Christ toward others,

in union with the Body of Christ, for the redemption of the world. In a practical

setting discipleship may also be defined in terms of expected outcomes and

behaviors.

In all these settings disciplemaking remains the primary mission of the church

as we are commissioned to make disciples of all the people groups of the world.

In its simplest form discipleship is becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus

and it is a lifelong enterprise.

As with any compilation based on materials used across the years credit must

be given to those members of the congregation I served, those pastors who shared

the journey with me, and to those authors and conference speakers who provided

inspiration. While a great deal of the credit goes to others, I will reserve the right

to the mistakes that may appear here. While word processors are wonderful

innovations, they still depend on the human hand for input and the human eye for

final review. Please overlook any mistakes that remain and accept the spirit and

sense of the concept despite any error.

Franklin R. Dumond

Director of Congregational Ministries


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I. STRATEGIZING TO MAKE DISCIPLES

iscipleship in any context must face the unique challenges associated with

human development. Two features of the way we have been designed

must always be considered when we engage in disciplemaking. First, we

must recognize that human development is a process not an event. Second, we

must recognize that human spiritual development cannot be separated from

human physical and cognitive development.

Human Learning

Human development is always a process not just an event. Old dogs can

learn new tricks with repetition and reward over a period of time. While human

learning is more complex than the simple conditioning that often characterizes

animal behavior, human learning remains a process not just an event. In the

background of any “Eureka” or “light-bulb-coming-on” event there is always the

process of information gathering, sub-conscious review, repetition and rehearsal

that, over time, produces the event. The event, though seen as a dramatic

moment, comes only as a result of the process, even when the process remains

unseen or unnoticed.

Discipleship strategies must recognize the reality that spiritual growth comes

over time. It often requires repetition and generally requires investment in a series

of small enterprises. This allows change to be introduced over time and in smaller

increments. Two benefits result when spiritual growth happens over time. First

small steps still accomplish a long journey. If the destination of discipleship is

worthwhile then the journey is worthwhile even if it takes a while to get there.

Secondly, the process of incremental change may in itself conserve the change

since adaptations are more readily woven into the fabric of life a few threads at a

time rather than standing apart from it.

D


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Human Development

For several years now missiologists have provided information about the 10-

40 window. This geographic designation 10 degrees south and 40 degrees north

of the equator is inhabited by a vast number of people groups who have yet to be

reached with the gospel. General Baptists have joined the ranks of hundreds of

other missionary movements in a concerted effort to make disciples, develop

leaders, and grow healthy churches in the 10-40 window through our work in

India, China, and the Philippines.

Christian educators and church development specialists have recently profiled

another window of opportunity for the gospel. This 4-14 window, however, is not

a geographic designation. The 4-14 window is a chronological, developmental

window. This window identifies that children in the age bracket of 4-14 years

have a 32% probability of accepting Jesus Christ as Savior. Researchers now

suggest that adults 18 and over have only a 6% probability of accepting Jesus

Christ as Savior.

While research into this phenomenon is recent the phenomenon itself is as

old as mankind. Developmental and educational psychologists in the 20th century

discovered a fact of life built into humanity from creation: children grow and

mature in a developmental sequence which leads them to be sensitive to and aware

of spiritual influences in their middle to late childhood. This tendency is so strong

that some educators assert that what a child believes by age 13 remains relatively

unchanged throughout life.

Implications of the 4-14 Window

Preschoolers while unable to mentally or spiritually process the

decision to become a believer can gain base information about God, the Bible,

Jesus’ sacrificial death and the church that will prepare them for a meaningful

decision in their years of middle childhood. Evangelists of a previous generation

referred to this as reaching an age of accountability.

Reaching children today must be done differently. Coloring book

pages and flannelgraph pictures are often not creative or interactive enough for

today’s students. Educational styles and classroom behaviors have changed

dramatically with the introduction of computers, holistic learning and an emphasis

on sensory learning through multi-media components.


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Children’s ministry is an optimal time to shape a church’s rising

leadership. Children who learn to lead prayers, read Scripture, play in the

children’s worship band, take up an offering, operate a sound board or

PowerPoint in children’s church are better prepared to assume leadership roles in

the larger ministry of the church.

80% of all children will not walk into a church so effective children’s

ministry must either go beyond the church walls or find creative means to bring

students into the church. A national missionary engaged in a church plant framed

the needs of today’s children when she reported that a neighborhood child from a

stable, middle class home asked “Why do you wear a T on your necklace?” Her

own preschooler asked a similar question “Why is there a cross in the middle of

the alphabet?”

A great man who knew the value of children’s ministry once said “Suffer the

little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom

of God” (Mark 10:14 KJV).

Mentoring

Social creatures that we are, humans often learn best from one another.

Infants mimic facial expressions and people of all ages often experience the

passive learning that results from observing the actions of others.

Discipleship strategies must therefore recognize the need to provide a pattern,

a demonstration of desired spiritual maturity. Many elements of personal growth

result from a formal or informal mentoring that allows for the mime effect.

While these naturally occurring processes cannot always be planned or

programmed, an atmosphere or culture can be created to facilitate connections

among believers of various stages thus allowing the habits, traits, and choices of

mature believers to be “caught” by those less mature.

Think About

1. Does our church’s disciplemaking strategy provide for repetition and reinforcement of desired outcomes over a period of time or do we tend toward one-time emphasis?

2. Do our children’s ministries use age appropriate strategies to enhance disciplemaking?

3. How might our church improve the mentoring processes already at work in our congregation?

4. How might our church initiate new mentoring processes in our congregation?


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II. ORGANIZING TO MAKE DISCIPLES

f discipleship is recognized as a process, then the intentional leader may begin to pray and plan to help people move through that process. Organizing to accomplish effective ministry will always be the result of a close walk with the Lord who himself organizes and orders all that is. Organizing for effective

ministry will also result from a close connection to the people entrusted to the care of those who serve as undersheperds.

From the Outside In

For more than a generation now church leaders have benefited from a simple diagram of concentric circles. These circles represent different groups of people and their relationship to spiritual growth and maturity.

I


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A COMMUNITY person is committed to NOT ATTENDING

church/worship services

A CROWD person is committed to ATTENDING church/worship

services at least occasionally

A CONGREGATION person is committed to a SMALL GROUP

A COMMITTED person is committed to HABITS necessary for

spiritual growth.

A CORE person is committed to MINISTRY

The point of the diagram is that a church must grow from the outside of the circle to the inside. Unlike a board game that allows jumping across the boundaries, the kind of spiritual growth that drives one to ministry requires a process, stages, and development over time.

While this time may be longer for some than for others there is a beginning point on the journey that must always remain the focus. Spiritual growth toward spiritual maturity cannot begin apart from spiritual birth. As evangelical believers this is a core element of our theology. The Scripture teaches that people must be born again and that there is no other avenue for this new birth than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

A few important questions highlight any church’s progress in the development of disciples.

Think About

1. Are people from our community regularly crossing the line into our crowd? Are visitors, guests and “new folks” a regular part of our fellowship?

2. Are people from our crowd stuck in isolation from small group connections that are so essential to personal development? What intentional steps are being undertaken to help people develop personal spiritual habits?

3. Is there an intentional strategy to teach and develop spiritual habits?

4. Is ministry restricted to a few faithful long-term servants or do avenues exist to include everyone in ministry?

5. Do our plans for spiritual growth focus only on the few near the center or do they reach that target audience on the border between the community and the crowd?


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Evangelism the First Step in Discipleship

While evangelism will take on many faces, personal witness will always be an

important element. Many folks are well equipped to provide an Instructional

Witness where they will offer answers to questions about the faith. Still others will

be able to provide an Informational Witness as they tell their story of personal

faith. Many leaders find the first steps of personal witness come from

encouraging an Invitational Witness whereby believers invite their unbelieving

friends and family members to attend a Big Day. A few elements of Big Day

Planning are included here. A comprehensive set of resources on Big Day

Evangelism may be found two books by Nelson Searcy. IGNITE profiles the Big

Day process. FUSION provides the companion piece for follow-up.

1. Start Early! At the beginning of every calendar year pastors can look

ahead to predict the most likely higher attended and lower attended days of the

year. By planning ahead to accentuate the high days and mitigate the low days the

overall average attendance may be increased and more and more people won to

faith in Jesus Christ.

Identify the most likely High Days: Easter, Mother’s Day, time-change

day in the fall, and the Sunday before Thanksgiving are all likely to be higher

attended days. Other special event days built around VBS Sunday, Back-to-School

Sunday, etc. may be developed.

What are my most likely higher attendance days? Look at the attendance

records from last year. When does your attendance spike? Why? Take a hard look

at your current programming. There must be something in your congregational

culture that brings these high points.

My most likely high days:

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Deal with the most likely Low Days: Time-change day in the Spring,

Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July Weekend when July 4 falls on Friday,

Saturday, Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, Labor Day Weekend, the weekend after

Thanksgiving, and the weekend after Christmas Day are all likely to be low

attendance days.

Three of these are easiest to deal with by planning for some special added

features that may “raise” the “low.”

1) Time-change weekend in the spring when we all spring ahead by adding

an hour of daylight and loosing an hour of sleep lends itself to low attendance that

P L A N N I N G F O R

A B I G D A Y : A

S H O R T L I S T O F

S U G G E S T I O N S


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might be mitigated by phone-tree reminders on Saturday and heavy promotion the

week before (at church) and during the week (post cards/newsletters). Use a time

theme for the worship service.

2) 4th of July Weekend lends itself to a Red, White, and Blue Celebration.

Wear patriotic colors. Use a patriotic theme. Develop Christian and civic symbols

by including a short history lesson on the flag, using the Pledges of Allegiance

(Baptist assemblies should never use the Pledge to the American Flag without also

including the Pledge to the Christian Flag), accent the Christian symbols of

Communion and baptism. Plan a home-made ice cream social for the evening!

3) The Sunday of Labor Day weekend lends itself to a picnic celebration

for the evening. Feature Buffalo Burgers grilled by the pastor or some other

attention-getting menu item. Reserve the local park, set up on the church lawn, or

go to someone’s home if there is room enough to be outside. Bring your own

lawn chair!

2. Add a Special Feature

How many people are usually involved in leading worship on a given Sunday?

Add a special feature by which more people can be involved in meaningful

participation and watch the visitors arrive…especially if you use the Children’s

Choir and its members rehearse for a few weeks in advance!

For Easter a wise pastor can plan for a Spring Baptism. Easter

celebrates the new life of the risen Christ, which is also the Christian symbol of

Baptism. The now secular tradition of new clothes for Easter can be traced back

to the ancient church when Easter Sunday was Baptism Sunday and each

baptismal candidate was given a new white robe.

Make Easter a fabulous family celebration with an Egg Hunt on the

church lawn following Morning Worship. The beauty of the modern hen is that

she lays plastic eggs so you don’t have to worry so much about the eggs spoiling

by being outdoors for a while. Be sure to plan for 500 or 1,000 or 10,000 eggs.

Have the upper elementary grade children distribute them on the church lawn.

Let the participating children know how many eggs there are and then divide by

the number of children present so that everyone gets the same number of prizes!

Use one of the Resurrection Egg Sets from the bookstore to tell the story of

Easter as part of the worship service with the children.

Is an added worship service needed? If Easter already brings the church to

capacity does it need to double capacity by adding another service? The church

already offering 10:30 a.m. Easter Worship may be well served to offer a 9 a.m.

Easter Worship, too.


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Does Easter allow us to organize some really special music?

What special features might we add?

What will I need to do to ensure that these special features work well?

Develop specialized promotion. How will everyone know of the special

day if you don’t tell them? How will they realize what’s going on if they only hear

it once?

Newspaper ads and yellow pages listings do little to attract the unchurched.

Consider a saturation mailing. You can develop your own material, but you may

want to bring in the professionals for the first time or two. Check out the

outreach.com website or thumb through its periodical for suggestions. If you use

this plan be sure to include the cost of both the promotion package and the

postage to send the cards. The good folks at Stinson Press can also help you with

similar services to blanket your area with special invitations.

Keep in mind, however, that if you invite them you’ll want to be able to

offer what you’ve promised. Make it a special day. Clean off the coat rack.

Pick up the clutter. Dust the corners. Company’s comin’! So make your

worship service user friendly keep the prayer list short and focused,

eliminate any announcement that does not directly impact at least half of

the people present (remember small group promotion needs to be done in

the small group not in the large group setting), start on time, eliminate the

dead time in the service, preach a positive message of hope and

resurrection!

3. Use the power of focus. Concentrate your effort. If you offer a Sunrise

Service will your people really need a Sunset Service? If you make Morning

Worship a real extravaganza, will you need to follow it with a low-key and low-

attended Sunday evening?

Learn to do a few things and do them well! Focus on a few special days.

Focus on one or two styles of worship and master them.

Focus on the family connection. Research continues to show that the

most effective network we have to reach people is in the family arena (see Thom

Rainer’s SURPRISING INSIGHTS FROM THE UNCHURCHED). Develop a list of

family members who should be part of your church with the rest of their family.

Then be sure someone from the family invites them!

Focus on recent visitors. What has happened to those visitor cards? What

has already been done with and to the folks who have visited in the last six

months? Who are they? Where are they attending church now? What do you


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need to do to get them to attend this Easter? Mother’s Day? 4th of July Weekend?

Now you’re getting the picture.

Focus on the larger congregation. If your church has an average

attendance of 50 you probably have at least 100 people who are part of your larger

congregation. The larger your church becomes the broader is its larger

congregation of folks who attend infrequently but who do attend some. Keep a

list for 6-12 weeks of all the folks who attend at least one of your services. Focus

on increasing the frequency of attendance. If they attend once in 12 weeks, work

with them until they attend twice. The unchurched population in America who

become churched attend church several times in the year before they come to faith

in Christ and become part of His Church!

Do I know the full extent of my larger congregation?

How can I know them better?

Would attendance pads passed during the worship service help?

Do I need a crew of volunteers or a paid secretary to help track attendance

patterns?

4. Pastors set the pace; but everyone needs to get involved! If you don’t

invite then your people will not invite. If you don’t share your faith then your

people won’t share their faith. The unchurched who are seeking the church want

brief but meaningful contact from the pastor. Develop a system that works in

your location.

5. Be user friendly! Have some stranger visit your worship service and tell

you how friendly the congregation was or wasn’t, how easy it was to follow the

order of service, how clean the building really was or wasn’t, and how easy it was

to find places in the building or how hard it was to do so.

Get ready for company. Encourage your people to “Park in the back. Sit in

the front. Move to the middle. Speak to those around you.”

I M P O R T A N T

Q U E S T I O N S T O

C O N S I D E R


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Accidental, Incidental and Intentional

Discipleship

Every church has a disciplemaking process. Sometimes the process is accidental. Sometimes the disciplemaking process is incidental or occasional. In the growing church disciplemaking will be intentional.

If the disciplemaking process is accidental new disciples must fend for themselves the best they can. The accidental disciplemaking process generally assumes that folks know where the church is and what time it meets. There are also general, unwritten assumptions about how believers dress, talk, and behave. In an accidental discipleship system, the new disciple must learn these new expectations through trial error.

The Lord often helps us, even when we are careless. He will occasionally send us a new person who will accidentally learn what time the worship service starts or will feel compelled to begin a new lifestyle. These folks find their way into personal faith and then they begin to sometimes bewildering trek into maturity all by themselves.

Many churches have the tools for disciplemaking but they rarely use them. No importance is attached to frequently or regularly making disciples so using the tools is based on actual need. This incidental approach will take the matter in hand only when an incident occurs that requires action.

Discipleship that is intentional is much to be preferred. It has been well said that we get the members we plan for and if we have no disciplemaking plan we get haphazard results in our disciplemaking process. Discipleship that is intentional uses the power of an organized system including a regular schedule of opportunity to make disciples.

The Power of Systems

Intentional discipleship can most readily be accomplished by using a system of disciplemaking. A system simply refers to a standard or predictable or scheduled way of doing things. The strength of a system is that there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Indeed for many elements of disciplemaking the need is to simply find an existing wheel that will fit our wheelbase. We can then adapt and customize to tailor it to our setting.

When basic discipleship can be organized we can then benefit from the reality that more uniform input means more uniform output. This means that our disciplemaking process will be more effective since we are not just leaving people to do the best they can. Instead we are offering directed guidance toward our understanding of maturity.

When we have a discipleship system in place we also reap the benefits of no longer having to recruit teachers who must organize classroom or one-on-one sessions. Instead we have need of facilitators who can use the provided materials rather than innovators who must develop all their own materials.


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Discipleship Classes

One system of introductory discipleship in use by many churches is the system of a series of discipleship classes. These classes are often organized in the following sequence:

Class 101 An Introduction to Discipleship

o Salvation, Baptism, Lord’s Supper, Purpose of the Church

Class 201 Discovering Spiritual Maturity

o Quiet Time, Bible Reading, Prayer, Tithing, Fellowship

Class 301 Discovering My Ministry

o SHAPE—Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences

Class 401 Discovering My Life Mission

o My Mission to the World and My Testimony

Samples of these classes have been made available since the Generation E initiative several years ago and are available upon request from Congregational Ministries ([email protected] or 573-785-7746).

To successfully introduce a series of discipleship classes attention must be given to:

Frequency. How often will they be provided? At least two times a year seems to be a desired minimum but consideration could also be given to a quarterly schedule. Perhaps these kinds of classes could be offered when a month has a 5th Sunday. For sure they should be offered at critical times when it is expected that new believers will be discovered.

Many churches will find using an existing schedule is appropriate. Discipleship classes that are part of Sunday School as electives or part of a Wednesday Bible Study program can be effective.

To introduce the classes to a congregation it is important that time be given to bring everyone up to speed with the program so they will understand what new disciples are being taught. Perhaps in this case a sermon series for Sunday evening, or even for Sunday morning, can best introduce the basic content to the entire congregation.

In all discipleship systems we must avoid the extremes of requiring too much and having too lengthy or difficult a process that discourages participation. At the same time we must also avoid the extreme that requires too little and produces only perpetual babies or limited commitments.

A discipleship system requires that we be intentional by targeting and inviting those folks who should participate. We should even pray that the Lord will send people who need to be discipled. Intentional disciplemaking also means that we must keep records so we know who has attended which class and who has not yet attended which class.



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The advantage of a disciplemaking system is that we can be clear about what is important to you and especially about moral/social convictions.

Seed the classes. A wonderful opportunity for ministry is to enlist a few mature believers who will always attend the classes. Their presence is not to gain information or to advance their own maturity. Their presence is to provide critical mass and to reassure new believers or seekers that people really are interested in the disciplemaking process.

Prepare for frequently asked questions like:

Why denominations?

o Denominations function much like tribal groups of a larger

confederation. We have more in common than we have in

conflict.

What does it mean to be Baptist?

o Believer’s baptism by immersion

o Salvation by faith alone in Christ alone

o Autonomy of the local church, thus church and state are

separate although churches are interdependent

o Authority of the Scripture

o Priesthood of the believer

Why General Baptist?

o A General rather than a Particular Atonement

Why are there so many versions of the Bible?

o The original manuscripts do not change

o The languages they are translated into do change

o Some translations are static others are dynamic

o Many current translations attempt to use the conversational

English of the United States.

Where do I start reading the Bible?

o Point them to Class 201 and the Gospels

What are business meetings all about?

o Congregational government means that the members of the

congregation set policies, hire staff and establish budgets.


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Baptism

One early milestone in the path of discipleship is the milestone of baptism. This public symbol of dying to an old way of life and rising to a brand new life can become a leverage point in the path of discipleship if it is used as an intentional step rather than an itinerant act.

When baptism is offered as an itinerant act of ministry it is a meaningful response by the individual but when it is offered as an intentional step by the local church it becomes a meaningful step on the path of discipleship. A required discipleship class that deals with baptism and that results in church membership introduces mutual accountability and responsibility, two hallmarks of discipleship.

Every year when Church Growth Reports are analyzed a large number of churches report very few baptisms. An alarmingly large number of churches never baptize anyone!

How might the concerned pastor increase baptisms in a local church? Here’s a simple strategy.

First, know who needs to be baptized. Church management software or a computer spreadsheet can be used to track baptism dates in the middle sized or larger church. In the small to middle sized church a card file or a clip board can be used to record baptism dates. A quick look at the lists will show who has a baptism date and who does not have a baptism date. Anyone who attends the church and does not have a baptism date is then a candidate for an invitation to be baptized!

Second, when you baptize do it during Morning Worship. This allows public exposure to one of the most powerful symbols of the Christian faith as new believers are “Buried now with Christ; rise to walk a brand new life!” It is foolish to schedule baptism as a private, secret rite for this is not the New Testament pattern of public profession of a life changing faith.

Third, when you baptize take pictures or video and use them in subsequent services or newsletters or bulletins. This allows those who were absent to share in the celebration. Many churches with multiple services schedule baptism in the service the person usually attends and then share the video segment in the other worship services so the entire local body can celebrate. The more people see the powerful symbol of baptism the more likely they are to respond positively to the invitations offered in suggestion number one.

Fourth, maintain a regular schedule for baptism services. Even the smallest church could offer two or three planned times for baptism every year. For many years I operated on a Spring, Summer and Fall schedule of baptism services. This allowed many of those services to include 6-8 being baptized rather than just the one or two that might otherwise have responded to an immediate need.

Fifth, develop a brochure or bulletin announcement or newsletter article that

explains why believers should be baptized. This can easily be developed from the


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baptismal counseling materials already available for those who are being

invited under suggestion one.

Sixth, at least once a year preach on baptism. This works well in July on

the Sunday closest to July 4. These services often focus on our national

symbols “Red White and Blue Day” and can easily be adapted to include our

Christian symbols of Communion and Baptism.

Seventh, pray that the Lord of the Harvest will himself bless your

planting and watering and watering and planting with his heaven sent

increase.

Worship Attendance

Worship attendance is a central element in any spiritual growth plan. Even in the first century the writer of Hebrews insisted that folks not skip church! When worship is biblically based, God-honoring, Christ-centered, offered in the language of the people, and done in the very best way we co do it, spiritual growth will always be initiated or accelerated.

So if we meet this first set of expectations, a natural second question becomes “How can we insure people attend worship?” Here are a few awareness raising points that can lead to action steps appropriate to each local setting.

Who comprises our crowd? Look back to the diagram at the beginning of Section II. There you will see the crowd defined as those folks who attend church, at least occasionally. So what strategies do we need to employ that will bring them to church more frequently? Do we have a contact list of names, addresses, e-mails, and phone numbers from everyone who attends our church, even if they only attend occasionally? Do we need to develop some special days with special invitations? Do we need to intentionally develop personal relationships and connections so they feel like they belong?

Lest it seem unrealistic to pursue this course since “they hardly ever come anyway” let’s put it in perspective. Suppose a family accustomed to attending once every six weeks develops a deeper connection so that they now attend once every three weeks. While from one side of the equation they are only coming once every three weeks, from the other side they are now attending twice as much as they used to attend. Imagine what the Lord can do when we give him twice the opportunity to do it!

Who follows up on absentees? How long do we wait to re-connect with them? These questions can never be answered until we have a system in place to record weekly attendance and thus to identify weekly absence. A certain measure of tact and discretion must always be used when working with people. A measure of common sense is also required. Nevertheless in these days when isolated people can be ill at home for days with no one noticing or when occasionally someone dies at home but is never discovered for weeks or months, the church

has a responsibility to keep in touch with its constituents.


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Every Member in Ministry

Every attender needs a relationship and a responsibility. Doing ministry is not only an outgrowth of discipleship and spiritual maturity; it is also an accelerant to discipleship and spiritual maturity. How can serving in and through the local church include a higher percentage of people? Three improvements can enhance the number of people serving in ministry.

First improve your welcome so that everyone feels part of the worship service. The result is that if I feel part of the group, I am more likely to find a place of service in the group.

Second, make worship meaningful. Worship is THE primary connector between the attender and the overall life of the church. Worship is the entry point to the life of the church but it is not the entire life of the church. A meaningful experience in worship will in turn set the stage for meaningful engagement in ministry.

Third, develop hospitality and greeting ministries. Here is a goldmine of new opportunities to engage more people in meaningful serving roles. Why settle for one greeter when three can be enlisted to greet on the parking lot, at the front door and in the auditorium? Why settle for a team of three when four teams of three can share or rotate the assignment? Remember meaningful serving roles are not only an outgrowth of discipleship but also they accelerate disciplemaking.

To further expand the number of people in ministry and thus create a better volunteer culture consider:

Preaching the challenge clearly. If you really believe every member

should be in ministry then creatively but directly share that vision.

Simplify your structure so more people can serve without waiting for

the annual election cycle.

Increase the number of new people in existing ministry positions.

Increase the number of new positions so more people will be needed.

Never ask “How few do we need?” rather ask, ”How many can we

mobilize?”

How many people are currently serving? Who is double or triple

dipping? Who is not serving? Who has the list? How large should

your list be? (Hint: probably about twice the size of your average

worship attendance.)

Recruit to fulfill the vision. Do not announce to fill a vacancy.


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Small Group Participation

Participating in a small group is an important element of discipleship. A plan to provide meaningful study topics, engaging group dynamics and regular enlistment of new people will each be an important part of using small group participation as a vehicle for disciplemaking. Elective studies and 40-day emphases must also be considered. A few leading questions to frame a conversation about small group are raised in the Discipleship MAP section that follows.

Think About

1. What systems do we have in place for

a. on-going discipleship classes?

b. baptism as a regular feature of our church’s life?

c. encouraging worship attendance?

d. small group participation?

e. placing every member in ministry?

2. Which of our systems need improvement?

3. What first steps can we take to improve one or two systems in the next six weeks?


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A Discipleship MAP (Ministry Action Plan)

Every church has a plan for making disciples. Many times this plan could be described as accidental in that every new disciple must simply fend for himself to find avenues for spiritual growth and maturity. Often the disciplemaking plan in a local church will be incidental and on the occasion that a new believer is discovered then steps are taken to assist in spiritual growth. Growing churches will have an intentional plan for discipleship with identified steps and processes to enhance individual and corporate spiritual growth.

An intentional Ministry Action Plan (MAP) for discipleship might include the following 10 steps.

1. Conversion

Big Day Evangelism Planned

Effective Follow Up Engaged (see Nelson Searcy FUSION)

Attractional Preaching Series Conducted

New Believer Follow-up

o New Believer Letter

o New Believer Bible

o Baptism Brochure

2. Baptism/Membership: Discipleship Class 101 An Introduction to Discipleship

Who will teach the class?

How frequently will it be offered?

How will participants be recruited?

Who will recruit participants?

3. Teaching Spiritual Habits: Discipleship Class 201 Discovering Spiritual Maturity





4. Discipleship Class 301 Discovering My Ministry






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5. Discipleship Class 401 Discovering My Life Mission





6. Worship Services and Discipleship

How will regular attendance be encouraged and monitored?

Which sermon series will deal with life application of Christian

principles/worldview?

How often will the larger congregation be called to activities that will result

in personal spiritual growth?

o Bible Reading Challenges and Scripture Memory

o Prayer Ministries

o Life Application Preaching

7. Small Group Strategies for Discipleship

Will new groups be formed?

Who will lead the new groups?

How will new attenders be recruited?

When will groups meet?

What topics or curriculum will be used to guide the new believers?

8. Mentoring and One-on-One Discipleship

How will mentors be selected?

Who will train the mentors?

What outcomes are desired from the mentoring/one-on-one process?

How long will the mentoring/one-on-one process last?

9. Every Member in Ministry

How many people are currently serving in existing ministries?

Who will recruit new participants into existing ministry positions?

Who will recruit new participants into newly created ministry positions?

10. Calling Out The Called

I do and you watch.

I do and you help.

You do and I help.

You do and I watch.


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III. LEADING TO MAKE DISCIPLES

A Three Pronged Strategy

Physical and mental ability in our children can be measured in a variety of ways. Most often we measure chronologically as we celebrate birthdays and count the years by counting the candles on a cake. Physical dexterity is an important measure of ability. It is quite an accomplishment for a youngster to hold up one or two fingers to mark those birthdays.

Developmental milestones are also important. Early in life children can anticipate birthdays, plan for gifts, and countdown to the first day of school.

Growth within a local church can also be measured in a variety of ways. Most often it is measured numerically. We count people because people count. Numerical growth simply put, means that the number of people counted this time exceeds the number of people counted lat time. Generally these numbers are comparisons from year to year. This allows the number to be evened out over the usual flow of high and low attendance days.

Numerical growth

Numerical growth is not only the most frequent measure of church growth; it is also the easiest and most manageable measure of growth. Numerical growth will be based on the raw data of who comes to church. A couple of behind the scenes questions, however, will help monitor the trustworthiness of this data. For example, it is very important to know who is included in the count. That is in a multiple worship service setting is everyone counted every time they enter the building or are people only counted once in the weekend services?

An aspect of numerical growth often overlooked is the total participation in the life of a church over a 6-8 week period. If individual attendance records can be developed it is not uncommon to learn that the total number of attenders is about twice the average weekly attendance.

Numerical growth must also look for overall weekly attendance if we are to measure more than just Sunday morning. Is it any less meaningful to attend at times other than Sunday morning? Isn’t it important to know how many people attend throughout the week?


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Institutional growth

On the other hand the most difficult arena for growth in any established church is the arena of institutional growth. Adapting traditional structures, roles, and responsibilities to the changing needs of a growing church is the most difficult assignment most church leaders ever face. Yet change is a must as we press into the future since what got us where we are will not get us where we are going.

Institutional growth will depend in large part on the vision and leadership ability of the pastor. Institutional growth will also depend on the awareness of options to organize and develop in new ways. Lasting institutional growth will often build alongside existing ministries with new ministries added or established and allowed to flourish.

Incarnational growth

A third measure of growth is incarnational growth. Measuring this aspect of growth is rather difficult since the desired outcomes of a changed heart, mind, and spirit cannot readily be scored on a test or recorded on a chart.

Incarnational or spiritual growth is at the heart of the disciplemaking process. More than an emotional response, incarnational growth refers to personally and corporately becoming more like Jesus. A good description of this incarnational lifestyle may be found in Matthew 25 “you did it to one of the least of these” and Philippians 2 “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”

Incarnational growth—becoming more like Jesus—will only result when believers give themselves to those tasks and disciplines of worship, study, prayer, witness, and service typified by the Lord Jesus himself. Wise church leaders who consistently provide opportunities for these kinds of connections will see spiritual growth in the congregation that in turn produces numerical and institutional growth.

Leading in the 21st

Century

Little Johnny made his first trip to the principal’s office with a note from his classroom teacher explaining that he had refused three times to follow her instruction. Surprised by misbehavior from this newly arrived student the principal asked for clarification. The teacher then explained, “Every time I asked he responded ‘I don’t care to.’” Puzzled the principal asked the student “Will you do what you’ve been asked to do?” “Of course,” he replied. “I told her I didn’t care to.”

For the teacher “I don’t care to” was interpreted to mean “I don’t want to.” For the student “I don’t care to.” meant “I don’t mind.”

Church language can often be just as confusing. The days are long past when the community at large or visitors to a worship service would understand and translate such code language as VBS, SS, WMS or many of the other shorthand expressions that are easily understood by the church crowd.


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To make the ancient message of the gospel relevant to the 21st century we need to give careful attention to language and worship habits.

Avoid the code words. Especially in printed bulletins and verbal announcements the codes need to be explained.

Use modern language. For two generations now the most popular English translation of the Scripture has been the New International Version. The New King James Version has been gaining ground recently and may be the most popular English translation nowadays.

Explain some of the language used in hymns. Ebenezer shows up often in the standard hymns. When explained in the context of I Samuel 7 this obscure name takes on quite a significant faith connection. The same could be said of Zion and its usage in the Psalms.

Invest in user friendly worship. How does a visitor know it is time to stand? Because unbelievers are unfamiliar with the Bible, why not announce the pew Bible page number of the selected text? Make the worship services interactive by using an outline for the morning message with a few blanks to be completed during the message, adding a greeting time, or using an occasional worship song done in an echo style where the congregation responds to the leader by repeating a refrain or line of the music.

Distinguish between large group and small group. Small groups like Sunday School classes and departments should be very people centered. The large group worship service should be more God centered containing those elements that are of interest and focus for the large group. Birthday recognition, most announcements, and most prayer requests for the ‘extended’ church (i.e. my cousin’s mother-in-law’s friend who lives in Wyoming) are small group events and should be celebrated there. Large group worship should focus on the Worship of God with announcements (if made at all) kept to a minimum and prayer concerns that are of vital importance to all.

Avoid dead time. Special musicians can be ready to move promptly to the platform. The next person to lead the service can immediately step to the pulpit rather than waiting for the previous participant to move all the way to a pew. Music can be selected in advance and selections printed in the bulletin or at least copied for the musicians so pages can be marked and quickly located in the flow of the service.

Plan for joy. The Worship of God should always be a joyous experience. Joy is contagious. The lack of joy is also contagious. This key element of a joy filled worship experience will be absent in 100 percent of dying churches but it will be present in those churches ready to relate to the dying hurting world of the 21st century. It is a joy-filled proclamation heralded by the angels “to you is born a Savior”. It is a joy-filled ancient yet modern message that Jesus Christ by the grace of God tasted death for every one!


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The Tipping Point

THE TIPPING POINT by Malcolm Glidewell (Back Bay Books, New York, 2002) offers insights from social psychology that have ready application as church leaders develop a Ministry Action Plan for discipleship. While Glidewell traces social change on a larger/macro scale his principles can be foundational on the local/micro scale of a church.

Three social principles form the foundation of Glidewell’s tipping point.

1. Contagion. Just as viruses spread illness from person to person, so ideas, messages and behaviors also spread from person to person.

2. Small Changes. Little changes can have big effects and thus small changes matter since the effect may be exponential.

3. Social change happens dramatically and generally with urgency and speed.

Three rules of the tipping point govern social change:

1. The Law of the Few recognizes that three types of people dramatically influence social change. Because of inherited personality traits or as a result of formative social environments or to use New Testament language, due to the spiritual gifts imparted to believers, the people who influence social change do so as Connectors, Mavens, or Salesmen.

Connectors know lots of people. They have a knack for making friends and acquaintances. Often they will know someone connected to most any social situation.

Mavens accumulate information and enjoy sharing it. They often advise on the best bargains, the best travel route or the implications of stock market futures.

Salesmen live to convince others of the truth they have discovered or the product they offer. These salesmen or spokesmen rely on three factors for their success:

a. Little things make a difference.

b. Non-verbal cues are important.

c. Subliminal messages are incredibly subtle yet powerful.

2. The Stickiness Factor recognizes that social change does not happen solely as a result of word of mouth communication by connectors, mavens, and salesmen. The message itself must be packaged in a way that causes it to ‘stick’. The Stickiness Factor indicates there is a simple way to package information that, under the right circumstances, can make it irresistible. That factor will relate in part to how ideas become memorable and how they move us to action.

3. The Power of Context recognizes that epidemics are sensitive to the conditions and circumstances of the time and place in which they occur. The kinds of contextual changes that are capable of producing a tipping point are very different than might ordinarily be suspected. Urban planners have used The


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Broken Window Effect to anticipate further neighborhood deterioration. When one home reaches a state of disrepair or abandonment urban blight can spread. Occupation by homeowners who undertake prompt routine repairs can stop urban blight.

Features of the environment—like graffiti’s presence or absence—may give impetus to change both positive and negative.

The magic number of 150 makes the case for human social connections in smaller rather than larger groups. When one recognizes the human tendency to be able to develop friendships and relationships with about 150 people, it leads to the conclusion that dramatic social changes more readily start in smaller social settings. Thus grassroots movements have the potential to change mainstream society

John Wesley’s Methodism lives on today in large part because of his organizational skills. While George Whitfield was the greatest Methodist pulpiteer and while Calvin and Luther were greater theologians, no one exceeded John Wesley’s capability to organize hundreds of small Methodist Societies. Each local, grassroots society had stated purposes, membership expectations and core beliefs.

Starting social epidemics that result in positive social change requires concentrating resources on a few key areas. When we identify the few (connectors, mavens and salesmen), refine our message/method/program so that it is sticky, and work within a positive context we can shape the course of social epidemics both within a local church and throughout the larger culture.

Think About

1. Who in my congregation is a connector? Maven? Salesman?

2. What little things can we give attention to that will make a difference in our culture of discipleship? Outreach?

3. Does our church environment (context) encourage or discourage discipleship? How does this happen? How might we change this environment (context)?

4. How can we take advantage of the smaller social connections identified in the magic number of 150?


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Recovering the Lost Art of Disciplemaking

There was a time, not so long ago, when extended families, stable communities, church oriented scheduling and the culture at large made discipleship happen easily as a natural part of life as we knew it. Since that time has passed in most of our communities, we are confronted by the need to intentionally make disciples.

The lost art of disciplemaking, however, might still inform our efforts if we look back to those elements that were so helpful once upon a time and replicate them in our day and time. For example, although extended families are often non-existent in a local community, a need still remains to develop those same kinds of cross-generational relationships that pass along skills, teach acceptable behaviors and train the next generations. The church is an ideal place to develop that substitute which in turn advances the discipleship enterprise.

A shared experience (remember the Lord’s Prayer prayed at school every day?) that was once part of the community at large can still become a discipleship tool if that shared experience is replicated within the church and its ministries. Thus the subculture of the church intentionally accomplishes what the larger culture used to accomplish.

Think About

1. What can we do as a church to establish cross-generational relationships that will enhance disciplemaking?

2. What can we do as a church to establish shared experiences that will enhance disciplemaking?


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IV. THE ARENAS OF DISCIPLEMAKING

isciplemaking arenas encompass all the various settings where people experience a spiritual connection. Within the context of the Scripture and the life experience of the church these settings may be solo connections between an individual and the Holy Spirit or they may be

connections facilitated in duets or triads or small groups or large groups. A few observations and a few resources for each identified setting follow.

One-by-One Disciplemaking

The desert fathers from the early centuries of the Christian church and the ordered monasteries that reached their heights some years later each typified an approach to disciplemaking that could best be described as one-by-one disciplemaking. That is they entered into an individual journey during which they carved out their understanding of and relationship with God.

The New Testament, however, predates even these ancient efforts with an autobiographical note from the Apostle Paul describing a similar individual quest in Galatians 1

11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.

D


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18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas[b] and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me

Despite the fact that humans are made for social interaction, many of the elements of discipleship and spiritual growth must themselves become a personal quest. Thus the wise leader of a discipleship movement will make provisions for this kind of one-by-one pilgrimage. Included below are three resources that might be woven into the culture of a church to encourage developing disciples one-by-one.

Radical

RADICAL by David Platt, Multnomah Books, 2010

In this book David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple—then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a successful suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus.

Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment—a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring.

The Radical Experiment presents five challenges:

a. Pray for the entire world.

b. Read through the entire Word.

c. Give sacrificially.

d. Spend time in another cultural context.

e. Commit to a multiplying community/local church.

RADICAL

D A V I D P L A T T

M U L T N O M A H

B O O K S , 2 0 1 0

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=galatians%201&version=NIV#fen-NIV-29076b


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Experiencing God

EXPERIENCING GOD by Henry Blackaby and Claude King, Lifeway, 1990 This now classic 13-week course is designed for a combination of both

individual and small group study. Seven key ideas are developed in this study.

a. God is at work.

b. God pursues a relationship with you.

c. God invites you to become involved.

d. God speaks.

e. God’s invitation leads to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.

f. Major personal adjustments are required.

g. God is known by experience.

Additional resources using EXPERIENCING GOD with different ages and in different settings are readily available through www.lifeway.com or www.amazon.com or www.christianbook.com.

A Bible Reading Plan

Bible reading can be a simple but powerful tool to enhance the spiritual development of individuals and entire congregations. Three approaches can be used to encourage regular Bible reading.

First, the pastor who engages in regular expository preaching can encourage his people to read along with the passage/book used in a particular series of messages. For example a local pastor preaching a series from the Sermon on the Mount could readily encourage his people to read the Sermon on the Mount carefully while he is preaching through this multi-week series. A reading guide breaking the section/book being covered by the regular weekly messages into easily read devotional units can be prepared and included in the weekly bulletin or newsletter or made available in the church foyer.

A second approach could be that of encouraging reading through the New Testament in a year. Many readers will be intimidated by an extensive reading program and may never get around to beginning the projected readings. A reading guide with a daily schedule can help overcome the intimidation of an extensive reading program.

A third approach could be to encourage reading through the Bible in a year. This approach is especially useful for implementation in January of every year.

When a more extensive reading guide is proposed, a few helpful hints will make the experience more pleasurable and achievable for the participants.

EXPERIENCING GOD

H E N R Y

B L A C K A B Y

L I F E W A Y 1 9 9 0

http://www.lifeway.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/


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Provide a reading guide that breaks the reading assignments into

manageable units. A variety of reading guides are readily available. Currently the

most popular reading guides are apps for smart phones.

Provide the reading guide for a month or a quarter at a time. This will

allow the readers to see the project in more measurable proportions and will also

require that you contact them several times during the year.

Plan to contact the readers at least three times a year with a letter or e-

mail of encouragement and with instructions for the next segment of the reading

guide.

Make frequent reference to your own progress as you share weekly

messages with your people. “For those of you reading through the Bible with me

you may have noticed…”

Content Suggestions for letters/e-mails

Letter 1: Introduce the idea, explain the process, share your goals and your vision for the process, share the benefits you have gained from regular Bible reading, and describe the reading guide you have prepared for the first reading period. If you are using a read-the-Bible-in-a-year plan that starts in January you will want to prepare this letter in advance so that it is ready for distribution near the end of the calendar year, just after Christmas.

Letter 2: Make this an encouraging letter. Use a lot of phrases that describe key insights you have gained from reading so far. Be honest and share how at least once you got behind but then you either used extra time to catch up or used a speed reading technique of reading the headlines to get back on track.

Include a reading guide for the next reading period.

Letter 3: Use this letter to profile some of the readings coming up in the next series. What are you looking forward to reading? Share with your people why and when you are looking forward to a particular book or section of the Bible.

Brag on them for their faithfulness. Go back to the first letter and pick up again on the vision statement you used to frame the adventure.

Include the next reading guide.


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Personal Spiritual Growth Assessment

©2006 LifeWay Christian Resources. Permission is granted to download, store, print, and distribute this document for its intended use. Distribution for sale is strictly prohibited.

[While this personal assessment resource has been reprinted by permission, additional resources are available that cannot be reproduced here. For companion resources please go to www.lifeway.com and search for Discipleship Planning Guide] Contents Spiritual Growth Assessment Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Growth Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Discipleship Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Growth Observations Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Growth Observations Response Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annual Spiritual Growth Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recommended Actions for Spiritual Growth Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiritual Growth Assessment Process

Your spiritual journey as a follower of Christ began the moment you admitted personal sin and placed your trust in Christ as Savior and Lord. From that point, until death or the return of Christ, your life’s call is to grow in Christlikeness.

Jesus summarizes the disciple’s call in Mark 8:34, “If anyone wants to be My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Holman CSB). Accomplishing such a challenging assignment requires growing in your understanding of what it means to be a Christian, expanding your personal knowledge of biblical truth, and applying daily what you learn. Through the presence of His indwelling Spirit, God enables you to know, obey, and serve Him. God expects His children to grow spiritually and His Word encourages personal examination as an element of growth.

• “Let us search out and examine our ways…” Lamentations 3:40

• “Now, the Lord of Hosts says this: ‘Think carefully about your ways.’” Haggai 1:5

• “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:23-24

• “But each person should examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in respect to someone else.” Galatians 6:4

• “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people, but as wise.” Ephesians 5:15

http://www.lifeway.com/


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This assessment process can help you complete an examination and careful search of your spiritual growth. Follow these simple steps to complete the process.

1. Complete the Spiritual Growth Assessment.

The assessment helps you think carefully about your spiritual development related to six specific spiritual disciplines; abiding in Christ, living in the Word, praying in faith, fellowshipping with believers, witnessing to the world, ministering to others. Before completing your responses, ask the Lord to guide your evaluation. Since most of these statements require a subjective response, His guidance is the key to an accurate appraisal.

Also, resist the urge to compare scores with others. Self-condemnation or pride could result from such comparisons. Trust God to help you grow spiritually by revealing heart issues and empowering you to take action.

2. Draw and evaluate your Discipleship Wheel.

3. Distribute copies of the Spiritual Growth Observations Response Sheet to at least three people. Follow the instructions before completing a personal growth plan.

4. Begin working on a personal growth plan. The Annual Spiritual Growth Plan worksheet helps you formulate an intentional plan for growth. Use the Recommended Actions for Spiritual Growth Guide to discover suggestions for actions to include in your plan. As you discuss your plan with an accountability partner, you may discover additional actions that more effectively meet your needs.

As you complete this assessment process the temptation might be to think your efforts are central to growing spiritually. Remember, becoming like Christ centers on His work in us and not our work for Him. God desires heart change over religious actions. Without question, God does the revealing, the renewing, the empowering, and the recreating. Your part as His disciple is to do the yielding, the submitting, and the obeying.


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Spiritual Growth Assessment

As you complete the assessment, avoid rushing. Listen for God’s voice to encourage and challenge you. Consider this experience as one-on-one time with Him. Be intentional in your growth towards Christlikeness. Use the scale below to respond to each statement. Never - 1 Seldom - 2 Occasionally - 3 Frequent - 4 Always - 5

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES RESPONSE

ABIDE IN CHRIST

1. I practice a regular quiet time and look forward to that time with Christ. _________ 2. When making choices, I seek Christ’s guidance first. _________ 3. My relationship with Christ is motivated more by love than duty or fear. _________ 4. I experience life change as a result of my worship experiences. _________ 5. When God makes me aware of His specific will in an area of my life,

I follow His leading. _________ 6. I believe Christ provides the only way for a relationship with God. _________ 7. My actions demonstrate a desire to build God’s kingdom rather than my own. _________ 8. Peace, contentment, and joy characterize my life rather than worry and anxiety. _________ 9. I trust Christ to help me through any problem or crisis I face. _________ 10. I remain confident of God’s love and provision during difficult times. _________

Abide in Christ Total _________

LIVE IN THE WORD

1. I regularly read and study my Bible. _________ 2. I believe the Bible is God’s Word and provides His instructions for life. _________ 3. I evaluate cultural ideas and lifestyles by biblical standards. _________ 4. I can answer questions about life and faith from a biblical perspective. _________ 5. I replace impure or inappropriate thoughts with God’s truth. _________


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6. I demonstrate honesty in my actions and conversation. _________ 7. When the Bible exposes an area of my life needing change, I respond to make

things right. _________ 8. Generally, my public and private self are the same. _________ 9. I use the Bible as the guide for the way I think and act. _________ 10. I study the Bible for the purpose of discovering truth for daily living. _________

Live By God’s Word Total _________

PRAY IN FAITH

1. My prayers focus on discovering God’s will more than expressing my needs. _________ 2. I trust God to answer when I pray and wait patiently on His timing. _________ 3. My prayers include thanksgiving, praise, confession, and requests. _________ 4. I expect to grow in my prayer life and intentionally seek help to improve. _________ 5. I spend as much time listening to God as talking to Him. _________ 6. I pray because I am aware of my complete dependence on God for everything in my life. _________ 7. Regular participation in group prayer characterizes my prayer life. _________ 8. I maintain an attitude of prayer throughout each day. _________ 9. I believe my prayers impact my life and the lives of others. _________ 10. I engage in a daily prayer time. _________

Pray In Faith Total _________


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FELLOWSHIP WITH BELIEVERS

1. I forgive others when their actions harm me. _________ 2. I admit my errors in relationships and humbly seek forgiveness from the one I’ve hurt. _________ 3. I allow other Christians to hold me accountable for spiritual growth. _________ 4. I seek to live in harmony with other members of my family. _________ 5. I place the interest of others above my self-interest. _________ 6. I am gentle and kind in my interactions with others. _________ 7. I encourage and listen to feedback from others to help me discover areas for relationship growth. _________ 8. I show patience in my relationships with family and friends. _________ 9. I encourage others by pointing out their strengths rather than criticizing their weaknesses. _________ 10. My time commitments demonstrate that I value relationships over work/career/hobbies. _________

Build Godly Relationships Total _________

WITNESS TO THE WORLD

1. I share my faith in Christ with non-believers. _________ 2. I regularly pray for non-believers I know. _________ 3. I make my faith known to my neighbors and/or fellow employees. _________ 4. I intentionally maintain relationships with non-believers in order to share my testimony. _________ 5. When confronted about my faith, I remain consistent and firm in my testimony. _________ 6. I help others understand how to effectively share a personal testimony. _________


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7. I make sure the people I witness to get the follow-up and support needed to grow in Christ. _________ 8. I encourage my church and friends to support mission efforts. _________ 9. I am prepared to share my testimony at any time. _________ 10. My actions demonstrate a belief in and commitment to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). _________

Witness To The World Total _________

MINISTER TO OTHERS

1. I understand my spiritual gifts and use those gifts to serve others. _________ 2. I serve others expecting nothing in return. _________ 3. I sacrificially contribute my finances to help others in my church and community. _________ 4. I go out of my way to show love to people I meet. _________ 5. Meeting the needs of others provides a sense of purpose in my life. _________ 6. I share biblical truth with those I serve as God gives opportunity. _________ 7. I act as if other’s needs are as important as my own. _________ 8. I expect God to use me every day in His kingdom work. _________ 9. I regularly contribute time to a ministry at my church. _________ 10. I help others identify ministry gifts and become involved in ministry. _________

Minister To Others Total _________


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Your Discipleship Wheel

For a visual representation of your spiritual assessment complete the following steps:

Step One: On the dotted line in each discipline section of the circle plot a point corresponding to your total score for that discipline. Place similar points on the solid lines to the immediate right and left of each dotted line.

Step Two: Connect the plotted points with curved lines similar to the lines of the circle.

Step Three: Using a pencil or marker shade the areas in each section between the lines you drew and the center of the circle. The shaded areas reveal your personal discipleship wheel at this point in your spiritual journey.


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Step Four: Ask yourself these questions:

1. Which areas have the most shading? At this point in your spiritual journey, you see these as the strongest elements of your spiritual growth. List below one benefit these strengths bring to

a. You personally: __________________________________________________

b. Your family: ______________________________________________________

c. Your church: _____________________________________________________

d. Your community: _________________________________________________

2. Which areas have the least shading? At this point in your spiritual journey you see these as the elements needing the most improvement. List below one reward growth in these disciplines would bring to:

a. You personally: __________________________________________________

b. Your family: ______________________________________________________

c. Your church: _____________________________________________________

d. Your community: _________________________________________________

Step Five: Make specific plans to grow spiritually this next year. Complete the Annual Spiritual Growth Plan.

Spiritual Growth Observations

Instructions

1. Enlist 3 people to complete a Spiritual Growth Observation on you. These should be Christians who regularly observe your life actions. If married, your spouse would be an excellent choice to give you feedback. Older children in your family might also be considered. Explain to those you enlist that you need their help to accurately assess your spiritual growth. Point out that you want to discover areas where growth is needed and without their input those discoveries might not be possible.

2. After receiving the completed observations, follow these simple steps:

a. Send each person who completed the observations a thank you note.


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b. Pray over the responses before looking at the specific scores.

c. Average the scores of each discipline and write the average score below.

• Abide in Christ _______

• Live by God’s Word _______

• Pray in Faith _______

• Build godly Relationships _______

• Witness to the World _______

• Minister to Others _______

d. Compare the scores with your personal assessment totals. Ask yourself these questions and discuss your answers with your accountability partner:

i. Where do the observer scores agree with my personal scores?

ii. Where do the observer scores disagree with my personal scores? If the observer scores disagree with my scores, do they agree with each other? If so, could this be a blind spot for me that needs attention?

iii. Review any “NO” (not observed) responses. Should the people closest to me be seeing more of these actions? If your answer is yes, consider addressing this on your Annual Spiritual Growth Action Plan.

3. Complete your Annual Spiritual Growth Action Plan.

Spiritual Growth Observations Response Sheet

You have been asked by another disciple to participate in an intentional process to evaluate his/her spiritual growth. Your observations will be used to help develop a growth plan for the upcoming year. In order to provide helpful evaluations, ask the Lord for direction before completing this form. Even though these are subjective responses, God can use them to affirm and challenge this fellow traveler on the journey of discipleship. Authentic change occurs as the community of believers helps one another grow spiritually. Use the following scale to respond to each statement.

Never-1 Seldom-2 Occassionally-3 Frequent-4 Always-5 Not observed-NO

1. Peace, contentment, and joy characterize life rather than worry and anxiety. _________ 2. Demonstrates trust in Christ when facing life problems. _________ 3. Participates in church worship experiences. _________ 4. Expresses love for Christ. _________ 5. Engages in a personal quiet time. _________


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Abide in Christ - Total (add lines 1-5) _________

6. Teaches others biblical truth. _________ 7. Public and private self are the same. _________ 8. Biblical truth guides personal actions. _________ 9. Demonstrates self-control in stressful situations. _________ 10. Talks about biblical standards for life actions. _________

Live in the Word - Total (add lines 6-10) _________

11. Engages in a daily prayer time. _________ 12. Talks about God’s answers to personal prayers. _________ 13. Solicits prayer concerns from others. _________ 14. Encourages others to pray. _________ 15. Initiates times of prayer in group settings. _________ Pray in Faith - Total (add lines 11-15) _________

16. Admits errors in relationships and seeks forgiveness. _________ 17. Demonstrates humility in relating to others. _________ 18. Seeks unity in relationships rather than creating division. _________ 19. Encourages other instead of criticizing. _________ 20. Gentle and kind in interactions with others. _________ Fellowship with Believers - Total (add lines 16-20) _________

21. Participates in evangelistic mission efforts. _________ 22. Makes faith known to neighbors and/or fellow employees. _________ 23. Helps others understand how to effectively share a personal testimony. _________


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24. Shares a personal testimony with non-believers. _________ 25. Prays for non-believers by name. _________ Witness to the World - Total (add lines 21-25) _________

26. Treats others needs as important as his/her own. _________ 27. Contributes time to a ministry at church. _________ 28. Demonstrates an attitude of servanthood. _________ 29. Contributes finances to help others in the church and community. _________ 30. Serves others expecting nothing in return. _________ Minister to Others - Total (add lines 26-30) _________


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Annual Spiritual Growth Plan

Date Started ________________

I. Enlist an accountability partner who will agree to do the following:

1. Meet with me initially to overview my assessment and pray with me about this plan.

2. Meet with me at least once each month to discuss my progress on this plan.

3. Affirm my successes and challenge me to stay focused on achieving each part of the plan.

4. Pray regularly for me.

5. My accountability partner will be _____________________________

Decide on actions for spiritual growth.

• On the blanks following numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 write in the seasons on the year beginning with the coming season. For Example: You completed the assessment in November. Number 1 would be “Winter.”

• Use your discipleship wheel to determine actions. For example, looking at areas of less shading, what is the next step for your growth in that area? (knowing more about what God expects, building skills in this discipline, just doing it, or joining a group that does this discipline).

• Next, consider the areas of more shading. What is the next step for your growth in those areas? (leading others in knowing this discipline, leading others in doing this discipline, or building consistency in doing this discipline)

1. ____________ During these months I will

a. Improve my understanding of God’s standard for the following discipline through individual and/or group study.

Discipline ____________________________________________________

Name of study _________________________________________________

b. Set an action goal. Use the Recommended Actions Guide for suggestions.



Discipline ____________________________________________________

Name of study _________________________________________________



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Discipline ____________________________________________________

Name of study _________________________________________________




Discipline ____________________________________________________

Name of study _________________________________________________


Recommended Actions for Spiritual Growth Guide

The following actions can help you complete your annual intentional plan for your spiritual growth. See these as suggestions to get you started rather than as a list of the only possibilities. Trust God to guide you in your choices. The key to growth will be His work in you as you intentionally seek His kingdom first. The administrative guide Discipleship: God’s Life Changing Work provides recommendations for small group studies related to each discipline. Download this guide at www.lifeway.com/discipleship.

Abide in Christ 1. Attend a corporate worship experience weekly. 2. Set aside a specific time and location for a regular quiet time. 3. Establish a practice of worship preparation through prayer and confession. 4. Learn about biblical fasting. 5. Practice fasting as the Lord directs. 6. Learn about your identity in Christ. 7. Regularly thank God and give Him praise in all situations. 8. Make a list of things that hinder your spiritual growth and seek God’s help to remove those hindrances. Live in the Word 1. Memorize one Scripture verses each week. 2. Memorize passages of Scripture. 3. Take notes from the pastor’s sermon and other Bible study experiences each week. Evaluate how the study applies to your life.


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4. Establish a regular time for personal Bible study. Take notes from the study and evaluate how the biblical truth applies to your life. 5. Use commentaries and other study resources to enrich Bible study. 6. Read one chapter from the Bible each day. Discover one action required and do it. 7. Read one chapter from the Bible each day. Meditate on the character of God described in the chapter. 8. Participate in an ongoing small group Bible study. 9. Accept a Bible teaching position in your church. 10. Lead a small group study related to living by God’s Word. Pray in Faith 1. Participate in the prayer ministry of your church. 2. Enlist a prayer partner and meet regularly for prayer. 3. Journal your prayers and record God’s answers. 4. Organize a prayer ministry for your church or small group. 5. Lead a small group study related to praying in faith. 6. Pray each day. Fellowship with Believers 1. Ask family members to identify ways you can improve your relationships with each one. 2. Ask friends to identify ways you can improve your relationships with each one. 3. Make a list of people who have hurt you and ask God for help to forgive them. 4. Participate in an ongoing small group to build relationships with other believers. 5. Complete an individual study related to building godly relationships in your marriage. Attend a retreat or workshop on parenting. 6. Attend a retreat or workshop on marriage. 7. Lead a small group study related to building godly relationships in marriage. 8. Lead a small group study related to building godly relationships as a parent. 9. Lead a small group study related to building godly relationships with others. Witness to the World 1. Write your testimony and practice sharing it with another believer. 2. Secure several gospel tracts and distribute them as the Lord leads. 3. Learn to share your testimony without using printed support. 4. Make a list of non-believers you know and begin praying regularly for their salvation. 5. Begin building relationships with the non-believers on your street. 6. Begin building relationships with non-believers at work. 7. Invite an unchurched friend to worship or Bible study. 8. Include a specific missions focus in your prayers. 9. Share your testimony as God provides the opportunity. 10. Participate in an evangelistic missions experience. 11. Lead a small group study related to witnessing to the world.


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12. With your accountability partner list places you visit in a normal week. Brainstorm creative ways of witnessing to the people you regularly see at these places. Minister to Others 1. Complete a spiritual gifts inventory. Download a spiritual gifts inventory at www.lifeway.com/downloads. 2. Volunteer for a ministry in your church where you can use your spiritual gifts, interests, and natural abilities. 3. Send encouragement notes to your church staff. 4. Visit one homebound person each week. 5. Look for new baby bows on mailboxes in your neighborhood. Send a note of congratulations and drop off a gift or meal. 6. Volunteer to baby sit for a single parent in your church to give them a night out each month. 7. Volunteer to serve meals at a local shelter. 8. Volunteer to tutor students or help in a classroom at a local school. 9. Ask a member of your church staff to help you discover ways to minister to people on your street. For example, hold a small group meeting in your home quarterly to discuss topics such as marriage and parenting. 10. Lead a small group study related to ministering to others. ©2006 LifeWay Christian Resources. Permission is granted to download, store, print, and distribute this document for its intended use. Distribution for sale is strictly prohibited.


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One-on-One Disciplemaking

Apprenticeship

Disciplemaking and the Church, by Billie Hanks, Jr. Adapted with permission

“’Come and follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men’” (Matthew 4:19). Many of the church’s evangelistic failures of the past have resulted from attempting to impart through teaching those skills which were designed by God to be instilled in one’s spiritual life through training. Historically, in the educational process knowledge has been transferred through these two different yet complementary forms of instruction: teaching and training.

Teaching requires the transmission of ideas and concepts. A gifted teacher can hold the attention of tens, hundreds or even thousands. Typically, words are used to convey his thoughts, and he needs little else to communicate his message. Our Lord was the master teacher; His illustrations and parables are beyond equal. The size of the groups he spoke to had no bearing on His ability to express the truth clearly. He was comfortable with twelve or a gathering of well over five thousand. His teaching of the Sermon on the Mount proves that any size group can be taught spiritual truths as long as they can hear and want to hear what is being said (Matthew 5:1-2).

This is not true with training, however. Training requires the transmission of learned skills. The term that best communicates this concept in many cultures is apprenticeship. Because observation and practical experience are needed for effective training to occur, one-on-one relationships are universally used as the accepted apprenticing format.

The difference between teaching and training can be illustrated through aviation. One summer I was flying in a small airplane with a highly experienced pilot-instructor. Having spent little time in small aircraft, I became a bit concerned as we crossed the tall mountains of New Mexico: What would happen if the pilot had a heart attack while we were flying at eight thousand feet? I suggested that he take a few minutes and instruct me on the basics of crash-landing an airplane.

As we talked, he said, “Billie, do you know why I am so sold on personal disciplemaking?”

“No, but I would like to,” I replied.

“When you go to flight school,” he said, “and you are ‘discipled’ in how to fly an aircraft, your basic instruction is usually conducted on the ground and in a small group. In that setting you learn the concepts of aerodynamics; but later on, after ground instruction, all pilot training is done in a plane one-on-one. Every pilot in the air today has been individually apprenticed to fly. It works in aeronautics, and it works in the Christian life.”


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In Jesus’ ministry of instruction, He was sometimes with His disciples in a group and at other times with them individually. He discipled them on both levels, and they ultimately became effective fishers of men.

Training…which involves eternity, must demand our very best and most committed effort. The Lord’s emphasis on training emerged early in his ministry. “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers; Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him” (Matthew 4:18-20). Their on-the-job training had begun.

Quality discipling emphasizes a balanced combination of the two principal methods of instruction: that which can be learned through teaching and that which can be learned through training. One method deals with ideas, the other with skills. The first disciples received both and so should we.

A Strategy for One-on-One

Because our efforts cannot reach everyone at the same time we must prioritize based on our own experience and the Lord’s leading. Not everyone is comfortable with one-on-one discipleship. A level of trust is necessary to engage in that personal setting. Jesus did a great deal of one-on-one within a circle of 12 followers.

A few thoughts on developing a target audience for one-on-one discipleship should include:

Men should disciple men and boys; women should disciple women

and girls.

New believers will probably be more open to new discipleship

initiatives.

Include one-on-one discipling as part of any orientation to new

assignments, offices or roles within the congregation.

Within this plan book a number of discipleship tools are identified. Beyond the listings here a quick web search will identify more tools than can be utilized. When selecting discipleship tools for use in any arena of disciplemaking the final choice should be informed by:

Theological consistency. Is what is being taught consistent with our

congregation’s understanding of the Bible?

Accessiblity. For printed materials consideration must always be given

to availability, cost, and delivery schedule. Materials often go out of

print quickly. Some printed materials have price tags that make them

cost prohibitive. E-copies may or may not make materials more

W H O I S M Y

T A R G E T

A U D I E N C E ?

W H A T T O O L S

C A N I U S E ?


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accessible. Delivery schedule may impact starting date since generally

if materials are needed to be in hand it is difficult to start until they

arrive.

User Friendliness. Font size, style of binding, fill in the blanks that

are large enough and a host of other issues must be considered before

using a tool. If it is not user friendly then it may not be effective in

advancing the discipleship cause.

Ogden: Discipleship Essentials

DISCIPLESHIP ESSENTIALS by Greg Ogden. Intervarsity Press, 2007, was conceived for the purpose of recalibrating where we set the bar of discipleship.

In the introduction the author writes: “What are the basics a follower of Jesus needs to practice as spiritual disciplines (part 1), comprehend as core biblical and theological truth (part 2), become in terms of character and lifestyle (part 3) and do to engage the church and the world (part 4)? This is the content, but what is the context? One of the key issues here is—how are disciples made? Disciples…are made in relationships through personal, eyeball-to-eyeball invitations.”

Jesus’ pattern of disciple-making was to be intimately involved with others and allow life to rub against life. By gathering in twos or threes to study the Bible and encourage one another, we most closely follow Jesus’ example with the twelve disciples.

This guidebook by Greg Ogden is a tool designed to help you follow the pattern Jesus drew for us. Working through it will deepen your knowledge of essential Christian teaching and strengthen your faith. Each week contains the following elements:

a core truth presented in a question-answer format

a memory verse and accompanying study

a field-tested inductive Bible study

a reading on the theme for the week

questions to draw out key principles in the reading.

The material is designed for groups of three. It has also been used successfully as an individual study program, a one-on-one discipling tool and small group curriculum.

Jesus had a big enough vision to think small. Focusing on a few did not limit his influence. Rather, it expanded it. DISCIPLESHIP ESSENTIALS is designed to help us influence others as Jesus did—by investing in a few.

DISCIPLESHIP

ESSENTIALS

B Y G R E G

O G D E N

INTERVARISTY PRESS

2007


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One-on-Some Disciplemaking

Many disciplemaking efforts will stem from those settings when one person transmits to many persons the skills and concepts necessary for spiritual maturity. Jesus used such an approach. Of all the disciplemaking settings available to the church this one-on-some process is probably the most frequently used. Several variations on this disciplemaking arena are described below.

Discipleship/Membership Classes

These specialized small groups used to introduce discipleship and to prepare for membership are profiled in the section “The Power of a System” earlier in this plan book. Samples of these classes have been made available since the Generation E initiative several years ago and are available upon request from Congregational Ministries ([email protected] or 573-785-7746).

Retreats

To retreat is to withdraw from your everyday surroundings, pull away from your regular routine and seek out a place of rest and refuge. In a religious context this involves spending time with God, focused more intently on Him than we tend to be in the midst of our busy lives. This often involves amounts of silence, solitude and prayer as we spend time seeking God. There are dozens of types of retreats, some of which are listed below.

Personal / Individual Retreats - Retreating by yourself and spending little or no time interacting with other people.

Small Groups Retreats - Retreating with a few other people.

Large Group Retreats - Retreating with a dozen or more people.

Social Retreat - Retreating with some social interaction with others.

Silent Retreat - Remaining silent during your entire retreat, or at least portions of it. For example, you may be silent most of the time but participate in seminars and visit over meal times. Or you may have silent meals but meet with a retreat director. There are various degrees of silence.

Solitude Retreat - Retreating in isolation. With a solitude retreat you are not only silent with other people, you are not interacting with them at all.

Directed / Guided Retreat - Retreating under the guidance of a person such as a spiritual director, counselor, pastor or retreat director. This may be helpful if a person is new at retreating or unsure how to retreat. This can also be helpful if a person is retreating for a specific purpose such as working through a particular life issue.

If you need an

experienced

retreat leader feel

free to contact

Dr. James Pratt at

[email protected]

or 812-749-4781.




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Structured Retreat - Retreating with the guidance of a schedule. This structure could come from yourself, a book, or a retreat director. Retreat structures can range from rigid to flexible, intense to relaxed. An entire retreat can be scheduled or portions can be. Structured retreats may be helpful for people who don't know how to spend time retreating as it gives them a rhythm to feel comfortable with. Structured retreats can also be helpful for people trying to focus on certain spiritual disciplines such as silence, fasting or writing as the schedule ensures these things happen.

Unstructured Retreat - Retreating with little or no structure where you are free to do as you please. This type of spontaneous retreat works well for people who have no problem retreating and filling the time. Not that goal is to "fill" the time, in fact the idea of retreating is to create time and space, not fill it. But some people have no problem allowing things to naturally flow while others prefer some structure to their retreats. Unstructured retreats may be good for people who need rest and relaxation rather than the pressure of following a certain rhythm.

Agenda Retreat - Retreating with a particular agenda or objective. Some people retreat because they want to work through a certain issue, catch up on their writing/journaling, work through a particular book, spend time with a particular person, catch up on some sleep and many other reasons people retreat for. If you go away with a certain goal in mind it is important to be intentional about how you spend your time and where you focus your attention.

Non-agenda Retreat - Retreating for no particular reason, other than to get away and enjoy God's presence for a while. These retreats can be very fulfilling as there is no particular agenda in mind so whatever comes out of the retreat time is gift. There are no specific expectation, just the anticipation of spending time with God and the benefits which flow from that.

Fasting Retreat - Retreating while abstaining from food or activities. Some people fast completely from all foods, while some limit themselves to no sugars, no desserts, no meat etc. Some limit themselves to one meal a day or just bread and water. Some people allow themselves fruit or juice to keep their blood sugars up. It's important to keep up your water intake and consult your physician before doing a fast, especially one lasting more than a few days. Some people fast from other things such as all forms of technology.

Marriage Retreat - Retreating with your spouse with the intent of enhancing your relationship. Some couples retreat separately but at the same time and location, spending time alone praying for their spouse and reading about marriage. There are many creative ways to do marriage retreats as individual couples or in groups.

Family Retreat - Retreating with family members with the intent of strengthening family ties as you spend quality time together.

Regular Daily Life Retreat - Retreating within your regular life schedule and setting. Rather than taking time to go away to a retreat centre some people choose to intentionally build retreating into their daily routine for a few days or weeks.


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For example, they may take half an hour a day or an hour a week to go to the park over lunch or read quietly at home. To fit the definition of retreat this should be a deliberate short term change in routine; if it lasts for years then it is considered a spiritual discipline which you've nurtured into a way of life -terrific!

Day Retreat - Retreating for a day; roughly an 8 - 10 hour day, like a typical work or school day, though there are no specific rules around timing.

Half Day Retreat - Retreating just for the morning, the afternoon or the evening; perhaps 3 -4 hours out of your day.

Extended Retreat - Retreating for several days or weeks. People have been known to retreat for weeks or even months at a time. While retreating for a few hours or days provides great benefit, some people suggest going really deep into your heart and soul requires several days or even weeks. The longer you retreat the more of an opportunity you have to open up your heart and soul to God. Some people have planned to retreat for a week and ended their retreat a few days early because they feel all was accomplished more quickly than they imagined. Others have extended their retreats longer than the original plan because they didn't feel they were done yet.

Regular Retreat - Retreating on a regular basis. Some people plan retreats monthly, quarterly or yearly, and they plan well in advance so they ensure it happens. Planning regular retreats this way can help build a healthy rhythm in your life rather than just waiting to see if or when a retreat might happen someday.

Church Retreat - Retreating with people from a church, likely sponsored by and organized by that church. Some retreats involve the entire congregation, some just the men or women and some are broken down into other categories, especially in bigger churches where the idea of the whole church going on a retreat is impossible. This can be a terrific opportunity to get to know your church family more deeply than possible in the 10 minutes in the foyer on Sunday mornings. You get to see people in a more realistic light as you visit over meal times and hang out together.

Elective Studies

One possibility of introducing disciplemaking curriculum into a local congregation is through the use of elective studies. For example, if a current grouping of adult classes in Sunday School is using the standardized survey lessons they need not stop their approach when an elective of more special interest or with more disciplemaking promise is available that can be offered as an option. Elective classes may be made available to those who choose them.

The range of topical, biblical and special interest studies is unbelievable. Many elective studies are based on interactive video where the very best of teachers communicates the material and a local facilitator leads the guided application.


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Elective studies not only provide a framework for topical studies they also provide the framework for deeper theological, apologetic or practical studies that not everyone finds interesting.

Small Groups

Small group settings have always been an important part of the disciple-making and leadership building ministries of the church. In the early1800s an innovative approach to this important small group ministry began to be widely used by churches in the United States.

This innovation continued to gain wide acceptance so that by the early 1900s it was an important, standard feature of almost every church. Thus Sunday School, originally developed as an adaptation to a current need, became an institution.

In the later part of the 20th century a renewed interest and focus on worship and the development of home-based small group ministries resulted in the decline of traditional Sunday School. Even in the face of such decline, however, many churches have not only maintained traditional Sunday School; but many of them have maintained a traditional Sunday School ministry that is effective.

Traditional Sunday School is best defined as a church-based, classroom experience held in conjunction with Sunday worship services.

Effective Sunday School ministries assist disciplemaking through age-graded training and assimilate new attenders so that friendship and personal connections are established within the congregation.

While other approaches to small group ministry are also very effective (see IGNITE by Nelson Searcy) many traditional Sunday Schools in different-sized churches continue to demonstrate their effectiveness by enrolling a large percentage of the congregation and by regularly making room for new participants.

Sunday School like any ministry of the church will be effective only if it receives intentional, strategic input from qualified, dedicated leaders.

What makes traditional Sunday School effective?

1. Effective Sunday School is a small group rather than a large group ministry. Effective Sunday Schools replace opening and closing assemblies with small group activity that provides a prayer focus, group care and Bible study.

2. Effective Sunday School always looks to enlist new attenders. This means that new classes are organized on a regular basis to replace those that decline or to gather up those new folks who have begun attending the church.

3. Effective Sunday School looks to meet needs not just to fill time. Thus the children’s department has established, consistent learning objectives by using coordinated curriculum from the same publisher for different age groups.


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4. Effective Sunday School is never boring to adults. Facilitators, not teachers, guide group exploration of Bible truths. This can be done through the use of adult learning methods like inductive Bible study that can be used with any curriculum.

5. Effective Sunday School is always adapting. Elective classes, newly organized groups, openness to new participants, and effective discipleship of children require constant adaptation. One of the more recent adaptations has been developed as a curriculum that uses coordinated lesson themes for all ages. This D6 family-style curriculum is available through Stinson Press (www.stinsonpress.com).

Growth Groups

[Note: About 18 months ago Pastor Josh Carpenter implemented a new

system of Growth Groups for adults at Risen Church. These Growth Groups are offered alongside traditional Sunday School classes. The result has been an increase in participation and greater spiritual maturity. These Growth Groups are profiled on the church web site www.wearerisen.org ]

Why did Risen choose a Growth Groups system for discipleship?

Sunday School served our church well for many years. It continues to serve our church well with certain demographics. Adults who are currently involved in Sunday School still want to be involved in it. Our traditional Sunday School, however, no longer attracted and enlisted new attenders to the worship service. These new folks were not coming into a classroom where they could learn more about the Bible, faith, and create new relationships.

We found that Sunday School classes could be intimidating to new-comers. Since the class had been together several years, members had close relationships with shared stories and life experiences that made it difficult for new people to join in and get connected. We needed a system that

continued to teach the Bible in effective ways,

offered the opportunity for new attenders to join in, and also

engaged current attenders in continued discipleship.

After being introduced to a semester based small group system through Next Level Coaching, we determined this to be the best choice for our church. We continue to offer two traditional Sunday School classes for adults who prefer the traditional method.

How do Growth Groups work at Risen?

The idea behind Growth Groups is to have groups that form on certain dates and dissolve on certain dates. This allows new attenders to begin a group when the group begins placing them on the same footing as everyone else in the group. By having an ending date, each group member will be clear as to the time commitment they are making to the group.

B Y J O S H

C A R P E N T E R ,

P A S T O R

R I S E N

C H U R C H ,

D E X T E R , M O

http://www.stinsonpress.com/

http://www.wearerisen.org/


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We do not follow a semester calendar strictly. Instead we time our Growth Group sessions to begin around our “Big Days” on our church calendar. Our groups last between 8-12 weeks with an occasional session lasting only 6 weeks.

Growth Groups meet on Sunday mornings during what is considered the “Sunday School Hour” and on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Depending upon the topic or curriculum some groups may be age specific, gender specific, or may be designed to minister to people at a certain level of spiritual maturity.

As one session begins to wind down, Growth Groups catalogues for the next session are made available to the congregation in print form and through our website. The catalogues list the Growth Groups available including the title of the course, a short description, the group’s leader, the location, time, the materials that will be needed and their cost. People may sign up for classes online or through the Connection Card on Sunday mornings.

On a Sunday between sessions when no groups meet we often have a Growth Group Expo in which leaders make displays for their groups in our Activity Building and make themselves available to answer questions about the group. After groups are formed leaders are responsible for organizing and communicating with their Growth Group members.

What are some results of Growth Groups at Risen Church?

The primary purpose behind our change to Growth Groups was to engage more people in the discipleship process and that has happened. From the very first session people who had never moved out of the worship service into a study group have join Growth Groups. The process of new groups forming on a regular basis also creates excitement and openness to new attendees. After using this system for over a year now, I believe the spiritual maturity and biblical literacy of the congregation has improved. Members are exposed to different topics, teaching methods, and leaders on a regular basis. This gives them the opportunity to stretch and expand their faith and understanding.

Are there any draw backs to this system of discipleship?

What our system of Growth Groups is missing that traditional, ongoing Sunday School classes have is the opportunity to build intimate long term relationships through weekly study and sharing. The fellowship aspect of Sunday School classes and semester based Growth Groups are different. You don’t create close relationships in a twelve week period. Our continuing challenge is to focus on creating more fellowship events and ministry opportunities that connect people in a way that allows them to grow closer in their relationships over a longer period of time.

Recent Growth

Group Sign Up

Form

Crazy Love: Group

#1 Judy Gregory

When God’s Spirit

Moves: Group #2

Tim Temples

Experiencing God:

Group #3 Josh

Carpenter

Romans: Group #4

John Moore

Financial Peace

University: Group

#5 Eddie Cato

The Cross of

Christ: Group #6

Dr. Steve Tippen


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Resources for One-on-Some Disciplemaking

ACTIVATE: AN ENTIRELY NEW APPROACH TO SMALL GROUPS, by Nelson Searcy, Regal Books, 2008, provides both a rationale and a plan for an entirely new approach to small groups in a local church. Based on working models that apply to churches in all sizes and settings, this handbook can help any disciplemaking leader organize small group ministries that capture attention, enlist participation and develop a culture of continuing growth. For a summary of how this worked in an existing church see Growth Groups on page 53.

The following resources have recently been released by ChurchSmart. Since ChurchSmart is a smaller publishing house its titles often are not widely distributed and the listing here is an effort to alert leaders to another of the many avenues for resources in the area of discipleship. Order at: http://www.churchsmart.com or 800-253-4276

TOP GUN BASIC TRAINING FOR DISCIPLING MEN

In A.D. 33 Jesus commissioned 12 men to go into the world & be difference makers, to make disciples of all nations. Our being here today is proof that they did not fail! However, recently we have experienced a crisis which could hinder the expansion of God's kingdom. It is a leadership crisis! Immorality, burn-out, nominalism, & materialism have all created a black hole of leadership in the church today. It is therefore necessary to return to the 'Master's Plan' of discipleship. Working with a small group of men, Jesus ensured that there was not only skill training, but righteousness training as well. The Basic Training Program uses the 'Master Plan' to encourage & equip men, based on sound biblical principles, to be godly leaders in their home, workplace, church, & community. Through this nine-month small group experience, a man can expect to: - Develop a consistent walk with the Lord - Build lasting relationships with other men - Find his place of service within the church - Learn to make an impact for the Kingdom Now every Manual comes with a FREE Memory Verse Pack!

ACTIVATE BY

NELSON SEARCY

CHURCHSMART

RESOURCES

http://www.churchsmart.com/


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UNLEASHING WOMEN IN THE CHURCH and the companion workbook

UNLEASHING YOUR POTENTIAL is a proven process designed to develop and

release new servant leaders into the local church. Author, Jeanette Gray has helped

hundreds of women discover their gifts, renew their passion and deepen their walk

with God. In as little as eight weeks, atrophied pew-sitters can become mighty

ignite a new love for the Lord, discover Spiritual Gifts and

refine their character.

SOUL PURPOSE: AUTHENTIC DISCIPLEMAKING EXPERIENCE FOR

SMALL GROUPS Module 1 focuses on topics about 'Engaging with God.' These thirteen lessons will help you find clarity in your spiritual journey as you better understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. What will be the cost of following Jesus? What is a disciple's goal, mandate and source of strength? How should a disciple of Jesus deal with temptation, prayer, the Word of God, silence and solitude, fasting and suffering?

Three Additional modules are available: Go to the ChurchSmart Home page and click on any of the four modules listed under Products: http://www.churchsmart.com/ Also, get more free information and downloads at: www.soul-purpose.info

SIMPLE DISCIPLESHIP by Tom Cocklereece Too many believers have

never been discipled and too few churches are prepared to address this problem.

Tom Cocklereece has proposed a process that drives discipleship into the DNA of

a congregation. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. What process does your church use to make disciples?

2. How is it working?

3. How do you know it is working?

4. What does God expect of each member in your church?

5. Do the people in your church provide similar, unified answers to the

questions above?

6. Is there an effective disciple-making process that speaks to each of these

questions?

As you work to answer these six questions, you may find the process the

author has developed to be a useful tool in disciple-making. This book includes a

resource CD with graphics from the book, a PowerPoint presentation and an

assessment tool.

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rvryRLWNy9AnzM_nktN-eqgFhRPjb3iWBa00ubyhBV7zn56FVAdL4N415M2XxtsusQEazJFqwzPKYeir9rBuJsfj5yBPqCzCnAd4pN40rza_pdnQDHmjeA==

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001rvryRLWNy9BtZ5WExSmoxig5PEQb3-zie4UBYe4L6I-iPE5AJosW64xdav4FXURipGGJ1FQ3ODpBMgO38OQi6MokriFSKYuvhfVlYQVdEEOds2CG1WHoqA==


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One-on-Many Disciplemaking

Meaningful worship is a primary discipleship tool. For worship to be truly effective attention must be given to both what we do in worship and why we do what we do in worship.

Determining a philosophy of worship will help identify why we do what we do in worship. Philosophy is more important than style, music or worship elements. Philosophy is the why behind what we do. It defines, motivates and serves as a measure for the worship services. If the reason we do what we do is because we have always done it that way we may need to explore and revise our philosophy of worship. Here’s a simple exercise that will start this process.

What are five words that currently describe your worship services? ____________________ _____________________ ____________________ ____________________ _____________________ What are five words that you would like to describe your worship service? ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

Seamless flow will have a major impact on the effectiveness and impact of worship services. In our visual, fast-paced age dead time when the pause or transition is too slow simply leaves room for the devil to do his work of distraction. In our media savvy age when low quality programs or tedious commercials are quickly abandoned, the quality of what we offer in worship will also determine, to a great extent, how effective that worship will be in producing life-change.

Distinguishing between small group and large group experiences will perhaps be the most significant improvement in the worship experience. Small group is intimate with lots of personal detail. In a small group everyone knows everyone else and milestones of birthdays, illnesses and personal crisis are shared openly. In a large group the personal interaction is diminished for the focus is not the sociology of the group but the Worship of God. The large group experience then is designed to lead the group not to greater care and concern for fellow believers but to a greater experience of the presence of God. Worship that is disciplemaking will point the worshipper to the powerful presence of a God who loves, guides, and protects.

Evaluating worship services can be done by asking a few simple questions

What went right?

What went wrong?

What was missing?

What was confusing?


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Evaluating and improving worship services can be done by using a short survey. The survey included here builds on the concept of appreciative inquiry and has been adapted from the personal performance survey developed by Dale Burke and included in his book LESS IS MORE LEADERSHIP.

Worship Service Survey

This survey is being sent to several members of the congregation in an effort to gain helpful, positive feedback from today’s worship service. Please be gentle but honest and specific and return your completed survey before you leave church today. Thanks in advance for your help and for your positive service in the life and ministry of our church. What do you appreciate most about today’s worship service? What were its strengths? Please list three or four items. _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ What are one or two aspects of today’s worship service that need improvement? Where are we weak? Please list one or two items. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Where would you suggest we focus as we seek to improve the worship experience? Please list one or two items. On a scale of 1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10 (Help!----Weak----Average---Strong-----Super!) How would you rate the worship services…? Now ___________________2. One year ago ________ For additional comments or feedback, use the back of this form.

A Preaching Calendar

Since worship is a key component in disciplemaking, preaching by default is also a key component in disciplemaking. This is especially the case in the evangelical church where in the absence of a formal liturgy the sermon provides the central focus of worship with more time given to sermon delivery than to any other aspect of the worship service. Thus the preaching task that is undertaken intentionally can advance the cause of discipleship.

Planning a preaching calendar is always done in prayer and comes as a result of active connection with the Lord and intense awareness of the needs of His people.

Planning a preaching calendar allows for balance in the types of sermons delivered and the topics that are addressed.


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Planning a preaching calendar allows for greater creativity since there is time to gather illustrations, develop powerpoint slides, or build props.

Planning allows for greater depth in preaching when sermon series planned. Topics need not be exhausted in one week nor is exposition restricted to one introductory sermon on a passage or book of the Bible when sermon series are planned and scheduled.

Planning allows the Holy Spirit to work in advance of sermon delivery as well as on the day of sermon delivery. Planning allows for maximum results.

In any preaching calendar three types of message series should be included. Whether done as expositions or topically life application comes from

Attractional sermon series where highly felt needs are addressed in a

way that is attractive to both the churched and unchurched.

Growth sermon series that point toward high commitment with

topics focused on helping attenders become more like Jesus.

Balanced sermon series that deal with important issues that are

designed to mature believes and inform unbelievers.

As sermon series are planned it is helpful if the primary audience is identified. As the plan unfolds language may be crafted, illustrations adapted and object lessons identified that will be different based on whether the sermon is designed for unchurched, churched or de-churched folks. The same is true for age-appropriate communication. Topics, language and illustrations for children, teens and adults may be quite different even when the key idea is the same.

Series length will generally be 4-6 weeks although shorter and longer series will often appear. Many pastors find that an occasional series that is longer or more in depth will be well received by the congregation. This is especially true for exposition of a particular book or development of a particular Bible character’s life. A good rule of thumb is that the sermon series should be long enough to address its topic, theme, text but short enough that neither the pastor nor the congregation is bored with the content. W. A. Criswell, legendary pastor of First Baptist, Dallas launched into a nearly 18 year sermon series as he preached through the entire Bible. Scattered throughout that marathon series, however, one discovers several seasonal or occasional interruptions.

Several dates from the Civil Calendar may assist in sermon/worship planning

January 1, New Year’s Day February 14, St. Valentine’s Day May, 2nd Sunday, Mother’s Day May, 4th Monday, Memorial Day June, 3rd Sunday, Father’s Day July 4, Independence Day September, 1st Monday, Labor Day November, 4th Thursday, Thanksgiving Day


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Several dates from the church calendar may also be useful in developing sermon/worship plans. Advent, 4 Sundays prior to December 25 Christmas Day Lent, Ash Wednesday—Palm Sunday Holy Week, Palm Sunday—Good Friday Easter! Pentecost (seven weeks following Easter)

Going Deep

Tall and lanky his ready smile and modest drawl betray his Kentucky origins. His coal black hair betrays the legacy of a great grandmother from Cuba who changed the gene pool of the Norwegian Vaughts. But when you find him in his pulpit as the Lead Pastor of Jackson, Missouri’s Connection Point, Dr. Chris Vaught betrays himself as a man called by God to passionately proclaim the Gospel.

Dr. Chris preaches at each of the morning worship services every week. He often uses a series approach to his sermons with life application sermons that explore a central theme or topic across several weeks. Whether it is proclaimed in the traditional service at 8:30 a.m. or in the contemporary service at 10:45 a.m. the effect is the same. In each setting he still proclaims the truth of the Word of God applied to life in the here and now.

Then twice each year Dr. Chris goes deep into the content of the Scripture or the theology of the church in his Deep Bible Conference. Deep Bible Conference is not just another typical sermon as part of a general worship event. These conferences are held on Friday evenings from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Short breaks are planned throughout the evening but participants know not to wander to far away because the teaching segments resume promptly.

Months of preparation are needed to master the topic, compose the lessons, prepare a participant’s notebook and develop a presentation that is engaging and interactive.

The DEEP Bible Conference is an in-depth Bible study on selected topics. The three-hour format allows for a study that delves more completely into passages and topics than the Sunday morning worship time allows. Each participant is given a three-ring binder with fill-in-the-blank teaching notes. The conferences are conducted on Friday evenings and are presented in a very casual atmosphere, allowing for refreshments and a fellowship break every hour.

The use of tables limits the seating capacity quite a bit, so free tickets are given away on a first-come-first-served basis. Because of the popularity of these conferences, seating has been increased and still the tickets are snatched up quickly.

D E V E L O P E D

F R O M A N

I N T E R V I E W

W I T H

D R . C H R I S

V A U G H T


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What motivates these marathon sessions? Dr. Chris says, “Our motivation for the DEEP Bible conference is twofold. For one, Biblical illiteracy, we are finding many of have a set of beliefs, but cannot define or defend their beliefs Biblically. Second, we are finding that the ideology of relativism is leaving people empty and searching for truth. People are hungry for truth. They want to know there is an answer to the hard questions of life and eternity, even if the answer isn’t popular, as long as it is presented and explained. Shortly after my arrival in Southeast Missouri, I began to pick up on this reoccurring desire among people I was having simple conversations with. This hunger was found among both the young and the elderly, the Christ-follower and the non Christ-follower. Their hunger was for a deeper knowledge of the Word of God. Our motivation for the DEEP Bible conferences is to help fill their spiritual hunger with a consistent source of Gospel truth.”

“The response has been more incredible than we could have imagined. We host the event on a Friday night and require pre-registration. We don’t make attending the event easy. This night is for those who are serious about growing deeper in the Christian faith. To our astonishment, the event is completely full every time we host it. We have seen people from all walks of society sitting with open Bibles saturating their hearts with the Word of God. After each event I have had individuals walk up to me and make comments such as, “I’ve never understood a Bible passage like this before.” “This Bible study really makes the Bible come to life for me.” The sessions are videotaped and sold for $10.00 each to cover expenses. At the end of each event, many of the participants pre-order a set of DVD’s for themselves and to share with friends and family. That’s exciting to see.”

Tickets are required so participants must plan in advance to get a ticket from the church office or pick one up at church on Sunday. The tickets are free but they are required so the office staff can produce adequate notebooks and so the capacity of the room will not be exceeded.

Dr. Chris will do it again on Friday, November 16 when the worship center, originally designed as an activity building will be reset. The chairs now in rows will give way to tables and chairs. The room will be filled with eager learners and the pastor will teach on the topic “The Bible: Where Did It Come From? How Do I Study It?”

The hope of these studies can be summed up by Paul in Ephesians 3:17b-19:

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”


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E-100

The Essential 100 Challenge (The E100) is an effective Bible reading program built around 100 carefully selected short Bible passages — 50 from the Old Testament and 50 from the New Testament. It enables people in your church to get the big picture of God's Word and in the process develop a daily Bible reading habit.

Most pastors, regardless of their denomination or theological perspective, want their people to read the Bible regularly. The problem is most people get bogged down with traditional through-the-Bible reading plans so they just give up. The E100 Challenge is simple, achievable and creates a contagious enthusiasm for reading the Bible.

Our prayer is that God will use your leadership and this program to ignite a Bible reading revival in your church. We have tested The E100 Challenge in hundreds of churches across the country and pastors all tell us the same thing: “The E100 Challenge is the one Bible reading program people actually enjoy and complete.” In short...The Challenge works!

Based on feedback from pastors, The E100 Challenge has been designed to be flexible. It works with any Bible translation and any time frame.

The E100 Bible passages are usually one to two chapters in length and can easily be read in 10 minutes or less. The E100 Challenge takes a reader through all of the major types of biblical writing including Historical books, Poetry and Wisdom Literature, the Prophets, the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles and Revelation.

The Bible passages in The E100 Challenge are organized into 20 sets of five readings each. You have the option of preaching from one of the five passages from the previous week. Sermon outlines for The E100 passages are provided on a FREE CD enclosed with your first order from www.e100challenge.com.

The bottom line is The E100 is the Bible reading plan your people will love to complete!

THE ESSENTIAL 100 CHALLENGE (E100)

IT’S ACHIEVABLE: Most readings are one to two chapters, the perfect

length for busy people. The readings are undated. Nobody falls behind.

Nobody feels guilty.

IT’S SIMPLE: The E100 is easy to implement. It doesn’t require a huge

effort and team like most church campaigns.

IT’S FLEXIBLE: The program works with any Bible translation, any

time schedule.

IT’S SMALL GROUP FRIENDLY: The E100 Challenge Guide is

available for Sunday School classes and home groups.

http://www.e100challenge.com/


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IT’S SERMON FRIENDLY: The E100 Sermon Outlines will enable

you to synchronize your preaching with The Challenge.

IT’S AFFORDABLE: The E100 Bible Reading Program is priced so

that any church, no matter how big or small can afford to take the E100

Challenge!

The Story

The story is helping people in churches everywhere experience Scripture like never before. Carefully selected verses from the Bible are organized chronologically. From Genesis to Revelation, your church members will come to understand God’s story and how their stories intersect with it.

Affordable, flexible, and easy to use, churches are using The Story not only as a powerful church-wide experience but also in individual ministries, such as small groups, Sunday School and in youth ministry.

The Story originated at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, TX. Senior Minister Randy Frazee taught through the Old Testament and Minister of Preaching Max Lucado taught through the New Testament. For more information please go to www.thestory.com.

Sticky Church

STICKY CHURCH, Larry Osbourne, Zondervan, 2008. With years of experience in sermon-based small groups, the author not only profiles this small group strategy used at North Coast Church, but he also builds a compelling case for word-of-mouth advertising as the basis for long-term growth by closing the back door.

He writes, “We’ve discovered lots of ways to reach people. We’ve offered the high-powered programs and slick marketing of attractional churches, the cultural savvy of missional churches, and the relational intimacy of small churches. But we’ve often become so focused on reaching people that we’ve forgotten the importance of keeping people.” The small group model advocated here is a variation of the traditional friendship group. A study guide based on the weekly sermon provides the curriculum.

While this small group strategy has limitations, it could add a creative element to an existing education system. Elements of the book are worthy of study even if the basic strategy is rejected. Most church leaders would benefit from the emphasis on reaching/keeping; and the short chapters on determining your purpose, dividing groups, and leadership development are well worth the price of the book.

http://www.thestory.com/


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V. TIPS AND TOOLS FOR

DISCIPLEMAKING

ringing the matter of spiritual beginnings and spiritual development to the front burner can be done in a variety of ways. The suggestions included here provide avenues for disciplemaking that have broad application as leaders organize for disciplemaking. Each of them could be adopted as is

in most local settings. Each of them could also be adapted to the context of any local setting. All warrant review and evaluation.

A Sample Prayer

If becoming a believer is the first step in disciplemaking, how can we lead people to that point of decision? One attempt I found helpful was to frame a sample prayer for everyone to consider. This sample prayer was often voiced in the weekly invitation as part of a four-fold call to action to:

1. become a Christian;

2. respond to God’s call;

3. recommit to Christian principles/behavior;

4. become a member of the church.

Later, the prayer was always included at the bottom of the sermon outline sheet in the bulletin, even if I had to shorten the fill-in-the-blanks section. Often the prayer was included on the screen along with other powerpoint slides.

Lord Jesus I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins. I want to turn from those sins. As much as I know how I now invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust you as Savior and follow you as Lord for the rest of my life.

B


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A Spiritual Survey

The following Spiritual Survey is used by Clint Cook at Real Life Church, Springfield, IL one or two times each year. Printed on the communication card, participants are asked to check their responses.

I have already accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I am choosing today to believe and accept Jesus Christ as my Savior.

God, I’m sorry for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and ask you to forgive me. Thank

you for sending Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sins. Jesus, I ask you to come into my life

and be my Lord, Savior, and Friend. Thank you for forgiving me and giving me eternal life. In

Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

I am considering following Christ, but I still have questions. Someone from the church may contact me at (phone #)__________________

I am not interested in following Christ at this time.

Remember we will not visit you at your home unless you request it.

A Discipleship Strategy for New Believers

7 Elements of Your New Believer Follow Up System 1. Congratulations e-mail or phone call within 24 hours.

2. Printed note from pastor, mailed within 24 hours.

3. Baptism Brochure included with note.

4. New believer’s handbook/guide included with note

(NOW THAT YOU'RE A CHRISTIAN: A GUIDE TO YOUR

FAITH IN PLAIN LANGUAGE by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz, Harvest House, 2008)

5. New believer’s Bible offered by coupon. “Bring this card with you and we’ll give you a Bible.” (NEW BELIEVER’S

BIBLE NLT by Tyndale)

6. Baptism Invitation and Class.

7. Add address to your database.

Remember: Having freshly redeemed people around the church does something to the church. Are you ready, in advance, for these gifts?

http://www.amazon.com/Now-That-Youre-Christian-Christianity/dp/0736923160/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346340829&sr=8-1&keywords=now+that+you+are+a+christian

http://www.amazon.com/Now-That-Youre-Christian-Christianity/dp/0736923160/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346340829&sr=8-1&keywords=now+that+you+are+a+christian

http://www.amazon.com/Bruce-Bickel/e/B001ILM9Z4/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1346340829&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Stan-Jantz/e/B001ILHGG6/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1346340829&sr=8-1


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Plan for Action Steps

Every discipleship plan or process will always be more effective if at the outset three important types of action steps are included. Because discipleship always has an intellectual component dealing with “What should they know?” leaders must answer the question “What in our discipleship plan appeals to the head?”

Because discipleship always has an emotional component dealing with “What should they believe?” leaders must answer the question “What in our discipleship plan appeals to the heart?”

Because discipleship always has an action component dealing with “What should they do?” leaders must answer the question “What in our discipleship plan appeals to the hands?”

Seasonal Resources

Two important seasons of the year provide avenues for leveraged spiritual growth. Lent in the Spring and Advent in the Winter offer short term time frames that may trigger spiritual responses if the opportunity is provided.

Lent, the period prior to Easter begins on Ash Wednesday and extends for 40 days not counting Sundays. Lent is often a time of self-denial and introspection and thus lends itself well to a spiritual development emphasis. A variety of 40 Day programs are promoted every year to coordinate with the Lenten Season.

Advent, the period prior to Christmas Day begins on the 4th Sunday before December 25. Often this will fall at the end of November depending on the calendar placement of December 25. Advent Calendars that countdown to Christmas, Advent Wreaths at church to commemorate the Sundays prior to Christmas and other Advent themes lend themselves to an emphasis on spiritual development. A specialized reading guide, prayer guide or devotional guide can aid in this spiritual development.

The Communication Card

In my early years as a pastor I quickly discovered the need to gather attendance information not only for first-time guests but also for regular attenders. In those days, however, many of our churches were resistant to a more formal process of registering their attendance, since the popular notion existed that everyone would surely know the folks who attended church with them. With a number of mainline churches routinely “taking attendance,” the absence of that formal process seemed to mean that we were more personal and more spiritual.

My quest to monitor attendance advanced beyond short- term memory when I discovered a blue notebook that was not being used. I spent an afternoon making a list and manually alphabetizing it so that a few hours later I was ready to


67

type it up on pre-printed pages that contained columns much like the grade books teachers of that generation used. By carefully looking around and by eagerly greeting everyone and by quickly moving to my office after morning worship I found that I could keep a pretty accurate list of folks who attended as well as those who visited, since in those days I was the greeting team with a visitor card always nearby to share with our guests.

Later it was fairly easy to introduce attendance pads that were passed down the rows so “everyone present may write your name so we will have a record of your attendance and participation today. For those of you who are visiting for the first time, if you will include your street address we’ll send you a note in the mail telling you some of the good things the Lord is doing in our midst.” We often had mystery and celebrity guests like Darth Vader, Mickey Mouse, and Superman. One Monday my secretary showed up with an attendance pad that read, “God knows I’m here and that’s all that matters.” Since the ushers collected those pads one row at a time it wasn’t terribly difficult to determine who was in a bad mood that day!

While the attendance pads gave a great deal of information, there was little interaction with them. Responses and prayer concerns were almost never reported, in part because we registered our attendance early in the service and also in part because this was a public process where everyone on the row had access to what was written on the registration pad.

The current use of a communication card avoids the public revelation of private information and also allows more direct interaction between the worshippers and the next steps the worship service is designed to elicit.

As I have traveled to a number of churches, I have seen the communication card used in three very distinct fashions.

The Communication Card as Guest Registration Card. Some churches use the communication card as a guest registration card. The card is profiled in the welcome but it is targeted for guests. Generally these cards will be printed in a rather generic fashion with open-ended rather than directed responses. Open-ended responses will rely on blank space that will be completed by the respondent rather than directed responses that are listed and identified for the respondent to circle or check. When the communication card is used as a Guest Registration Card the cards will generally be collected early in the service.

This is a valid use of the communication card if the church has in place an effective means of follow-up and assimilation as illustrated by Nelson Searcy in his book FUSION.

The Communication Card as a Commitment Card. When used as a commitment card the communication card may not even be explained until after the message. Generally the emphasis is on the spiritual decisions being made as a result of the worship service. Unless someone is making a specific commitment there is little incentive to complete the card, and those who do complete it may


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feel awkward or singled out since most folks around them are not completing cards.

In our culture some type of directed response is very important, and the strength of using the communication card as a commitment card is that unchurched respondents can be taught how to make a commitment without the initial step of publicly coming forward during an invitation. If the unchurched non-Christian can be directed to make an initial private commitment then the public commitment can easily come later through baptism and membership.

The Communication Card as a Vehicle for Communication by All. The best use of the communication card is its use as a means for all present to both register their attendance and to take the next steps the worship service has been designed to elicit. To be used effectively the Communication Card should be mentioned or profiled at least three times.

First, the communication card should be explained as part of the welcome. This may seem tedious or repetitive for the pastor or worship leader who presents the same information week after week, but it must be kept in mind that the information is brand-new to the first-time guest. Thus, the most evangelistic thing the pastor can do is to gain the guest’s participation by completing the informational side of the communication card with “as much information as you feel comfortable sharing with us.”

Second, the communication card should be mentioned as part of the morning message so that next steps provided by the pastor might come to fruition at commitment time. By customizing the responses printed on the card or on the bulletin tear-off the pastor can weave the communication card into his message.

Third, as part of the commitment time the communication card should be profiled once again with the goal of capturing an attendance record of all who are present, allowing folks to take their next steps and providing an avenue for people to indicate their attendance at special functions.

The Best Communication Cards will include 1. An obvious way to respond to become a Christian. 2. A customized means of response to the day’s worship service. 3. An opportunity to volunteer or sign up for special events. 4. An avenue to report prayer concerns and praise reports. A collection process at the conclusion of the service even if the offering has

been collected earlier will also enhance the response process.


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Epilogue: Not Just a Program

Incarnational Growth, discipleship, can never occur in isolation from Numerical

Growth and Institutional Growth. The pattern from the New Testament is clear:

when people at large witnessed the life change exhibited by believers, they too became

seekers. The result then of this Incarnational Growth was numerical growth.

The New Testament pattern is also clear that Incarnational Growth, discipleship,

was the impetus for new ways to organize and to adapt to the new reality of a

community of faith preparing for long-term existence in the culture at large.

The story of the early church as related in the Book of Acts is one of Numerical,

Institutional and Incarnational Growth in a continuous cycle. No one area of

development impeded or precluded the others.

Discipleship is more than a program. Instead it is a mandate. The last words

from Jesus to his eleven disciples were, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Those

were marching orders and we are part of the Kingdom of God today because those

eleven were faithful in carrying out the task of disciplemaking. Disciplemaking must

never be reduced to another program that is optional. It is our mission and the Great

Commission has never been optional.

Numerical Growth

Institutional Growth

Incarnational Growth


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General Baptist Ministries

100 Stinson Drive Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

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