Wednesday, May 13, 2009

What Do You Think About Discipleship Ministries?

By Charles Scott
For a number of years, our Discipleship Ministries department has had little to no significant impact on our districts and churches. It has mostly existed to produce Sunday School literature.

At the same time, the PCG has had no effective discipleship strategy.

It's time for a change.

I believe discipleship is not just a department. Discipleship is the Great Commission. It is every believer’s mission.

We must get back to the task of winning people to Jesus and making disciples.

This June, the Discipleship Ministries Board will be asked to develop a sound spiritual strategy for this vital mission that must be communicated and resourced throughout the PCG.

The Discipleship Ministries board and I would appreciate your thoughts and input. Please post comments to this blog article, and then check back from time to time to see what others are saying.

Here are some starter questions:
  1. What should discipleship in the PCG look like?

  2. What should be the role of the national office for discipleship?

  3. How can the national office resource discipleship at both the district and local levels?

  4. How can this board assist the local church to become a missional church?

  5. How can this board serve the PCG to establish a mentoring and coaching network in the PCG?
at 9:15 PM Labels: ,

30 comments:

  1. Thank you, Bishop, for addressing this issue. I have long thought that the DM could grow to become much more than it is.

    1. What should discipleship in the PCG look like?

    Essentially the answer to that question is first of all the same as it should look like in every denomination: a rigorous commitment to following Jesus. This commitment results in the work of the Spirit transforming our lives and our world as we live out the will of the Father. There are many things that are universal in this call.

    Of course, the PCG should maintain its distinctiveness regarding Spirit-empowerment. However, I think that we do ourselves a disservice when we raise the issue of Spirit-empowerment above other issues such as the formation of the mind and soul, actions for justice, and so on.

    If DM focuses primarily on the USA, then the question for us is, what should discipleship in the USA look like in the 21st century?

    Beyond those statements, the question might be better asked on a local church level: in our context, what does following Jesus mean as it regards our area, needs, gifts, and so on?

    Again, the bottom line here is that discipleship in the PCG is a rigorous commitment to following Jesus in our context. It might sound simplistic, but I insist that is the place to start.

    2. What should be the role of the national office for discipleship?

    a. The national office should trumpet incessantly the need for this commitment to follow Jesus. This central component of Christianity is all too often lost amid building programs, growth strategies, insurance questions, and the multitude of other business.

    b. The national office should lead the way in celebrating local churches that are effectively engaging in discipleship.

    c. The national office should serve a "prophetic" function of reminding churches of their call to discipleship.

    d. The national office should serve a "teaching" function of showing how it can be done and providing resources for the its effective accomplishment.

    e. The national office of DM should be the "health arm" - it emphasizes and facilitates local church and leader health and vital spirituality.

    3. How can the national office resource discipleship at both the district and local levels?

    a. Conducting district and local conferences on discipleship that inspire, renew, and give tools on being and making disciples.

    b. Engage our districts and local churches with ancient and contemporary work that is discipleship oriented. Current authors and speakers include individuals such as Dallas Willard, JP Moreland, Richard Foster, and so on. Why can't we connect with these and other leading individuals who are really thinking through what following Jesus in our context means?

    c. Production of a periodical that focuses on discipleship, leader health, and church health.

    d. Providing through publications and websites resources with reviews. Reviews can include content review as well as reports from other churches that have used those resources.

    e. Exposing our churches to various experiences in following Jesus, worship, mission, and Christian spirituality. We tend to be narrow and shallow in our understanding of these things.

    4. How can this board assist the local church to become a missional church?

    Teaching, calling, and challenging the local church in the discipleship process. Discipleship is missional - we are disciples which means we will make disciples. Doing things mentioned above and other strategies will help the local church become a missional church, b/c a truly discipleship-oriented church is missional.

    The board should find ways for the office to "talk" discipleship/missionality, "celebrate" discipleship/missionality, and "teach" discipleship/missionality.

    5. How can this board serve the PCG to establish a mentoring and coaching network in the PCG?

    a. Procure the mentoring service of effective disciplers and pastors.

    b. Create cohorts to work with these individuals. Make the cohorts something you apply for - people want something they have to work for.

    c. Develop profile surveys that will help match interested parties in mentoring relationships.

    These are my initial thoughts. I hope they are coherent and further the discussion.
    ReplyDelete
  2. WOW, dido to all that Daniel has said. I could not add anything.

    Special thanks Bishop to the intentional pursuit of bringing structure to this area. In my opinion it is something we have missed out on for way too long.
    ReplyDelete
  3. Bishop,

    Daniel's post is very good. Says it well.
    My thoughts are more on the practical side.
    If Relationship frictions are a problem in local churches (as they seem to be most other places) then a piece on understanding each other; personalities; how to handle conflict properly etc should be in the materials.
    Next; we can have great material & not have a competent, vibrant teacher in the local church & the discipleship will not happen as effectively as it should. I would recommend technology (which God has allowed for the church first) like video discipleship series with a great teacher. They are working well for us in the NW.
    I think Districts can help by being hands on in heping the local churches implement the discipleship needed within the congregations.
    And the National Office could be the hub that puts these video series together & makes them available. Or we may choose a great video curriculum that is already out there.
    ReplyDelete
  4. I see varying definitions of "discipleship".

    Discipleship = Soul-Winning

    Discipleship = Teaching New Converts

    Discipleship = a Life-long Process

    Of these definitions, where are we successful? Where do we fail?

    How are we doing at Soul Winning? Do our congregations care enough about soul winning that it's reflected in our checkbooks and datebooks? Do we cry over lost souls? Do we share the gospel with friends, relatives, associates, and neighbors?

    How are we doing at integrating new Christians into the Christ-walk? Are we actively helping them discover their calling? Are we urging them to ministry? Or, do we insist they attend services faithfully for at least a year before we allow them to be an usher or greeter?

    How are we doing in the life-long process? Do our members look more like Christ as time passes, or do they simply look more like the rest of the church (which may or may not look like Christ)? Do we walk out of Sunday School or church thinking about the lesson, eager to go home and further research it?

    Part of Bishop's desire for Discipleship Ministries is that we would be missional.

    I think if you say a church is missional, then the mission (Great Commission) must be the church's focus. Many churches are more accurately classified as memorial, recreational, social, or even inspirational, but not missional.

    Part of our process here is to figure out how to shift our churches and ministers to be more mission-minded.
    ReplyDelete
  5. I just came across John 15:8 - "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."

    By this standard, one isn't a disciple at all unless they bear much fruit.

    The Great Commission then, in telling us to make disciples, means we are to make people who bear much fruit. Our goal is to reach and teach others to become great fruit-bearers.
    ReplyDelete
  6. I found an interesting article Coming to Terms with Discipleship that addresses the varying meanings of disciple both in the Bible and in the church.
    ReplyDelete
  7. Anyone want to take a stab at defining "discipleship"?

    I had always thought it to mean the process of making a disciple -- something I would do to someone else.

    Many things I've looked at tonight, though, seem to define discipleship as being a disciple.

    I think the definition of the word will greatly impact the outcome of this discussion.

    If it means "being a disciple", then DM would be programs or resources that minister to disciples. It would be similar to "youth ministry" or "womens' ministry" - ministries that benefit the target audience.

    If it means "making a disciple", then DM would be programs, resources, or personnel that assist that process. It would be similar to "stewardship ministries".

    I'm fairly certain Bishop Scott is using the "making a disciple" definition. He said, "We must get back to the task of winning people to Jesus and making disciples."

    I think that the DM department has traditionally been more of the other definition, more about ministering to those that are already disciples -- especially back when it was named the Christian Education department. Sunday School curriculum is designed for the already-convinced.
    ReplyDelete
  8. I see discipleship as both/and rather than either/or when we talk about ministering to disciples or making disciples. Splitting the two might be helpful for brief discussion, but is detrimental to long term health and growth.

    Disciple is, simply, a student, learner, apprentice (from mathetes, Greek). Hence, my insistence that discipleship ministry be about a "rigorous commitment to following Jesus." Disciples are Jesus' apprentices. They watch him, learn from him, grow in relationship with him, and so live as if he was living their life in their context with their family, job, temptations, and so on.

    Since we are Jesus' apprentices, we also are, do, and say that which aligns with our Teacher and King. Hence, if the Teacher and King makes disciples, so do we. If he works for the healing and redemption of our world, so do we. We are living our lives after him - thinking our thoughts after him.

    Thus, "discipleship" is a "cradle-to-grave" (or altar-to-coffin!) process. What we term "conversion" is a step in the discipleship process. We are called to be disciple-makers, not heavenly real-estate agents.

    I think that an effective DM department would embrace this holistic process by focusing on being disciples. But real disciples make disciples. Therefore, the "recruitment" piece is an aspect of the whole. We should want healthy and robust churches - such churches make disciples and are powerhouses for the kingdom. The alternative are dead churches (regardless of the hype they do not reproduce) and "soul-winning stations". The former are often called "healthy and uncompromising" by their leaders in an effort to cover for the truth. The latter see people "make decisions for Christ" but do not have many, if any, who become Christ's apprentices. They only got their "mansion just over the hilltop" deed (a concept that is troublesome in and of itself!).

    If faced with a choice, I will take the latter "soul-winning station." However, I insist that there is a THIRD WAY: outposts of the Kingdom that make disciples who effectively spread redemption in their world. An effective and healthy Discipleship Ministries can lead the way in that holistic and powerful venture.
    ReplyDelete
  9. All these comments are so great, this is the kind of discussion we need. Thank you Bishop for getting it started.

    The only thing I would like to add is this: focus. Providing a focus for church wide teaching. Such as was done with 50 days of Pentecost. This was a great resource.

    The only problem I see with this is as some have mentioned the lack of a good teacher to teach it. Thus, I would suggest A) District Level Teacher Training (Perhaps Facilitated by the National level) and B) As mentioned, the use of technology (here again instruction on how to use this tech. will be needed in alot of our churches).
    ReplyDelete
  10. As far as discipleship goes, our church has adopted the material used by Jentzen Franklin's church, "Divine Design for Discipleship," written by Chad Craig. My pastor learned of the material at a leadership summit last November in Cynthiana, KY, where Bro. Craig ministered in siminar format. My pastor got the wheels turning and our church is currently the only other church outside of Pastor Franklin's that is licensed to use this material. It has been an absolute landmark in our church! We have had nearly 120 of our people attend classes weekly for 12 weeks! We are offering the classes on off-nights (other than Sunday or Wednesday) at ten different location throughout our county. And again, we have consistently had 100+ people in attendance. The classes last 1 1/2 hours, with some required reading from the book and Bible.
    The cost is minimal at only $12 per book, which we have offered the students to pay either all at once or $1 per week, per book. We are not making any profit on the material because that is not what it's for, but we are very easily covering our costs.
    The material itself is right in line with our doctrine, and at times seems repetitive, but it leaves the disciple with no excuse but to have very a thorough understanding of the topics. I've even adapted the material for use in our small groups on Wednesdays in Youth class. Essentially, the core of our church and youth departments are all on the same page. I recommend you contact my pastor, Pastor Tom Hall, so that he can give you a more in depth overview.
    With the material being incredibly effective personally, yet very minimal in cost, there wouldn't be any reason why the material could not be distributed through the national office to every local church in PCG at little or no cost to either party. I would think the only thing that would take time would be obtaining licensing from Bro. Craig and Free Chapel. I know my pastor began pursuing the material in November and we had our classes in progress by the beginning of March.
    I have been in the classes for 12 weeks, and will be teaching one in the Fall, and I can say that this material is detailed, comprehensive, and effective in a church. If you would like to contact my pastor, let me know and I'll get his info to you. Thanks.
    ReplyDelete
  11. If Free Chapel's material is anything like Jentzen's preaching, it's probably some good stuff.

    I know other PCG churches are using Rick Warren's 101/201/301 series -- either directly or indirectly.

    It troubles me a little that we have to look to outside resources for our discipleship programs.

    But then, it doesn't make sense to invent our own programs if viable programs already exist at reasonable costs.

    The biggest hurdles, in my opinion, is convincing our churches and pastors that the time, cost, and effort will be worth it.
    ReplyDelete
  12. I have taken my time in responding to this blog due to the simple fact I wanted to recall some of my life experiences with discipleship and how we can begin to target something that is very much needed in our organization and the Body of Christ as a whole. For some time now
    I feel that discipleship ministry is one that is very key and a must for our organization, so the question is how do we do it?
    1.First and foremost what should the discipleship in the PCG look like?
    I like what Daniel had to say and have a few things to add to that. We first must kill our language. What do I mean by that? I mean learn how to be real with people. Simple, nothing hard, leave the theology and the secondary stuff till later in life. I'm not saying its not important but to be missional we must start at ground zero and understand that not all people know what sin is. Practical is the best way to put it, using different levels of teaching, more than just a “Sunday School” class. A continues growth in people.
    2. What should the role of the National Office be?
    The national office should develop two kinds of programs.
    a.The first kind of program is dealing with the teachers or mentors of the DM in the local church. This would empower the teacher/mentor to be able to teach a class with appropriate material.
    b. The second kind of program would be that for the student. There are a number of ways this can be effective. For example ILD’s that Impact Student Ministries has designed could be a possible way to look at this. (impactym.com for further info) Different level courses to be offered. Either way the role of the PCG would be to equip its people and the Kingdom with the best material possible.
    3. How can DM be district and local?
    This goes much like anything the PCG has done before. It simply must change. What Daniel said was certain of the things needed. I like the fact of outside help, but I also think that if these conferences for districts to be effective I think we need to use our people that are doing this to help us. I’m all about the greatest speakers for events, but the truth is we have lost some really key people due to not using them that would have been a great help for our organization.
    4. How can this board assist the local church to become a missional church?
    By this im not really sure what is meant. If you speak of board as in the general board here are some ways. This may be a bit brutal but in all reality it’s the truth. Get them to understand that if the Kingdom is not growing, that we have sinned, and that this is a must. No longer will Sunday afternoon outreaches work. Its time to start investing our time, resources, and people back into the community. Realize we have to change our spending habits and realize that money needs to go back into the community. What do I mean by this, go to the food shelters, or start one if you don’t have one in your community. Get friends outside of church. Ok so I need to calm down a bit, but these are just a few ways to show people how to become missional. Its really not hard at all, in all honesty I think it’s a sin if were not.
    5. How to help establish a mentoring and coaching network.
    Take applications, not just anybody who has a servants heart can be a good mentor. Screen your leaders very well, and make sure they are all on the same page to do what is asked and have a passion for what they do. And always keep yourself in check. Like Daniel said with the constant evaluations of what is going on. Make sure we are always improving and not becoming stagnant.
    I may have ventured off track a little bit with my answers but the truth is we have the Spirit with us in the PCG, now its time to teach people what this thing called being a Christian is. I know that I have written a lot and some of it may not even make much sense, but my heart is that I know we need a ministry like this. Thank You Bishop for taking our organization to new levels, hopefully I have helped if not, feel free to ask.
    ReplyDelete
  13. Why not do it right? Why not make it something that we can be proud of? If we do, we will not only impact on our local Church, but we will have something to contribute to the larger “Body of Christ.”
    ReplyDelete
  14. Sorry, that line was supposed to be last. I’ve been closely following this blog and comments. I’m interested in how people answer questions 4 and 5. These move us from a C.E. Dept. into the uncharted waters of true discipleship. We have lost something when we limit “discipleship” to a curriculum and a weekly class. It’s much more. As Daniel says, “discipleship is missional.” Questions 4 and 5 take us there. My thoughts center on question 5.

    First of all, a mentoring network would be distinct, no longer a Sunday School program, but a living organism. We would focus our energy and resources not only on material, but on relationships. We would train and outfit people to share their journeys. Daniel suggests that we “create cohorts,” an idea that has gained some clout in academic circles. Cohorts or groups could be started, trained, and eventually become a support network as they disciple others.

    Secondly, we can make the network intergenerational. Bishop Scott states, “I believe discipleship is not just a department. Discipleship is the Great Commission. It is every believer’s mission.” An interdepartmental program will be able to do much more than just economize our efforts. Around 2002, I was in seminary, working in Christian education, and ministering. Almost simultaneously, all three fields began to talk about using mentors to build community. There was a wealth of information available and in most cases, intergenerational communities were being discussed. One conference chose the theme “Abuela” and focused on relational-mentoring. Discipleship communities were crossing over to the youth, and raising them up to impact the Church and society. More importantly, the practices of the ancient Church were often used as a guide.

    At the same time, the high-octane youth ministries of the nineties were losing steam. Though many were coming to Christ during their teens, many were leaving the doors of the Church when they graduated from high school. Some of the largest youth groups in the land did not have strong discipleship or college ministries. There was nothing to connect them with the Church body. An “Interdepartmental” and “Intergenerational” network will produce life-long results in people.

    Third, we have the people and resources to stay informed. We can develop curriculum if needed. We will benefit from obtaining counsel and resources from a variety of leaders as Daniel suggests. We may also benefit from exploring the works of leading Christians who are currently building community: James Wilder, James Fowler, Siang-Yang Tan, Clifton Taulbert, and Earl Creps.

    If we draw from leaders in the field, we may start something that will take us to a different level. I have seen a Christian community develop a Christian leadership initiative like this. They drew from the highest level of resources available (Theologically/academically). They put together a network, not unlike the one that Bishop Scott suggests. They placed a doctoral student in the center of the research team. He targeted all his studies and dissertation toward the development of the program. Consequently, they wrote for and received a very large grant. They launched and funded their program for years without a financial overhead. I share that to say this. There may not be many organizations discussing a discipleship network on a national level. This is something unique that may gain unexpected support.

    Lastly, we must draw from our “big picture” people. If we take this discussion and try to implement it all right away, it will be impossible. But if we have people in place that can look at the big picture over 5 or 10 years, we may come up with a viable plan. Our Sunday School curriculum is outlined 10 years in advance. Can’t we do the same with a discipleship network?

    Why not do it right? Why not make it something that we can be proud of? If we do, we will not only impact on our local Church, but we will have something to contribute to the larger “Body of Christ.”
    ReplyDelete
  15. Between Daniel and Jared, eight names have been dropped into this discussion:

    Dallas Willard, JP Moreland, Richard Foster, James Wilder, James Fowler, Siang-Yang Tan, Clifton Taulbert, and Earl Creps.

    I have not read any of them.

    Would anyone care to summarize what these fellows teach and in what way we would be changed by learning from them?
    ReplyDelete
  16. I don't want to add much to these great comments, other than a simple one.
    We have a vision and mission, now we need to put legs (discipling) to this. I think if every one can adopt this mission and vision, discipling comes easier. Discipling should be spontaneous as well as with strategy. There has to be fervor from both sides, the teacher and the student, understanding that dispcipleship is teaching but more a practice of change in our character. Just like Nike says, Just do it! Just start out teaching oneself discpline and others to be disciplined, and above all as Jesus said: Who loves me, keep my commandments. No exceptions. This is discipleship

    Gabriel
    ReplyDelete
  17. Dallas Willard:
    www.dwillard.org

    Richard Foster:
    www.renovare.org

    JP Moreland:
    www.kingdomtriangle.com

    Earl Creps:
    www.earlcreps.com
    ReplyDelete
  18. Siang-Yang Tan
    http://fuller.edu/academics/faculty/siang-yang-tan.aspx
    Books include “Lay Counseling” and “Disciplines of the Holy Spirit”
    http://www.fecglendale.org
    Sr. Pastor

    Clifton Taulbert:
    http://cliftontaulbert.com/
    Former Pentecostal minister, building organizational/educational/Church community, and Character Development

    James W. Fowler:
    http://ethics.emory.edu/people/Founder.html
    He is now retired, so most of his books can be found online
    Faith Development & Pastoral Care

    James E. Wilder
    Community page:
    http://www.lifemodel.org/info.php?page=SHmain
    Publisher page:
    http://www.quietwaterspub.com/public_html/QWPown.htm#E.%20James%20Wilder:%20The%20Stages%20of%20a%20Man's%20Life
    Intergenerational & Christian Community Development
    ReplyDelete
  19. http://www.simplediscipleship.com/

    This is a friend of mine...Tom Cocklereece out of Atlanta Georgia. He has put together a program and has just published a book on this very issue. He is on facebook..Simple Discipleship is a group on facebook ... I would urge you to check him out... no sense in reinventing the wheel. At least he could be a great resource.

    Linda Seevers
    ReplyDelete
  20. Jared/Daniel, with all respect, Google gives me much the same info as you have provided.

    What it doesn't do is give a nice short synopsis of what I would learn if I spent a couple of months reading these guys' materials.

    Say you and I are on an elevator together. You've got from the first floor to the 5th to sell me on why I should spend time and money reading these guys. What's your spiel?

    If we can't answer this, we have little hope of selling these ideas. Perhaps the philosophers might dig it, but our target audience is bishops, pastors, and laymen. Our bishops, pastors, and laymen are busy enough that they might give us a minute or two, but not much else unless we hook them fast.
    ReplyDelete
  21. Re: Linda's recommendation...

    The simplediscipleship site aligns nicely with Thom Rainer's book Simple Church -- so much so that I wonder if one of them inspired the other.

    In Simple Church, Rainer gives statistics indicating that growing churches tend to have a simple, church-wide process for making disciples. Stagnant churches tend to either have a complex process (multiple vision/purpose/mission/strategy statements, multiple programs), or no process at all.
    ReplyDelete
  22. Our (Daniel/Jared) understanding is that this conversation is targeting the foundational stage of Discipleship Ministries. Since that is the case, names we have mentioned are individuals who can help us in the hard work of developing our underlying philosophy and approach. Hence the current phase seems to be reading and research and discussion.

    Once the underlying foundation has been laid, then we have something to sell in a 2-minute elevator conversation. Certainly these individuals produce workable curriculum for our churches; however my purpose in mentioning them is not for curriculum per se but in the development of a lasting and effective Discipleship Ministries.

    Our hope is that the conversation here can remain on the questions the Bishop has proposed. These questions go to the very underlying nature, purpose, and definition of the Discipleship Ministries rather than to curricula to sell to bishops, pastors, and laity. That day will come; first we need this discussion.
    ReplyDelete
  23. By "sell", I'm not talking merchandise, I'm talking concepts.

    Take Bishop's 2nd question: "What should be the role of the national office for discipleship?"

    Many of our general board members and pastors would answer that the national DM office has little to no impact on our districts and churches. They would say it has no role in discipleship -- churches either develop their own program or purchase one from some parachurch ministry.

    If we're going to turn things around, I think we need to quickly and firmly justify the effort. We need an elevator story that tells where we are, where we need to be, and how much better the PCG will be when we get there.

    We know where we are -- we are still a Christian Education department (i.e. Sunday schools, home schools, and parochial schools) that has been relabeled "Discipleship Ministries".

    What's getting murky is knowing where we need to go.

    It seems to me that discipleship should not be as hard as some make it out to be. I've seen tomes on discipleship at the local Christian bookstore that are larger than some bibles! Yet the plan Jesus laid out was simple enough to be trusted to fisherman (granted they were Hebrew fisherman who already knew a bit about scripture, but still...).

    Anyone remember Bishop Montefusco's message from GC07? He gently hammered us on multiplication. In Brazil, even church musicians are expected to have their own "sheep" that they disciple. If men approach the Bishop saying they would like to pastor, he asks, "Where are your sheep?"

    The biggest problem I see with Discipleship Ministries in the U.S. is that most of us are not doing it. Year after year, our annual church reports list few, if any, conversions or baptisms, but thousands of dollars spent. We need someone (or several someones) to stand up and say, "This isn't good enough!" We also need someone (or several someones) to celebrate those that are excelling.

    All of this brings us back to the original questions. Take #'s 2, 4 and 5... What's our role? How can we help the church get missional? How can we establish mentors/coaches to make it happen?

    That's where the elevator conversation comes in. Something like this:

    The average church spends $??? thousand dollars a year, but only sees ?? souls saved. The average pastor works 60 hours a week, but thinks about quitting every other month because he doesn't see any results. The problem is we're doing it wrong. We spend most of our time and money trying to keep the saints satisfied, but Jesus never intended church to be like that. Let me teach you how you can free up your schedule for more prayer and study -- without sacrificing either your family or the needs of your church to do so....
    ReplyDelete
  24. Ken... I suggeste Tom Cocklereece because I have watch the process and read his material on his blog and on facebook. He has given some evidence that his program has worked... and why re-invent the wheel...

    Linda
    ReplyDelete
  25. 1. What should discipleship in the PCG look like?
    People need to see a structure and training for people so people can be brought to maturity in Christ.

    2. What should be the role of the national office for discipleship?
    To provide a strategy and resources to accomplish the above.

    3. How can the national office resource discipleship at both the district and local levels?
    Provide district and leaders a list of resources and connect them with persons in the discipleship ministry.

    4. How can this board assist the local church to become a missional church?
    I am not sure I understand the question. Here are some thoughts:
    - The board through its members could be providing challenging methods to fulfill the mission of the church (PCGod)
    - This could be done through discipleship and church growth conferences.

    5. How can this board serve the PCG to establish a mentoring and coaching network in the PCG?
    Same as above.
    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for the comments!

    Everything posted thus far will be presented to the Discipleship Ministries board on Monday.
    ReplyDelete
  27. Looks like i am late on this one...so just for academics.

    1.What should discipleship in the PCG look like?
    following leadership that follow/practice Christs model. Going to and from/ in and out. together living the principles. Disciple outtings in unpredictable circumstances to see God take care. I got ideas for that. We basically walk with people on Wedns, sunday/satur...but i desire a more intense disc. program

    2.What should be the role of the national office for discipleship?
    I asked our Dist. Disc. leader for materials years ago and he told there wasn't nothing. Materials that work. So i have seen the National make this last fast program. something like that. NT and OT and basic bible truth wrapped in a weekly daily devotion. Check in on Sunday to go through weeks questions and memory verse. Quality inspection. On district level have Home Missions committee person or CE program committee person who calls around inquiring as to Disc. Materials programs how they are working where they need help and will to offer suggestion. Nationally ... I did a bluefishtv program called Chasing Daylight by Erwin Mcmanus. It was DVD short clips...like 3to6 min. each with booklets. I made a 4o min class easy and lively. What if we developed a 6 wk course with Video presetation and follow along manual. Not to much info but just enough to evoke passion.

    3.How can the national office resource discipleship at both the district and local levels? There has to be a contact point. The disconnect now is like the Atlantic ocean separating us. So...who goes>>> Can our evangelist take on roles in the Dist. They would be more welcome to minister on Sunday if they came Saturday and researched our CE materials and gave input. or set something up and followed up in 6 mos. Thats not bad Cal! So if Evangelist were equipped to pump up churches and impart grace as well as coordinate resources. ? hmm probably wont happen. District Disciple Director must make a committe with sectional leader/not necessarily pastors who become familiar with resources at Dist meeting and make sectional pastors familiar. Able to visit churches and ministers with ideas that work.


    4.How can this board assist the local church to become a missional church?
    ? Probably allow someone to go to a orientation or shadow Mission 1:11 grounds. Or..? Help with little things that stand in the way. Passport photos taken and apps handed out by missionaries when they are in our churches. Where are the chaperone trips. Impact is for kids but i got adults that would like to go. Also we need a Cruise to Alaska and trip to Israel for any regular people in our churches. We would fill up a boat. Not just Bishops or pastors. Then tell them about overseas opportunities for them and their people.

    5.How can this board serve the PCG to establish a mentoring and coaching network in the PCG?
    A better blog would be a good start because i find this one a pain. Facebook could work. Assignments? I have questions right now...is it a breach of trust with my Bishop to talk to another Bishop...is it a ethical issue if i did? probably and would he be circumspect? who knows. Could make things worse. Networks are Nets that Work...so if it dont kill it.
    ReplyDelete
  28. How will i know if someone read this?
    ReplyDelete
  29. CalThompson: At least one someone reads every post and every comment, but there's no automated way for you to know who read it or when.
    ReplyDelete
  30. What should discipleship in the PCG look like?
    Have the Gen Bishop, assistant Gen Bishops teach on Discipleship on youtube each week, and print his text out here for us to follow up as we here them teach.
    Could reach every PCG Person with PC
    C.Dale Hudd
    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)