Enlist a Disciple-making Team

Synergy is defined on dictionary.com as “the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc.” That is what is possible when you enlist a team to help your church pursue disciple-making. Consider the team, game plan, and season.

TEAM. Who should be on my disciple-making team? Consider the following:

• God (no kidding, seek His leadership),
• God’s Word (pay special attention to the words, commands–think Matthew 28:19-20, and example of Jesus),
• pastor (the people will follow where you lead), and
• 4-6 people who are passionate about God, His Word, and being His disciples.

GAME PLAN. What is the game plan for your team? While this is not intended to be an exhaustive list, consider the following:

1. pray together;
2. study God’s Word to discover a biblical definition of a disciple and attributes of disciples;
3. brainstorm actions and experiences for an individual (don’t think large group yet) to become the kind of disciple described in #1;
4. look at the church programs, minstries, and experiences which encourage (and those which hinder) disciple-making growth;
5. develop a simple growth pathway, focusing on as few major areas and transitions as possible;
6. pilot your insights, ideas, and plans;
7. adjust your plans and multiply your efforts.

SEASON. Disciple-making season is upon us. Assemble your team now. Meet. Pray. Brainstorm. Try it out. Adjust. Multiply.

You will gather your team several times to develop the plan and will continue meeting to launch, adjust, and multiply your plan. Adjustments will be needed beyond the first year, so meeting regularly (perhaps quarterly) can help your disciple-making efforts to thrive rather than to fizzle out or become ineffective.

Pray now about the team God wants you to assemble. Be open to surprises of who He wants. Be open to insights from His Word. Be open to adjustments in your own life. Be a disciple. Make disciples!