Helpful tips on connecting newcomers and new members to the life of the church.
In this three-part series, I am introducing and explaining the value of a discipleship planning team. Too often churches enlist a key leader, such as a discipleship director, to do all the discipleship work. The work is often too large for one person. In Part 1, I mentioned scaling the…
In this three-part series, I want to introduce and explain the value of a discipleship planning team. Too often churches enlist a key leader, such as a discipleship director, to do all the discipleship work. The work is often too large for one person. In a church of 20 people,…
Are you seeking improvement in the overall health of your church? Do you need help equipping your leaders and members? Leaders, staff and volunteers in the areas of assimilation, church finances, revitalization, security, preschool/children’s ministry, prayer ministry, Sunday school, worship/music, women’s ministry, and youth ministry are all invited to come…
Would you like to increase second time guests? I read new member survey results from some Georgia churches in another denomination. The survey asked the question, “What brought you back to the church for your second visit?” Here were the responses: 44% said it was the warm inviting nature of…
How do you disciple people who don’t show up? How much can preaching, Sunday School, or small groups help new Christians and disciples grow when they are irregularly present? Commitment is a sign of maturing but is often missing today. In Why Church Members Are Attending Less Frequently, Thom Rainer lists…
Simply stated, assimilation is the process of new people becoming part of a group. Assimilation efforts begin with relationship-building and evangelism efforts prior to joining a church and continue in connecting, discipling, and mobilizing efforts as part of the body of Christ. So new member assimilation begins the moment a…
If you look today at books published, conferences offered, and statistics from 28Nineteen, you will recognize that interest in discipleship is on the increase. With ten days left in the year, pageviews of 28Nineteen are up 20.7% for 2017. That is good news. The mission our Lord gave His Bride…
In my doctoral research, I discovered that dropouts tend to have two or fewer “friends they can call on in time of need” in their Sunday School class. Those who had six or more friends tended to be the most frequent attenders. Relationships (plural) matter! In your disciple-making strategy, don’t…
First impressions and care matter in making disciples. If we make negative first impressions (individually or as a church), we may not get a second chance. It is also difficult to disciple people who don’t return or who drop out. What can we do to ensure more positive first impressions?…
Fresh, Practical Training I pray that you have seen lives changed, leaders developed, new people reached, unsaved introduced to Jesus, and new discipling relationships begun through your church this year. As you plan for the start of another year of discipleship, I am sure you recognize the value of training…
Two encounters are critical. First, the leader encounters God in His Word and is changed. Second, the leader guides the group to have a life-changing encounter.
