In this two part series, I want to share some key questions as you evaluate or design your new member class experience. In Part 1, I want to guide you to consider the purpose, frequency, and leader of your new member class. Also, we will look at your participation expectation…
I want to encourage those who are looking for an effective model for discipleship to attend DiscipleShift 1 at Eastside Community Church, 2010 Catalpa Loop, Richmond, KY, on June 24-25, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time both days. The cost per person is $345. To register, go to DiscipleShift…
In carrying out his responsibilities of discipleship and assimilation, 28Nineteen was begun by Steve Rice back in 2008. He contributed 101 posts. After Steve was called as Pastor of First Baptist Church, Shelbyville, KY, Mike James carried on the focus of discipleship and assimilation and continued contributing 158 posts to…
Busyness kills many things. Effectiveness. Energy. Priority. Likewise, busyness kills many spiritual efforts. Discipleship. Time with God. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Have you ever noticed that Jesus never seemed to rush? Anywhere. Anytime. With any person.Yes, He had a purpose. Yes, He had a message. Yes, He was effective,…
The post title is intentionally ambiguous. Stop to process the possible questions being asked: Who has invested and impacted you as a disciple over the years? Who is currently investing in and impacting your growth as a disciple? In whom are you investing and impacting as they grow as a…
In calling the disciples, Andrew and Peter, Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Jesus’ life and teaching were a demonstration of His disciple-making plan. Jesus established the model. Take out a piece of paper and make three column. Write down Before, When,…
In Part 1, I shared that being a disciple of Jesus Christ means that we are in a living, breathing relationship. Being His disciple is a choice and a life-long process. There I shared five discipleship relational stages: Ignoring, Exploring, Starting, Deepening, and Investing. Listening carefully (full of care) to…
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ means that we are in a living, breathing relationship. Being His disciple is a choice and a life-long process (work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, Phil 2:12, HCSB). Our thinking and conversation often give clues to the stage of our discipleship.…
The Kentucky Baptist Religious Education Association has invited Rick Howerton of LifeWay Christian Resources to focus on hour our churches can evaluate disciple-making effectiveness and better understand how to make disciples that make disciples. Rick Howerton is small group and discipleship specialist at LifeWay Christian Resources. He is a popular…
What is the fruit of our disciple-making efforts? Are we bearing fruit? Are we bearing good fruit? Are we bearing much fruit? In my study today, I ran across a passage from which I have preached. One verse began to echo in my mind: Every tree that doesn’t produce good…
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.