In many of our churches, 80% of those who join disappear within 6 months. They visited and joined our churches with eagerness and enthusiasm. Some of these came to us from other churches. Others realized their need for Jesus as Savior and Lord. But something was missing. In the absence…
Critical disciple-making will include expectations, competence/confidence, and practicing disciple-making with us to produce disciple-makers.
Is it possible that we hesitate to disciple because we overcomplicate discipling? Is it possible that we have mixed church expectations into becoming and being a disciple? Don’t get me wrong, I believe the church is important as Christ’s bride. But when we take being His disciple seriously, an appropriate…
I recently read an article by Thom Rainer entitled 6 Characteristics of Disciple-Making Churches on Outreach Magazine In the article, Dr. Rainer listed six common expectations of churches who are effective in making disciples. In these churches, members are expected to… attend an entry point class, attend an open group…
I read an article by Thom Rainer entitled 6 Characteristics of Disciple-Making Churches on Outreach Magazine In the article, Dr. Rainer listed six common expectations of churches who are effective in making disciples. In these churches, members are expected to… attend an entry point class, attend an open group Bible…
Most churches have new members join. It is the life and future of a congregation. No new members equals no new growth. Healthy churches not only reach new people but they keep and involve them. Most people that join a church do so with excitement and anticipation. A new member…
I recently met with a church that was having consistent baptisms but not experiencing net growth. They asked me to help them plan some strategies that would keep those they reached. About the same time I read Tom Rainer’s blog on “closing the back door.” How does a church keep…
Oxymora is the plural of oxymoron. The English language comes with some very interesting combination of words. Here are some of my favorite oxymoron words, which are words that contradict each other but are used together to express our thoughts. Here are some examples: “Perfect mistake”…how can that be since…
I cannot overemphasize the importance of starting a good membership class. A membership class can be a place where relationships are developed, doctrine is taught, vision is shared, expectations are expounded, and the Gospel is presented. A membership class can play a key role in both assimilation and discipleship. On his…
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.