Creating an Intentional Discipleship Pathway
A Key to Healthy Church Revitalization is Making and Growing Disciples
Churches in a season of decline or plateau often find themselves spinning their wheels, working hard but not seeing growth or transformation in their people. Attendance may be stagnant or shrinking, giving is lackluster, and there is little excitement or vision for the future.
In these situations, it's tempting to try new programs or events to jumpstart things. And those things aren’t necessarily bad things, but one thing that is truly needed is a renewal of the church's core discipleship pathway - the process of helping people discover Jesus and grow into mature and equipped followers. Without solid discipleship happening, a church will never gain momentum or bearing, no matter what new initiatives they launch.
So what does an effective, detailed discipleship pathway entail? Based on years of coaching churches in church planting and revitalization, we've found several key components:
Define What a Healthy Disciple Looks Like
You can't guide people if you don't know the destination. As a leadership team, describe in detail what a fully devoted follower of Jesus looks like in your community. What does their devotional life look like? How are they serving in ministry? What passions and spiritual gifts are they utilizing for Kingdom work? Get alignment on both the expectations and vision for maturity.
Cast Vision Around Discipleship
Once your destination is defined, communicate it frequently from stage and through every channel of communication you have. Help people understand why discipleship matters, keeping the Great Commission at the forefront. Regularly highlight discipleship opportunities and celebrate when people take steps forward in their walk with Christ.
Assess Spiritual Growth
You can't improve what you don't measure. Utilize an assessment tool like the Transformational Discipleship Assessment to evaluate where people currently are spiritually across several categories like Bible engagement, evangelism, serving, and more. Do this church-wide to gain an accurate snapshot of strengths and growth areas.
Build a Sequential Pathway
With a clear picture of your starting and ending points, map out an intentional sequence of workshops, classes, groups and service opportunities to take people from where they are closer to where they need to be. Think through stepping stones and mile markers people can achieve along the journey.
Onboard and Equip New Believers Well
Specifically focus on how to effectively disciple those new to the faith. This should include strategies like new believer classes, mentors, a track to baptism, and steps towards basic spiritual practices like Bible reading, prayer and community. Do this well and you set new Christians up for success.
Utilize Small Groups Strategically
Small groups, from Sunday school to home Bible studies, are key for spiritual growth. Ensure all groups are oriented around discipleship outcomes, not just social connections. Also, use groups to target specific growth areas and audiences, like young adults or spiritual formation. This way people can join groups that meet them where they are at.
Empower and Train Leaders
The key to execution is equipping leaders who can facilitate the discipleship pathway - small group leaders, teachers, coaches and mentors. Train them in spiritual formation techniques and have measures to evaluate their effectiveness. When leaders grow, they will guide others to grow.
The path to church renewal is not quick or easy, but it is simple: focus on helping people follow Jesus and become more like Him. An intentional, strategic discipleship pathway acts like a roadmap to guide people to spiritual maturity and equip them for works of service (Eph 2:10). And it's hard to keep an outward-focused, healthy church down when it is full of trained, passionate disciples of Christ! What steps can you start taking today towards developing an effective discipleship culture?