THREE REASONS WHY TRADITIONAL DISCIPLESHIP DOESN’T WORK

The Brain and Learning

There has been much discussion and many articles or books written to address the decline of the church in recent years. Some, including me, have stated that the decline feeds the decline because of a lack of genuine discipleship. In other terms, an investment in discipleship is an investment in evangelism futures. My books Simple Discipleship and The Disciple-Maker’s Toolkit provide Christian leaders and laymen with solutions that can help leaders develop transformational discipleship ministries that involve both the cognitive and emotional/experiential parts of the brain. Yet, there are many church leaders that keep doing what they’ve always done…and continue to get the same results. They wonder why they are getting the same results but seem unwilling to change anything. This article offers three reasons why traditional discipleship doesn’t work.

 Keep doing what you are doing and you will keep having what you are having.

1.      It is Rooted in Cognitive Teaching Methods.

Western culture and learning methods continue to model a cognitive pedagogy and methodology meaning that is rooted in logic and oratory. Pastors and church leaders may improve their church’s effectiveness at making disciples if they simply intentionally include as many methods as possible. A series of my articles identified at least thirteen ways to make disciples that include both cognitive and emotional/experiential methods:

• DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: 13 Ways to Make Disciples

1. Passive Discipleship: the least effective method but essential to support other methods

2. Private Discipleship: the Christian and the Holy Spirit (most effective but under used)

3. Presence Discipleship: In times of crisis the disciple invests time, assistance, and prayer.

4. Participation or Proximity Discipleship: applies to all areas but most of all to giving

5. Projected Discipleship: Actively but humbly projecting a Christian example of living Christ’s teachings.

6. Platform or Presentation Discipleship: preaching in church and lecture-style Bible study

7. Program Discipleship: Pre-packaged materials delivered in large or small groups.

8. Personal Discipleship: One-on-one discipleship (very effective but seldom used)

9. Peer Group Discipleship: Bible study and Sunday School

10.  Practical Discipleship: Hands on service, evangelism, and missional projects

11.  Proficiency Discipleship: Leadership Development

12.  Proclamation Discipleship: Evangelism and preaching to unchurched

13.  Process Discipleship: All of the above delivered in a systematic way

 

Many churches employ #6- Platform or Presentation Discipleship for the greater part of their church discipleship ministry. However, they often fail to encourage the other methods. Platform Discipleship and other lecture/preaching methods of making disciples tend to actuate the cognitive part of the brain which is the top part of the organ called the cortex and neo-cortex. Information received in the cognitive part of the brain is often stored for later reflection and may never be recalled. When that is the case, there is little chance for cognitive learning to actually change behavior. Jesus actually employed virtually all of the methods listed above and he likely did not use oratory as his primary teaching method. Today’s church leaders need to FLIP the discipleship paradigm to make it highly experiential.

Discipleship Myth: It is the job of the Holy Spirit to make disciples.

It is true that the Holy Spirit has a major role in discipleship that results in behavior change. However, many leaders believe the discipleship myth: It is the job of the Holy Spirit to make disciples. Jesus gave the Great Commission to the church to make disciples and when it does not happen, it is not the fault of the new Christian or the Holy Spirit.

2.      It has Little Chance of Changing Behavior.

As pointed out above, cognitive learning often does little to change behavior for several reasons:

• The message may be stored for later recall but then never recalled.
• The message may be delivered poorly.
• The message may be misunderstood by the hearer.
• There may be no opportunity to ask questions or to clarify.
• More than ever and for many reasons, people learn by experience rather than by cognitive methods.

Many have played the gossip game in which something is stated to a person and whispered to several people until the final person states something totally different from the original message. This is part of the problem with oral communication such as preaching and presentation style teaching.

Young people today are less cognitively oriented and more experiential.

Young people today are less cognitively oriented and more experiential. This is not to suggest they are less intelligent and we are not making a case against cognitive learning, but for discipleship experiential learning has a better chance of changing one’s values and behavior. The problem is that experiential/emotional learning is actuated in a deeper part of the brain—we have to drill deeper.

An investment in discipleship is an investment in evangelism futures.

3.      It Fails to Actuate the Emotional/Experiential Part of the Brain.

The limbic portion of the brain is under the cortex and neo-cortex. Methods such as private, presence, participation, peer-group, practical, proficiency, and process discipleship all involve the limbic (experiential/emotional) part of the brain. This is where discipleship behavior change occurs. The best learning of course occurs when both the limbic and cognitive brain are actuated. The problem at hand is that many churches focus on only the cognitive learning methods. Church leaders should intentionally develop plans to make disciples using methods that are cognitive and experiential. Until churches do this, little will change and many churches will continue their steady decline.

To purchase Simple Discipleship materials, coaching, and leadership development click http://www.simplediscipleship.com/

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Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC. He has 20 years experience as a  pastor, and is an author, certified professional coach and coach trainer, leadership specialist, and a member Coach/Teacher/Speaker for the John Maxwell Team

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BASIC CHRISTIAN COMPETENCIES

As a young man I attended technical school for six months to earn certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. During the training there was much classroom time but an equal amount of practical application training. I worked with some patients with experienced paramedics overseeing our every move. It was only after certification that I had the opportunity to work independently with patients. Then there were the regular inspections, evaluations, and re-certifications.

FLEA Pic; Public Domain Photo; image from the CDC Public Health Image Library ; CDC/Janice Haney Carr

A few years later I was recruited by a hospital to train and work as a respiratory therapist. Though my EMT training was the basis of my work as a respiratory tech, the evaluations and expectations were similar. It was not long before I was serving as a supervisor.

After joining the U.S. Navy I signed up for medical technology school. The routine was grueling with two years of college packed into one year. There was much classroom time and then clinical rotations in each department: urology, serology, microbiology, chemistry, hematology, blood banking, and a few more. There were hours and hours of practical clinical application in which to apply the classroom learning. I excelled in my work and was promoted to various supervisory positions and served as the clinical trainer for lab students and new personnel. I even trained on the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). We sometimes practiced using the scope by using the SEM to look at and photograph small creatures such as a flea. In a U.S. Navy hospital there were certainly regular evaluations both military and medical to measure my basic abilities with specific competencies.

WHAT ARE COMPETENCIES?

Before considering basic Christian competencies, we must first answer the question: What is a competence? A competence is a skill that one “has suitable or sufficient ability, knowledge, experience to perform some purpose and is properly qualified to perform a job.”

The jobs outlined at the beginning of this article required that I be able to perform specific and basic skills or competencies. As an emergency medical technician, a respiratory therapist, and medical technologist, I often had the life of an individual in my hands. I will never forget the time I was walking out of a restaurant when a woman I did not recognize walked up to me and bear-hugged me with tears in her eyes. She said, “You saved my life last year when I got stung by several bees.” I remembered the emergency call. When I arrived at her side she was already going into anaphylactic shock. I radioed the emergency staff to give her vital information and receive permissions to start fluids intravenously and also to give a shot of epinephrine. It saved her life. She certainly was happy that I possessed the competencies to do all that was needed to save her life. I will never forget her hug and appreciation.

Christian competencies are not required FOR salvation nor is application of Christ’s teachings a condition of keeping salvation…however, Jesus said in Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I say?”

It is clear that we are to apply the teachings we hear Sunday after Sunday through Bible study and the pastor’s message. If one does not desire to apply the teachings of Christ then one must wonder whether one is or is not a disciple of Jesus. It is a subject for self examination and not judgement of others.

WHAT ARE BASIC CHRISTIAN COMPETENCIES

Perhaps we should have “Emergency Spiritual Technicians” (EST) to provide emergency spiritual care and first aid for people who need a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. I wish all Christians took their faith and eternal identity as seriously as did the EMTs with whom I worked. The church needs that Kind of passion. Many Christians possess hours of classroom preparation but never received practical application.

Let’s consider the basic Christian competencies we might include in an EST certification program:

1. Prayer is certainly an expected activity of all Christians but many have never been coached in how to pray. The average Christian prays for no more than one minute per day. The average pastor prays about five minutes per day. Do the previous statements suggest prayer competence? Prayer is about length, frequency, content, sincerity, motivations, two-way communication, attitude, and more.
2. Worship is a defining activity of Christians. Worship is an action verb if we are going to demonstrate any competence in it. Too many Christians seem to think worship is a noun or at best a passive verb. Worship is also about length, frequency, content, sincerity, motivations, communication, attitude, and more.
3. Ministry is about faith in action. It includes loving, serving, encouraging, and helping people whether they are Christians or not. It certainly means serving IN the church but also includes serving with a hope to share Christ.
4. Bible Study/Reading is an avenue to rapid Christian spiritual growth. According to the Gallup polling organization, 92% of American households have at least one Bible and 59% read it occasionally.
5. Sharing Christ is expected of all Christians. Most evangelical churches provide some level of evangelistic training and 90% of Christians believe it is an activity for all disciples of Jesus. However, over 50% also believe that sharing Christ is primarily the job of hired professional clergy. Therein lies the problem. There is, in effect a 40% excuse or probability built in to many Christians’ values that they will not share Christ because it is somebody else’s job.
6. Discipleship is the activity of nurturing new Christians to the point that they may minimally nurture
   

   The Disciple-Maker’s Toolkit

   themselves. I have suggested that every Christian be able and prepared to disciple anyone they personally win to Christ at least to the point the new Christian has been taught and can self-nurture. (Every Christian a Disciple-Maker) Surprisingly, some pastors have objected to this idea. The early church (Acts) certainly involved all believers in the discipleship of new Christians since the growth was so rapid. If we expect another great awakening in our generation, the movement will include personal discipleship and peer group discipleship.

7. Giving is not just a duty and expectation of every Christian, but it is a sacred privilege…even at the expense of one’s spending on music, car, house, clothes, etc. I believe tithing is taught in the Old and New Testaments but let’s not get bogged down. Giving to local churches continues to decline while household incomes and prosperity rises. Even in a down economy, Christian youth and young adults who do attend church spend millions on music and clothes. Few Christian adults endure personal sacrifice in order to bless and benefit their churches. Giving comes with a blessing. If we give generously, God will bless us; if we give sparingly, God will give sparingly to us.

There may be other Christian competencies that you may suggest in the comment section. I have prepared a Basic Christian Competency Survey that I hope you will complete with about 5 minutes of your time. Here is the link:

 Christian Competency Survey

 

Following articles will expound on each of the competencies listed herein.

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Questions:

1. Do you agree with the items listed in the article as Christian competencies?
2. What would you add to the list of Christian competencies?

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Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC. He is a pastor, author, professional coach, leadership specialist, and is a member Coach/Teacher/Speaker for the John Maxwell Team

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ONLINE MASTERMIND: DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES

MasterMind Group
(Shutterstock …547F)

I am a certified coach, teacher, and speaker for the John C. Maxwell Team which means I am uniquely equipped to serve leaders of churches and ministries desiring to improve their leadership level. We often use “mastermind” groups to achieve extraordinary results. A mastermind group brings together people from a diversity of expertise in a specific discipline and often helps each participant to rise to a new level of success. In most cases a book or series of articles is used as a discussion platform that launches the thinking of the group to new levels. A facilitator sets the ground rules for the group and takes care of the logistical matters. The facilitator is often the one who recruits participants. Not all mastermind groups are free since some facilitators agree that many potential participants hold the opinion that if it is free, then it is probably a waste of time. Facilitators worth their salt require a fee from each participant and see it as participants investing in their own personal growth.

As a specialist on discipleship and leadership, I propose to facilitate a series of mastermind groups on the subject of “DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES.” I have written an article series on the subject that has had many readers, thus I believe it is a worthy subject. While each article will serve as the spring board for discussion, the discussion will trigger new ideas and ways for participants to improve discipleship in their ministry contexts.

MASTERMIND GROUND RULES

1. The Discipleship Best Practices Mastermind Group will consist of up to ten participants.
2. The Discipleship Best Practices Mastermind study will consist of six one hour sessions with one session per week. The dates will be announced after a group is formed based on registration since there may be several groups running at the same time. Sessions will be offered on Monday evenings at 7:00 PM EDT. Other groups may be started to meet the demand. Sessions will begin the week of September 10, 2012 and are limited to 10 participants per group.
3. To join the MasterMind group, pay a one time fee of $49.00 before the first session. Fees are not refundable after the second session. Send an email of interest to tom@simplediscipleship.com .
4. The facilitator will make arrangements for the online sessions and communicate connection instructions to each participant.
5. Participants who invite one or more people that register and pay their fee will be issued a refund by the beginning of the third session.
6. This mastermind group will not focus on Simple Discipleship though some illustrations may use the process as an example.
7. Participants who have perfect attendance in all six sessions will also receive the “Church Doctrinal Assessment Package” ($95.00 value). The doctrinal package includes an assessment that may be used in any evangelical church, a PowerPoint presentation providing over 300 slides for 22 lessons you can teach on doctrines.
8. The facilitator will guide the discussion at each session.
9. Participants will be provided a coupon code for a discount on purchases on the Simple Discipleship website.
10. Participants who complete this mastermind will receive a 10% discount on future online mastermind groups facilitated by Tom Cocklereece.

Is this for real? Absolutely! Not only will participants experience incredible personal growth in their understanding of discipleship, they will receive materials worth much more than the initial $50.00 investment.

TOPICS FOR DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES ONLINE MASTERMIND

• Simple Discipleship: A Comprehensive Disciple-Making Plan- The Simple Discipleship Virtual Book Tour- (updated) originally posted in 2010
• DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: 13 Ways to Make Disciples

1. Passive Discipleship: the least effective method but essential to support other methods

2. Private Discipleship: the Christian and the Holy Spirit (most effective but under used)

3. Presence Discipleship: In times of crisis the disciple invests time, assistance, and prayer.

4. Participation or Proximity Discipleship: applies to all areas but most of all to giving

5. Projected Discipleship: Actively but humbly projecting a Christian example of living Christ’s teachings.

6. Platform or Presentation Discipleship: preaching in church and lecture-style Bible study

7. Program Discipleship: Pre-packaged materials delivered in large or small groups.

8. Personal Discipleship: One-on-one discipleship (very effective but seldom used)

9. Peer Group Discipleship: Bible study and Sunday School

10.  Practical Discipleship: Hands on service, evangelism, and missional projects

11.  Proficiency Discipleship: Leadership Development

12.  Proclamation Discipleship: Evangelism and preaching to unchurched

13.  Process Discipleship: All of the above delivered in a systematic way

While each of these articles is already posted and available for free, the mastermind experience is worth the investment as it will help you launch a discipleship revolution in your church. The additional benefit is that those who complete all sessions of this discipleship mastermind will be able to do their own mastermind group within their churches. Imagine the results of such a project. Many may be saved and many others may experience a genuine spiritual renewal.

If you are interested, please send an email to tom@simplediscipleship.com  . YOU MUST USE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS! You will receive a PayPal ebill and further instructions.

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Questions:

1. If you continue your current discipleship programs as they are, what will the spiritual results one year from now?
2. Consider how a mastermind on discipleship may help your church.
3. What other options do you have to improve the spiritual growth of the people of your church?

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Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC. He is a pastor, author, professional coach, leadership specialist, and is a member Coach/Teacher/Speaker for the John Maxwell Team

Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web | Blog | Book | Coaching | Leadership

BREAKING THE EVANGELISM CODE by Victor H. Benavides

I met Victor Benevides when we attended doctoral seminars together at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He has a contagious spirit for sharing Christ. I love being with him in public places just to see how easily he engages in sharing Christ with others in authentic yet inventive ways. While sharing my faith does not come so easily as it does for Victor, as I observe him, I do not feel inadequate. Rather, I feel inspired as I realize, “I could do that too!” or “Why didn’t I think of saying that?” Victor makes evangelism look easy without being pretentious. I have read many books on the subject of evangelism and Victor’s book is among the best and most practical book on the subject. Buy it, read it, apply it!                  …Tom Cocklereece

 

Learn How to “Break the Evangelism Code”

Have you wondered if evangelism still works? Why does it seem that so many people are down on doing what Jesus Christ commanded His followers to do, “Go make disciples” ? Since surrendering my life to Jesus, I have had a desire and passion to share Christ. I began with my co-worker. I shared the best way I knew how to express what God had done in my life.

Not having been trained I shared with friends and family. When I heard that my church was offering evangelism training I signed up for a 13 week class. It was tough but I managed to learn because I wanted to be obedient to Jesus command to go.

Over the years I have been shocked to hear church staff members and ministers make the statement that they were not sure if evangelism worked anymore. Denominational leaders have gone as far as discouraging the pastors and churches which they served that evangelism did not work in their state. Other leaders have written books dispelling the methods some used in the Bible as being ineffective. God forbid that His Word and commands not be effective and we disobey the Great Commission of making disciples.

“Over the years I have been shocked to hear church staff members and ministers make the statement that they were not sure if evangelism worked anymore.”

I became frustrated after attending meeting with denominational leaders and some pastors and hearing them exclaim that evangelism did not work in their state or city. I knew that these leaders were, mislead, not taking the correct approach, or tried once and failed, so they gave up. In some cases I had just led a team of missionary evangelists for a week and we had seen over two hundred people saved in their state or in a metropolitan center. I knew that evangelism worked. Evangelism is hard work. We must ask ourselves “How much effort did Jesus exert to pay for our sin, to the point of death?” Evangelism is hard work.

“Breaking the Evangelism Code” will encourage the reader to obey Jesus command to go witness. You can witness. You can go share your faith. You can obey Jesus’ command and go evangelize lost people and see people born into God’s kingdom.

“Evangelism is hard work. We must ask ourselves “How much effort did Jesus exert to pay for our sin, to the point of death?””

If you are looking for a book that will encourage and give you hope to fulfill the Great Commission, then get a copy of “Breaking the Evangelism Code.”

Buy the book: Breaking the Evangelism Code

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Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC. He is a pastor, author, professional coach, leadership specialist, and is a member Coach/Teacher/Speaker for the John Maxwell Team

Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web | Blog | Book | Coaching | Leadership

 

A JOURNEY TO THE DARK SIDE

There is a story of a young man who begins his life with all of the assets of intelligence and good looks. The people were impressed with him as he was known as an influential person and was rising to take his destiny of leadership. However, he struggled with three character issues, 1) pride, 2) accountability, and 3) anger. These problems dogged him and magnified into arrogance, irresponsibility, and bitterness. Offered another chance to get things right, instead he began consorting with the dark side. He finally embraced the evil that he was supposed to reject. Who is the subject of the story? Is it Darth Vader or King Saul?

Saul Chosen as King

King Saul was recognized as the most handsome man in Israel in his time. At a time when the people of Israel wanted a king so they could be like the other nations, God gave them what they wanted. Immediately, King Saul began to do things his way instead of God’s way. In 1 Samuel 13 Saul refused to wait for the prophet and priest Samuel to perform his priestly duties at Gilgal before the king and his soldiers went out to battle. Saul took it upon himself to lead the consecration and blessing service as if he were the priest. Finally Samuel arrived and informed the king that God had rejected him as a result of his pride and arrogance.

Saul Gets a Second Chance

King Saul began poorly and broke down the three-hinged door of Integrity. To function properly the door of Integrity must have the three hinges of 1) trust, 2) loyalty, and accountability. Because King Saul violated each character asset needed for a relationship with God, his Integrity door flew off of its hinges. However, God is forgiving and actually wants his people to succeed, so he offered the king a second chance. In 1 Samuel 15:1 the prophet informed Samuel that the Lord desired to anoint him as king…again. This was a second chance, another opportunity to do things God’s way. However, the rest of the chapter recounts how Saul 1) set up a monument to himself, 2) disobeyed God, and 3) Samuel gives us a hint of Saul’s spiritual leanings:

²³ For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”

Saul was not growing as a disciple of the Lord, but I believe he was headed in the opposite direction. Chapters 17-19 illustrate the decline of King Saul’s character as he exhibited anger, jealousy, unforgiveness, bitterness, and a desire to kill David who had already been identified as his successor to the throne. By the time we get to 1 Samuel 28, King Saul’s journey to the dark side is almost complete.

Participation in the occult at any level can lead to devastating results for one’s life. However, there is freedom in Christ!

Saul Consulted “The Dark Side”

Samuel had warned Saul about his path of rebellion and defiance that could lead to witchcraft and idolatry. Now it came true. His journey to the dark side was almost complete as the king consults the medium or witch of Endor:

1 Samuel 28:6-7 (NKJV) ⁶ And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by the prophets. ⁷ Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “In fact, there is a woman who is a medium at En Dor.”

The medium successfully raised the spirit of the Prophet Samuel from the grave and God pronounces the penalty of death upon King Saul and his son Jonathan for the very next day. King Saul’s journey to the dark side is complete and he was killed the next day and his son, Jonathan.

The events raise many questions but it is clear in the Scriptures that Christians are to have nothing to do with the occult including spiritism, witchcraft, Wicca, fortune telling, tarot cards, Ouija boards, séances, horoscopes, or anything similar. The number of people involved in some aspect of the occult is astronomical and many pastors would be surprised to learn that there are a significant number of church people who involve themselves in it at some level. One young person asked about horoscopes which are presumably based on astrology. My question to him is, “Do you want to be guided by a person who reads the stars or by the creator of the stars?”

Neil Anderson (The Bondage Breaker, 1990) warns Christians that involvement in even the seemingly innocent activities of the occult can be a gateway to greater problems. He warns of demon influence and even possession. Not every participant involved leads to such dire consequences but again, it can be a gateway for some people to begin a dark and painful spiritual journey.

Disciple Coach

THERE IS A NEED FOR DISCIPLESHIP!

This lesson is evidence of why conversion without discipleship is such a problem. Church leaders will be held responsible by the Lord for not providing full discipleship for those who are baptized. Here are articles that speak to the issue and promote developing an effective discipleship process:

 

• Evangelism Without Discipleship
• Discipleship Best Practices Series
• Church Health and Discipleship

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Questions:

1. Do you see and agree with the progressive spiritual decline of King Saul?
2. What questions does 1 Samuel 28 raise for concern?
3. Is participation in fortune telling, Ouija boards, and horoscopes a positive, negative, or indifferent issue for Christians?
4. Do you agree or disagree that participation in spiritism, witchcraft, or items mentioned in #3 can be a gateway for a journey away from God?
5. How is your church leading people to worship the Lord only?

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Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC. He is a pastor, author, professional coach, leadership specialist, and is a member Coach/Teacher/Speaker for the John Maxwell Team

Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web | Blog | Book | Coaching | Leadership

DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: #13 – PROCESS DISCIPLESHIP

Process Discipleship

“Leaders develop daily not in a day.”                                               John Maxwell

Disciples develop daily not in a day. It’s a process! Tom Cocklereece    

This series of articles explores thirteen major methods that are effective for making disciples. Keep in mind that in a ubiquitous (all encompassing, everywhere present) disciple-making process, virtually each method is not only encouraged but is planned into the church ministries. Here is a list including links to articles that have been completed in the series:

• Simple Discipleship: A Comprehensive Disciple-Making Plan- The Simple Discipleship Virtual Book Tour- (updated) originally posted in 2010
• DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: 13 Ways to Make Disciples

1. Passive Discipleship: the least effective method but essential to support other methods

2. Private Discipleship: the Christian and the Holy Spirit (most effective but under used)

3. Presence Discipleship: In times of crisis the disciple invests time, assistance, and prayer.

4. Participation or Proximity Discipleship: applies to all areas but most of all to giving

5. Projected Discipleship: Actively but humbly projecting a Christian example of living Christ’s teachings.

6. Platform or Presentation Discipleship: preaching in church and lecture-style Bible study

7. Program Discipleship: Pre-packaged materials delivered in large or small groups.

8. Personal Discipleship: One-on-one discipleship (very effective but seldom used)

9. Peer Group Discipleship: Bible study and Sunday School

10.  Practical Discipleship: Hands on service, evangelism, and missional projects

11.  Proficiency Discipleship: Leadership Development

12.  Proclamation Discipleship: Evangelism and preaching to unchurched

13.  Process Discipleship: All of the above delivered in a systematic way

Evaluate how you and your church are doing in the 13 methods of discipleship: Copy of 13 Ways to Make Disciples_Evaluation

This series of articles has brought us full circle through twelve methods of discipleship but it is this one that puts all the others into action. The previous twelve methods of disciple-making do not happen without intentional leadership which requires leaders to think differently about making disciples. Without intentionality from the pastor or a key leader, a church’s discipleship process will likely settle into a pattern of Program and Platform Discipleship. These two methods by themselves are not enough to sustain a healthy church. Simple Discipleship is a ministry model that helps leaders to think in new ways about how to make disciples. It can help leaders see the limitations of using only a few of the methods and intentionally leading their church to employ a wider range of the twelve methods which may then become a sustainable process. Some churches have a sustained disciple-making culture but many have lost that dynamic of their culture…and some churches never had it. Simple Discipleship helps leaders get a handle on developing a sustainable process of disciple-making so as to nurture it into the church culture. Leaders of healthy churches can:

1. Identify their disciple-making process and the methods used.
2. Celebrate the fact that their discipleship process is working by pointing to new disciples of Jesus every year.
3. Identify a growing number of people serving in ministry and missions.
4. May enjoy a growing spiritual maturity for themselves as there are new leaders to take some of the leadership responsibilities.
5. May begin to enjoy the synergy of a healthy church as positive momentum is achieved.

The most common error of leaders starting a new process is that they either hurry essential steps of leading change or they skip them altogether.

WHAT IS PROCESS DISCIPLESHIP?

If you look up the word “process” you will find among the definitions “a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes that lead toward a particular resultà the process of growth.” Within the definition we may find a large reason of why many churches are not growing, declining, or failing. We might call this the “discipleship cycle” that must be sustained if a church is to remain healthy. Think of “evangelism” as the resulting energy of the discipleship cycle. If there is a disruption in the discipleship cycle of the church then evangelism will diminish. Disruptions of the discipleship cycle may be caused by conflict, ineffective structures, poor leadership, a focus on many urgent issues without a focus on the important essentials, and a lack of disciple-making to name a few.  Interestingly, the opposite of “process” is recess, recession, regress, regression, retreat, or retrogression. Read those words again! If your church has no real discipleship process, no discipleship cycle, then your church is or will soon be in recession, regression, and retreat.

PROCESS DISCIPLESHIP IS NOT EASY

The following dialogue is a representation of a recent discussion between leaders about discipleship in their respective churches:

Paul has served as the senior pastor of Johnstown Church for five years during which the church has maintained her membership and attendance but has not grown. Paul becomes concerned about the lack of growth of his church and arranges a lunch meeting with his pastor friend, Charles.

Paul asked, “Charles, what are you doing to grow your church?”

“We have done many different things over the years but we recently learned of something called ‘Simple Discipleship,” and we’ve been doing it for about a year.” Charles replied.

Paul asked, “What is it?”

Charles said, “A friend sent me the book Simple Discipleship and after reading it, I did some online coaching with the book author. We carefully mapped out a plan to develop a sustainable discipleship process.”

Paul said, “I’m looking for something traditional, you know, like a revival or evangelism training.”

After laughing, Charles said, “There’s nothing more traditional than Bible-centered disciple-making. In fact, you should do the things you mentioned plus Simple Discipleship. It will help you develop a complete plan.”

Paul frowned and said, “How is Simple Discipleship working for you?”

Charles smiled and said, “It has been a lot of work…”

“I thought you said it was easy!” Paul interrupted.

Charles replied, “It’s simple. That’s not the same thing as easy. We have grown by about 12% in a year but better than that, we also have 40% more people involved in ministry and missions than before. It is changing our church culture.”

Paul thought for a minute and said, “I don’t know. I have been at my church for five years. If I start this thing now and it works, it’s going to make me look bad. People will think I don’t know how to do discipleship.”

Charles said, “It’s up to you. The purpose of the church is to make disciple-making disciples. Simple Discipleship is working for us and we’ll keep doing it.” Charles spoke directly, “Paul, I think you need to examine whether you are a leader of God’s church or a manager of the status-quo in a church that is ‘playing church.'”

PROCESS DISCIPLESHIP 12 SURPRISES

Church leaders who have transitioned to using Process Discipleship such as Simple Discipleship, have said, “I wish I had been able to use this all these years.” There have been several surprises since the publication of Simple Discipleship.

1. Few unhealthy and stagnant churches are using any form of Process Discipleship.
2. Some leaders are surprised at the suggestion that “the one purpose of the church is to make disciples.” (Worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and mission are the result or by product of a disciple-making church.)
3. Some leaders cannot seem to understand the difference between a program and a process.
4. Some leaders have mistakenly equated “easy” and “simple.”
5. Some leaders fear that starting a sustainable discipleship process in their church will make them look bad. BTW, they’re not real leaders.
6. Some leaders have forgotten that effective discipleship is an investment into “evangelism futures.”
7. Many leaders are looking for “the next big thing” instead of growing roots in their current ministry and building a church culture of sustainable disciple-making that creates sustainable evangelism.
8. Few church leaders understand visioneering and how to lead sustainable change.
9. Few churches employ Personal Discipleship (one-to-one). The number is probably less than 1%…even though it has been the most effective method from biblical times to the present.
10. Few churches equip Christians to be disciple-makers even though that is the clear meaning of the Great Commission of Jesus.
11. Few churches intentionally employ Proclamation Discipleship that is targeted to non-Christians and the unchurched as most church meetings consist of Christians hearing the evangelistic message repeatedly. Unfortunately, hearing evangelistic messages does not translate into more Christians sharing the Gospel.
12. A successful transition to developing a sustainable discipleship process usually requires coaching from an outside mentor/coach, as most leaders try to hurry steps of leading change.

Finally, an overarching surprise is the resistance of some church leaders and the openness of others as related to denominational affiliations. Simple Discipleship was published by ChurchSmart Resources which is a non-denominational evangelical publisher. As a result, Simple Discipleship is being used at some level by churches across the spectrum: Southern Baptist, Independent Baptist, Regular Baptist, National Baptist, United Methodist, Church of God, Nazarene, Bible Churches, Four Square Churches, Presbyterian, and Lutheran…just to name a few. I am blessed, humbled, and motivated to continue doing my part to launch a discipleship revolution in the 21^st century.

I would love to have the opportunity to serve you in your discipleship makeover!

Buy Simple Discipleship

Buy The Disciple-Maker’s Toolkit Leader Edition

Buy The Disciple-Maker’s Toolkit Learner Edition

Buy The Discipleship Resource Kit (includes book, Toolkit, and start-up sermon series)

Hire Tom Cocklereece as your Discipleship Ministry Coach

QUESTIONS:

1. Does your church have a discipleship process?
2. How many of the 13 discipleship methods does your church employ?
3. Can you identify the elements of your church’s discipleship cycle?
4. Write a short blog or discussion about the discipleship cycle theory with evangelism as the resulting by-product. Is it a true thesis?

SD Blessings,

Dr. Tom Cocklereece, The Disciplist

——————–
Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC
He is a pastor, author, professional coach, leadership specialist, and is a member Coach/Teacher/Speaker for the John Maxwell Team

Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web | Blog | Book | Coaching

DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: #12 – PROCLAMATION DISCIPLESHIP

Proclamation Discipleship

This series of articles explores thirteen major methods that are effective for making disciples. Keep in mind that in a ubiquitous (all encompassing, everywhere present) disciple-making process, virtually each method is not only encouraged but is planned into the church ministries. Here is a list including links to articles that have been completed in the series:

• Simple Discipleship: A Comprehensive Disciple-Making Plan- The Simple Discipleship Virtual Book Tour- (updated) originally posted in 2010
• DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: 13 Ways to Make Disciples

1. Passive Discipleship: the least effective method but essential to support other methods

2. Private Discipleship: the Christian and the Holy Spirit (most effective but under used)

3. Presence Discipleship: In times of crisis the disciple invests time, assistance, and prayer.

4. Participation or Proximity Discipleship: applies to all areas but most of all to giving

5. Projected Discipleship: Actively but humbly projecting a Christian example of living Christ’s teachings.

6. Platform or Presentation Discipleship: preaching in church and lecture-style Bible study

7. Program Discipleship: Pre-packaged materials delivered in large or small groups.

8. Personal Discipleship: One-on-one discipleship (very effective but seldom used)

9. Peer Group Discipleship: Bible study and Sunday School

10.  Practical Discipleship: Hands on service, evangelism, and missional projects

11.  Proficiency Discipleship: Leadership Development

12.  Proclamation Discipleship: Evangelism and preaching to unchurched

13.  Process Discipleship: All of the above delivered in a systematic way

Evaluate how you and your church are doing in the 13 methods of discipleship: Copy of 13 Ways to Make Disciples_Evaluation

WHAT IS PROCLAMATION DISCIPLESHIP?

Also known as open air preaching, street preaching, mass evangelism, and public preaching, proclamation discipleship has been used effectively for centuries…that’s right…centuries. There are three common elements of this discipleship method: 1) a large group of non-Christians or unchurched, 2) a compelling evangelistic message, and 3) an invitation to repent. Consider several biblical examples of proclamation discipleship:

• Jonah reluctantly went to preach to the people of Nineveh as recorded in the Bible book Jonah. His mission was ultimately successful as the whole population repented.
• Jesus Christ effectively used proclamation discipleship on many occasions but a specific example is The Sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew 5-7. Though there appears to be no invitation given, Jesus’ clearly implied that he expected a clear decision of repentance.
• The book of Acts records several examples of proclamation discipleship by the apostle Paul. One such example is found in Acts 17:16-34 where Paul proclaimed the gospel to the Athenians.

Extra-biblical examples of proclamation discipleship include mass preaching events lead by well known leaders such as George Whitefield, John Wesley, Luis Palau and others. Luis Palau claims to have preached to audiences totaling one billion people at evangelistic events. Perhaps the most well known example is Billy Graham who has preached to live audiences of over 200 million people in 185 countries with estimated additional 86 million media listeners. Many people received Christ as a result of these well known major leaders who perfected proclamation discipleship. There are many others who have practiced this method of discipleship or evangelism and their efforts have certainly enlarged the Kingdom of God.

PROCLAMATION DISCIPLESHIP IN THE 21^ST CENTURY

Proclamation discipleship was used effectively by the leaders mentioned in the previous section and received prominence during the growth of the early church and during the period of the 17^th through the 20^th centuries. It does however seem that the use of this method of discipleship/evangelism is declining. Billy Graham and Luis Palau used the method most effectively through the end of the 20^th century but as yet there has not been a prominent evangelist to succeed them.

Much of what is called evangelism is directed to people who are already Christians. 

The people of the world are spiritually hungry and are searching for something to fill their void. For many people, the message of Christ by proclamation disciplists was the answer. Perhaps the massive church meetings in stadiums by a few mega-church pastors are seen as a movement that replaces a movement but they are not the same. A large mass meeting of church members is not the same as a crusade targeting many unchurched and/or non-Christians. The end of the 20^th century saw many “evangelists” focus their efforts on local church revivals instead of open-air-preaching to reach the unchurched and non-Christians. This writer sees this as a devolution or degeneration of true mass evangelism or proclamation discipleship. There is room for a new servant to emerge who will succeed the proclamation disciplists of previous generations.

 QUESTIONS:

1. Do you agree with the term “proclamation discipleship” as being the same as mass evangelism?
2. Reflect on the recent development of evangelists targeting church revivals instead of the unchurched and non-Christians.
3. Do you see a new major proclamation disciplist emerging?

SD Blessings,

Dr. Tom Cocklereece, The Disciplist

——————–
Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC
Author “Simple Discipleship,” contributing writer L2L Blogazine
He is a pastor, an author, professional coach, and leadership specialist
Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web | Blog | Book | Coaching Site

DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: #11 – PROFICIENCY DISCIPLESHIP

Christian Leadership Development Model

This series of articles explores thirteen major methods that are effective for making disciples. Keep in mind that in a ubiquitous (all encompassing, everywhere present) disciple-making process, virtually each method is not only encouraged but is planned into the church ministries. Here is a list including links to articles that have been completed in the series:

• Simple Discipleship: A Comprehensive Disciple-Making Plan- The Simple Discipleship Virtual Book Tour- (updated) originally posted in 2010
• DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: 13 Ways to Make Disciples

1. Passive Discipleship: the least effective method but essential to support other methods

2. Private Discipleship: the Christian and the Holy Spirit (most effective but under used)

3. Presence Discipleship: In times of crisis the disciple invests time, assistance, and prayer.

4. Participation or Proximity Discipleship: applies to all areas but most of all to giving

5. Projected Discipleship: Actively but humbly projecting a Christian example of living Christ’s teachings.

6. Platform or Presentation Discipleship: preaching in church and lecture-style Bible study

7. Program Discipleship: Pre-packaged materials delivered in large or small groups.

8. Personal Discipleship: One-on-one discipleship (very effective but seldom used)

9. Peer Group Discipleship: Bible study and Sunday School

10.  Practical Discipleship: Hands on service, evangelism, and missional projects

11.  Proficiency Discipleship: Leadership Development

12.  Proclamation Discipleship: Evangelism and preaching to unchurched

13.  Process Discipleship: All of the above delivered in a systematic way

Evaluate how you and your church are doing in the 13 methods of discipleship: Copy of 13 Ways to Make Disciples_Evaluation

INTRODUCTION

This article in the “Discipleship Best Practices” series presents the greatest challenge as there are a myriad of articles, blogs, and books on the subject of “leadership.” Unfortunately, there is not an equal focus on leadership development as related to discipleship. Perhaps we are looking for that quick-fix, magic button, next big thing, simple and easy way of developing leaders. Sorry…you will not find it here. As with discipleship, developing leaders is a process and it takes time. I marvel that few church leaders and churches even have any kind of real leadership development process. I have written on the subject before in the articles IMPROVING YOUR CHURCH’S CULTURE: 11- Leadership Training   and #11 The Twelve Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Church: What is our leadership development process? 

 For this article I will build on the cited articles and I want to challenge readers who are responsible for the design of leadership training to include what I consider to be the soil of great Christian leaders—the mind of a leader and the humility of a leader.

WE NEED PROFICIENCY DISCIPLESHIP

What is “proficiency discipleship?” “Proficiency”  is defined as “advancement in knowledge or skill.” For the purpose of this article and series the term will apply to leadership development of Christians.

The following story was quite common before the internet and distance education but is still a challenge as few churches offer internships or leadership development opportunities:

In the 1980s I knew the Lord wanted me to someday serve as a pastor. I was working toward a degree so I could later go to seminary but I wanted to get started with hands on ministry. The church where I attended offered no real training other than as a Bible study teacher for which I had a large following. My pastor was somewhat paranoid of other preachers and teachers in the church and rarely gave us any opportunities to do anything outside of our normal service. I made appointments with pastors of several other churches to discuss opportunities for ministry training and experienced rejection at worst and indifference at best. I found it necessary to essentially settle for waiting until going to seminary before getting some hands on training other than teaching Bible study.

For the purpose of this article we are not just speaking of those who may become pastors but also of Christians who will go on to serve as deacons, elders, and teachers in the local church. What qualities should they possess and what may a church do to develop their yearning desire to serve into ministry proficiency?

Church leaders need to develop or at least provide for the leadership development of potential and new leaders in the church. Training should include hands-on supervised ministry in the church. I particularly like the Unlimited Partnerships model of providing peer group leadership training for ministry while the leader is actively serving. I also like the organization Truth@Work as they have Christian leadership coaches who develop proficiency discipleship programs for leaders in the workplace. Churches are far behind when it comes to proficiency discipleship. Take the step and start Christian coaching ministries and leadership development ministries in your church and community. The best proficiency discipleship programs will include modules using each of the thirteen ways to make disciples.

PROFICIENCY DISCIPLESHIP CULTIVATES CHARACTER

In my book Simple Discipleship: How to Make Disciples in the 21^st Century I discussed a leadership training model that merges the principles of Simple Discipleship and Ken Blanchard’s leadership training model discussed in his book Lead Like Jesus. Here is a verbal description that corresponds with the Simple Discipleship visual shown in this article:

1. WORSHIP—Heart- “What do I value?” (Self-leadership effectiveness)
2. WORD—Head- “What do I believe?” (One-on-one leadership effectiveness)
3. MINISTRY—Hands- “What do I do?” (Team leadership effectiveness)
4. MISSIONS—Habits- “What do people say?” (Community Leadership effectiveness)

Note the four points above and the progressive spiritual growth that is illustrated as one lives the Christian life in relationship to self, in personal individual relationships, to a small group or team, and to the community outside the church. This is consistent with the principles of 1 Timothy 3:7 which says, “Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (NKJV)

Leadership skills do not develop in a vacuum but are cultivated and nurtured as one lives the Christian life around the cross daily. “Progressive spiritual maturity develops as one grows from WORSHIP to WORD to MINISTRY, and to MISSIONS” (Simple Discipleship, 102). Some spiritual maturity elements such as humility are cultivated in the WORSHIP domain as one gives heart-felt participation in private and public worship. Humility is the result of seeing oneself in the presence of God. An Isaiah 6 experience helps one put self and God in the proper perspective. Humility may grow over a period of time and continued connection with God through living life around the cross, i.e. WORSHIP, WORD, MINISTRY, and MISSIONS. Humility matures in the MINISTRY domain as one eagerly seeks to serve others. A distinction must be drawn between “humiliation” and “humility,” as the former is inflicted or forced upon a person and the latter is heart-felt and voluntary. The fruit of humility in a disciple’s life also shows up in the MISSIONS domain as integrity and trust.

The point is that churches should develop a leadership development process for potential leaders that cultivates faith, humility, integrity, and character. It is fair to say that a leader who has been tested in the four Simple Discipleship domains and is found to possess faith, humility, integrity, and character will be a good servant leader. A potential leader found lacking in either of the four qualities will likely not be a good servant leader.

PROFICIENCY DISCIPLESHIP HELPS LEADERS THINK DIFFERENTLY

A common proverb about leadership is, “A leader on a journey with no one following is only out on a walk.” With all of the discussion and programs available for leadership development, we are producing few leaders. Not only are we missing the boat when it comes to cultivating Christian character as illustrated above but we also fail to cultivate the thinking of potential leaders. Leaders think differently! Jesus did and later Paul the apostle. Space does not allow an inclusion of many historical Christian leaders who thought differently and transformed some area of their community.

Liz Mellon in her book Inside the Leader’s Mind: Five Ways to Think Like a Leader, has identified some interesting points of leadership development that may be neglected. I list them here with my own revisions for Christian leaders:

1. Leaders push the boundaries with God as their safety net.
2. Leaders are comfortable in discomfort as they lead others to a new spiritual level.
3. Leaders exude spiritual confidence to those they lead.
4. Leaders are aware of their role in the life of those they lead as related to God’s plan and purpose for a specific contextual ministry.
5. Leaders assimilate the identity of their ministry and vice versa; this is required for “big picture” long-term transformational leadership

Perhaps these five points will be discussed in a future article.

SD Blessings,

Dr. Tom Cocklereece, The Disciplist

QUESTIONS:

1. Describe the leadership development process of your church or ministry.
2. How would a leadership development process change the culture of your church?
3. Do the five descriptions of how leaders think describe you?

——————–
Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC
Author “Simple Discipleship,” contributing writer L2L Blogazine
He is a pastor, an author, professional coach, and leadership specialist
Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web | Blog | Book | Coaching Site

DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: #9- 10 BENEFITS OF PEER GROUP DISCIPLESHIP

Simple Discipleship small groups

This series of articles explores thirteen major methods that are effective for making disciples. Keep in mind that in a ubiquitous (all encompassing, everywhere present) disciple-making process, virtually each method is not only encouraged but is planned into the church ministries. Here is a list including links to articles that have been completed in the series:

• Simple Discipleship: A Comprehensive Disciple-Making Plan- The Simple Discipleship Virtual Book Tour- (updated) originally posted in 2010
• DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: 13 Ways to Make Disciples

1. Passive Discipleship: the least effective method but essential to support other methods

2. Private Discipleship: the Christian and the Holy Spirit (most effective but under used)

3. Presence Discipleship: In times of crisis the disciple invests time, assistance, and prayer.

4. Participation or Proximity Discipleship: applies to all areas but most of all to giving

5. Projected Discipleship: Actively but humbly projecting a Christian example of living Christ’s teachings.

6. Platform or Presentation Discipleship: preaching in church and lecture-style Bible study

7. Program Discipleship: Pre-packaged materials delivered in large or small groups.

8. Personal Discipleship: One-on-one discipleship (very effective but seldom used)

9. Peer Group Discipleship: Bible study and Sunday School

10.  Practical Discipleship: Hands on service, evangelism, and missional projects

11.  Proficiency Discipleship: Leadership Development

12.  Proclamation Discipleship: Evangelism and preaching to unchurched

13.  Process Discipleship: All of the above delivered in a systematic way

Evaluate how you and your church are doing in the 13 methods of discipleship: Copy of 13 Ways to Make Disciples_Evaluation

WHAT IS PEER GROUP DISCIPLESHIP?

The previous article in this series was about “Personal Discipleship,” also known as one-to-one discipleship. The present article is about “Peer Group Discipleship,” also known as small group discipleship and it is one of the most effective methods when done well. Encarta Dictionary defines “peer” as someone who is equal to another in age or social class. Churches have done well at making disciples using peer groups called Sunday school classes or small groups. They tend to be natural groupings based on a number of demographic, social, and spiritual commonalities. The things they have in common functions as the “glue” for an ongoing community relationship. The positive effect of psychosocial development and interaction in peer groups has been well documented in recent years. However, the benefits of spiritual growth compound the overall growth and development of the group as a supportive community.

Peer group discipleship engages the class in interaction, reflection, evaluation, and an assessment of values. People today inside and outside the church experience an ever increasing level of dysfunction. Discipleship peer groups lead people deeper in their relationships with Christ and with one another. The effectively learn to love one another and as a result they become a faith community within the church. A healthy church of any size should have healthy or holistic small groups.

PEER GROUP DISCIPLESHIP IS INTENTIONAL

Simply forming Sunday school classes and small group Bible study units does not automatically qualify as peer group discipleship. There are many examples of teachers of Sunday school classes and small groups who show up to impress their groups with their insights into Scripture but have no clue about how to make disciple-making disciples. Many think their job is to teach the Bible but their job should be—make disciples. A group leader with the perspective of making disciples connects with people and creates community. A disciple-making peer group leader is infective! It is sad to say that many classes and groups will meet this week and the group could just as well push a button on a CD/MP3 player for their weekly lesson. Jesus taught with passion, examples, Biblical authority, and love. Effective peer group discipleship does what Jesus did.

10 BENEFITS OF PEER GROUP DISCIPLESHIP

Peer group discipleship has many benefits and here are ten:

1. Members of peer group classes disciple one another as they share Bible knowledge, insights, and application points.
2. An excellent facilitator guides the Bible study and discussion in a manner that engages the entire group.
3. Provides a visual and living illustration of three-way reconciliation (forgiveness from God, forgiveness of self, and forgiveness of others).
4. Demonstrates Christian unity (all for one and one for all).
5. Encourages perpetual spiritual growth as less spiritually mature interact with those more spiritually mature.
6. Provides social relationships in the church context as well as outside the church in the community.
7. Provides social stability for those within the group as they interact to meet needs and love one another.
8. Teaches the roles of each as related to the identification and use of spiritual gifts and natural talents.
9. The group culture encourages chosen accountability as related to Christian behavior.
10. Groups collectively form a healthy church and provide for the overall needs for ministry.

Can you think of more benefits of peer group discipleship? Please share them in the comments section.

SD Blessings,

Dr. Tom Cocklereece, The Disciplist

QUESTIONS:

1.      Ten benefits of peer group discipleship are listed. Can you share some more?

2.      Could your small group leader easily be replaced by a CD/MP3 player and hardly miss the leader?

3.      Is disciple-making the focus of your Sunday school and small group Bible study units?

——————–
Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC
Author “Simple Discipleship,” contributing writer L2L Blogazine
He is a pastor, an author, professional coach, and leadership specialist
Email | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web | Blog | Book | Coaching Site

DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: 8 – PERSONAL DISCIPLESHIP

Personal Discipleship

This series of articles explores thirteen major methods that are effective for making disciples. Keep in mind that in a ubiquitous (all encompassing, everywhere present) disciple-making process, virtually each method is not only encouraged but is planned into the church ministries. Here is a list including links to articles that have been completed in the series:

• Simple Discipleship: A Comprehensive Disciple-Making Plan- The Simple Discipleship Virtual Book Tour- (updated) originally posted in 2010
• DISCIPLESHIP BEST PRACTICES: 13 Ways to Make Disciples

1. Passive Discipleship: the least effective method but essential to support other methods
2. Private Discipleship: the Christian and the Holy Spirit (most effective but under used)
3. Presence Discipleship: In times of crisis the disciple invests time, assistance, and prayer.
4. Participation or Proximity Discipleship: applies to all areas but most of all to giving
5. Projected Discipleship: Actively but humbly projecting a Christian example of living Christ’s teachings.
6. Platform or Presentation Discipleship: preaching in church and lecture-style Bible study
7. Program Discipleship: Pre-packaged materials delivered in large or small groups.
8. Personal Discipleship: One-on-one discipleship (very effective but seldom used)
9. Peer Group Discipleship: Bible study and Sunday School
10. Practical Discipleship: Hands on service, evangelism, and missional projects
11. Proficiency Discipleship: Leadership Development
12. Proclamation Discipleship: Evangelism and preaching to unchurched
13. Process Discipleship: All of the above delivered in a systematic way

Evaluate how you and your church are doing in the 13 methods of discipleship: Copy of 13 Ways to Make Disciples_Evaluation

AN ABSURD ANALOGY…

John and Sandy went to the doctor’s office together with great apprehension. Several weeks prior, Sandy had completed a routine mammogram exam. Within ten days Sandy received a call to repeat the exam and have some other tests. It raised her concerns as she scheduled the follow-up exam and tests. Within a few days Sandy received a call to have a meeting with a cancer physician. So Sandy decided the report must be bad so she asked her husband to go with her for emotional support. Dr. Patelli walked in and greeted the couple. He was very slim and dressed in a professional manner. While he seemed to project a friendly attitude, his concern and seriousness was evident. The doctor began to go through the report in a matter of fact manner. To boil it down, Sandy had breast cancer that had already spread to her lungs according to the various supporting exams. While this was shocking to Sandy, Dr. Patelli began to reassure her of the treatment and prognosis. He suggested that a treatment regimen using a combination of several varieties of interferon would be effective in her case. He felt that there was a better than 90% chance of curing her cancer. John and Sandy began to ask questions about the treatment and other possibilities.

John asked, “Interferon treatments have been around for some time. Aren’t there newer treatments that should be used?”

Dr. Patelli said, “While there are some negative side effects of interferon and it is an older treatment, I think it is the best to use in Sandy’s case. Again, the cure rate is about 90% using the interferon for this type of cancer.”

“I think I agree with John, Dr. Patelli,” Sandy replied. “I have a friend, Betty who said her mother had a bad reaction to interferon when she had cancer. I want a newer treatment.”

Puzzled, the doctor said, “Well, there are some new chemotherapy regimens that alternate the chemicals to increase effectiveness and are engineered to be gentler than most chemotherapy treatments. However, the survival rate is not as good as the interferon treatment…say 40%.”

Sandy replied, “Let’s go with the chemo treatment.”

“Huh?” Dr. Patelli was dumbfounded and could not believe Sandy’s choice.

Simple Discipleship Conference

PERSONAL DISCIPLESHIP: MOST EFFECTIVE BUT UNDERUSED

My book, Simple Discipleship: How to Make Disciples in the 21^st Century was published in late 2009 by Church Smart Resources. During 2010, I had the opportunity to do a sort of “book tour” leading conferences to introduce the book. In the course of the year, leaders from over one hundred churches attended my conferences. I began each conference with a question: “How many churches represented here intentionally do one to one discipleship?” I further explained that “personal discipleship is when new Christians are intentionally paired with a discipler in order to 1) connect the new believer to the church, and 2) to get the new Christian off to a good start learning how to nourish his or her spiritual growth. Out of over 100 churches represented in these meetings, not even one church clearly identified personal discipleship as an intentional disciple-making method that they used. Certainly Jesus used personal discipleship as one of his methods.

Like Dr. Patel in the fictional absurd analogy at the beginning of this article, I was dumbfounded!

Some leaders tried to reason that their church had an assimilation class for new members and Christians but I don’t buy a diversity group assimilation method as discipleship. The goals of assimilation of members and discipleship differ. Assimilation programs are designed primarily with the needs of the organization in mind while discipleship is designed with the needs of the disciplee in mind.

Out of over 100 churches, not even one clearly identified personal discipleship as an intentional disciple-making method they used.

PERSONAL DISCIPLESHIP EFFECTIVENESS

I continue to wonder at why so few churches intentionally employ personal discipleship as a method of disciple-making. In the 20^th century we saw class sizes in schools and colleges increase while grades and the quality of education dropped. Since the 1990s there has been an increasing use of home school and one to one tutoring organizations with a concurrent rise in the grades and quality of education for the students affected. On the other hand, grades and education quality continues to fall in schools that have large classes.

I plan to write an article soon with some statistical support for these claims. In a cursory reading of articles on the subject I found that struggling students with just three months of one to one tutoring can jump one whole grade. Clearly personal discipleship is one of the most effective methods of disciple-making. What if churches began intentionally designing one to one discipleship into their disciple-making processes? I believe it would begin a genuine discipleship revolution.

Through my ministry, Simple Discipleship, I recommend designing as many of the thirteen discipleship methods listed above into your church’s disciple-making process and insure that personal discipleship is a priority. Here are several recommendations:

• Simple Discipleship recommends training 4 Discipleship Coaches to insure that the disciple-making process is ongoing.
• The 4 Discipleship Coaches should be a mix of men and women so they may do personal discipleship of others of the same gender.
• Establish strong policies of selection, background checks, and training for Discipleship Coaches.
• Equip Discipleship Coaches with not only the best training but also provide great materials such as The Disciple-Maker’s Toolkit, MasterLife, The Survival Kit, or other proven material.
• Large churches should establish Christian coaching ministries that include at least one coach trainer who will train as many Sunday school teachers as possible to be Discipleship Coaches.
• Christian Coaching Ministries should be separate from education and counseling ministries though they would certainly work together. They should not compete or threaten one another but the goals of each must be firmly established.

In the “Absurd Analogy” at the beginning of the article, which treatment would you choose? If personal discipleship is the equivalent of interferon in the analogy, why would you not employ it in your church? Do it now! Simple Discipleship can assist you with consultation and training of your Christian coaching staff and Discipleship Coaches.

SD Blessings,

Dr. Tom Cocklereece, The Disciplist

QUESTIONS:

1. Examine your church’s disciple-making ministry. Does your church intentionally design personal discipleship into the ministry?
2. Why do many churches not use intentional personal discipleship?
3. Identify Bible references where personal discipleship is used.
4. What steps will your church have to take to develop personal discipleship into the ministry?
5. What will you do to move to a high-expectation disciple-making delivery process in your church?

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Dr. Tom Cocklereece is CEO of RENOVA Coaching and Consulting, LLC
Author “Simple Discipleship,” contributing writer L2L Blogazine
He is a pastor, an author, professional coach, and leadership specialist
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