From the Door to the Core

From the Door to the Core:

An Apostolic Discipleship Process

In order to disciple people we as leaders must take an inventory of the makeup of our church. Four groups will be presented as present in the church:

CROWD – fringe attendees, self-proclaimed membership

COMPANY – fairly faithful, loose or sporadic commitment in areas of giving, lifestyle

COMMITTED – faithful in attendance, giving, lifestyle

CORE – “make it happen” workers and ministry leaders; usually smallest segment

THE PROCESS:

1.Internally, assign each person a category or group.

2.Strive to move each person along one group at a time. This will help a leader define what a “success” is. Set regular goals for this process.

3.Forget about having everybody at the same level at the same time. Even Jesus didn’t see this happen with his disciples. Each person’s relationship with God is unique.

4.Plan “group”-sensitive events. i.e. – Crowd events, company events, committed events, core events. Make sure you understand that a “success” in a crowd event will differ from a “success” in a core event.

5.As a leader, have the most intimate interaction with your CORE.

The Discipleship Track

•First Time Guest

•Invite to upcoming monthly Newcomers' Reception

•Through interaction, develop a personal assessment of where guest is as far as spiritual hunger, church background.

•Beyond Belief or Exploring God's WordHome Bible Study

•Hopefully, this bible study will result in repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus and either baptism in Holy Ghost or seeking baptism of Holy Ghost.

•Enrollment in ThriveDiscipleship Series

•Involvement in ministries of New Life Church.

CROWD Ministry Opportunities

•Hope’s Closet and Pantry (Benevolence ministry)

•Maintenance and Lawn Care

•Hospitality and Food Service

•C.I.A. – Community Involvement Activities (Cabot Fest, Dinner Theater, etc.)

Prerequisites for these ministries – Attendance, Newcomers' Reception

COMPANY Ministry Opportunities

•Ushering and Parking Lot attendants

•Greeters

•Nursery

Prerequisites for these ministries – Attendance, Newcomers' Reception, Beyond Belief bible study, personal New Birth experience, enrollment in Thrive

COMMITTED Ministry Opportunities

•Sound

•Multimedia

•Serving communion

•KidzLife classroom assistants

Prerequisites for these ministries - Attendance, Newcomers' Reception, Beyond Belief bible study, personal New Birth experience, enrollment in Thrive and demonstrated discipleship faithfulness

CORE Ministry Opportunities

•Pastoral and Vision 500 Leadership Team

•Music Ministry (adult, youth, children)

•Ministry Leaders

•KidzLife teachers

•Home Bible Study teachers

•Nexus Student Ministry Pastors and youth staff

•Worship Service Leaders

Prerequisites for these ministries – Attendance, Newcomers' Reception, Beyond Belief bible study, personal New Birth experience, completion of Thrive and Exploring God’s Word, consistent personal lifestyle integrity, Senior Pastor recommendation

Thrive – Discipleship Series

•Semester covers three topics.

•Each topic is taught one week and discussed panel-style the second week.

Semester One

•Prayer

•Word of God

•God’s Purpose for My Life