Second, disciple making must be consistently promoted from the pulpit. One cannot depend upon the weekly bulletin, or occasional and casually mentioned announcements, to support this important directive. Over and over it must be stressed that this is the supreme task of the church.

A prescribed course of study must be used. I recommend that each church customize it's own course of study by borrowing from a number of good sources. It must include:

1. The fall of man and God's provisions for redemption
2. Clear-cut, biblically sound, teachings on the salvation process
3. Sound bases for Christian living
4. The church and believers' responsibilities towards one another
5. How the believers can discover their giftedness and use it in kingdom service (This can be accomplished by administering gift tests and conducting personal interviews.)
6. How to, along with God, plan to finance the church through tithes and offerings

Add to this the important subjects of the divinity of Christ, and the supreme authority of the scriptures (which probably should be at the top of the list) to fairly round out some of the basics.

The role of small groups should be recognized and promoted. Small groups, in the simplest form, can consist of Sunday school classes, choral or music groups, etc. In their more effective and mature form, small groups are best exemplified in active cell ministry. This accomplishes several things. First, it creates meaningful relationships. Church growth specialists insist that the new believer must establish at least five new friends in the first six months of his new life in Christ and the church in order to stay connected with the church. Small groups allow this principle to flourish. Additionally, small groups bring new believers together with more mature Christians who can help them through their early stages of growth, and answer the many questions that the new believers will likely confront. This is the mentoring process at its best. More on this subject next month << Prev || Home >>