Discipleship Team Members Attend Training

Rev. Phil Maynard's definition of a "Disciple of Christ".

On Tuesday, February 9, Bob Fuchs, Karen Wagg, Joann Schmitt and I attended a discipleship workshop. The workshop, which was held at the Bishop's office in Lansing, was designed for Vital Church Initiative Churches that are seeking to improve their discipleship programs.

Rev. Phil Maynard, the presenter, authored the book "From Membership to Discipleship". It is a guide for taking those who are new to the church through a intentional process toward being disciples of Jesus Christ.

Maynard believes that there are four stages to discipleship: Exploring, Beginning, Growing and Maturing. In each stage believers need different types of support from the church. In the Exploring stage, new church members need one-on-one contact with faithful church members who can hear their stories and offer guidance. In both the Beginning and Growing stages, church members need classes and small groups. For those who are at the Maturing stage, spiritual directors and accountability partners are crucial.

Rev. Phil Maynard

Maynard also suggests that mission and outreach work in a church is enriched and strengthened when there is a discipleship program.

Bob Fuchs, Director of Discipleship, along with the members of the Discipleship Team are currently creating a process for discipleship at Brighton First. Their goal is to have a process in place by fall 2016. Part of our Vital Church Initiative commitment is to create a plan for nurturing disciples.