Discipleship Team Determines Framework for Adult Classes

Phil Maynard is consulting with our
Intentional Discipleship Team

The team charged with creating a structure for intentional discipleship development at Brighton First has announced its first step in developing a comprehensive plan. Classes offered at Brighton First will cover six different areas. All courses will be offered in a three-year cycle. Decisions were made based on the needs of the congregation, the resources that are already in use, and the great potential for growth as disciples for Jesus Christ.

The team began by defining the characteristics
of a disciple and then asking "How do we assist
people in growing as disciples of Christ?"

This is the first finalized portion of a comprehensive plan that will include small groups and intentional leadership development, as well as study groups and classes. The group is adapting its framework for classes from Phil Maynard's Membership to Discipleship: Growing Mature Disciples Who Make Disciples. In addition to using the materials written by Maynard as a guide, Brighton First has engaged Phil Maynard to coach the team through development of an intentional discipleship plan. Maynard is a United Methodist pastor who has created strong discipleship programs in the Florida churches he has served and now works with churches to strengthen their discipleship ministries.

Book and Bible studies will develop disciples
in these six areas. Studies will be offered
in a three-year cycle.

 The six categories into which classes will fall are a life of worship, a life of hospitality, a life open to Jesus, a life obeying Jesus, a life of service and a life of generosity. Some of the curriculum that will be used is already part of our faith formation classes, including Disciple Bible Study. We will also be offering Financial Peace University as part of the curriculum. As we have practiced in the past, there will also be all-church studies offered in the seasons of Advent and Lent.

The first cycle of classes will be offered in the fall. Please hold the Discipleship Team in your prayers as they continue their work through the summer.

Discipleship Team Determines Framework for Adult Classes

Phil Maynard is consulting with our
Intentional Discipleship Team

The team charged with creating a structure for intentional discipleship development at Brighton First has announced its first step in developing a comprehensive plan. Classes offered at Brighton First will cover six different areas. All courses will be offered in a three-year cycle. Decisions were made based on the needs of the congregation, the resources that are already in use, and the great potential for growth as disciples for Jesus Christ.

The team began by defining the characteristics
of a disciple and then asking "How do we assist
people in growing as disciples of Christ?"

This is the first finalized portion of a comprehensive plan that will include small groups and intentional leadership development, as well as study groups and classes. The group is adapting its framework for classes from Phil Maynard's Membership to Discipleship: Growing Mature Disciples Who Make Disciples. In addition to using the materials written by Maynard as a guide, Brighton First has engaged Phil Maynard to coach the team through development of an intentional discipleship plan. Maynard is a United Methodist pastor who has created strong discipleship programs in the Florida churches he has served and now works with churches to strengthen their discipleship ministries.

Book and Bible studies will develop disciples
in these six areas. Studies will be offered
in a three-year cycle.

 The six categories into which classes will fall are a life of worship, a life of hospitality, a life open to Jesus, a life obeying Jesus, a life of service and a life of generosity. Some of the curriculum that will be used is already part of our faith formation classes, including Disciple Bible Study. We will also be offering Financial Peace University as part of the curriculum. As we have practiced in the past, there will also be all-church studies offered in the seasons of Advent and Lent.

The first cycle of classes will be offered in the fall. Please hold the Discipleship Team in your prayers as they continue their work through the summer.

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.

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.