Intentional Discipleship Path Begins Here

Adult faith formation and sermon-based small groups begin meeting this week. When on-going classes and service groups are included, over 100 adults are participating in intentional faith formation. This is a great week for Brighton First and there is even more to be excited about.

The Tuesday morning Men with Tools begins at 8:30 with discussion and
prayer and then spends the rest of the morning on work projects.

Those who are participating, have the opportunity to intentionally grow in discipleship in five specific areas: Worship,  Hospitality, Obedience to Jesus, Living in Relationship with other Disciples and Enthusiastic Service and Generosity (WHOLE).

In September, Brighton First introduced the "WHOLE" process for intentionally growing as a disciple of Christ. Congregation members were invited to consider their place on their spiritual journey. In what ways did their lives reflect active discipleship and in what areas would they like to grow? Those curious about the path they could take used a printed chart or a web-based inventory for discernment.

The Adult Faith Formation Team then invited congregation members to choose classes, small groups, outreach teams and service groups. Many signed up for groups in which they were already participating. However, many also signed up for four new small groups, five new classes, music and service opportunities.

The plan of the Adult Faith Formation Team is to offer opportunities in every area of the WHOLE model each "trimester", making three rounds of classes and small groups available each year. In addition, there will be all-church small group studies in Advent and Lent. The "WHOLE" process is based on a three-year cycle and is an intentional plan to consistently and clearly offer opportunities to grow in faith.

The goal is to offer choices that appeal to a variety of interests and styles and, yet, point all down a path toward growing as disciples of Christ.

Intentional Discipleship Path Begins Here

Adult faith formation and sermon-based small groups begin meeting this week. When on-going classes and service groups are included, over 100 adults are participating in intentional faith formation. This is a great week for Brighton First and there is even more to be excited about.

The Tuesday morning Men with Tools begins at 8:30 with discussion and
prayer and then spends the rest of the morning on work projects.

Those who are participating, have the opportunity to intentionally grow in discipleship in five specific areas: Worship,  Hospitality, Obedience to Jesus, Living in Relationship with other Disciples and Enthusiastic Service and Generosity (WHOLE).

In September, Brighton First introduced the "WHOLE" process for intentionally growing as a disciple of Christ. Congregation members were invited to consider their place on their spiritual journey. In what ways did their lives reflect active discipleship and in what areas would they like to grow? Those curious about the path they could take used a printed chart or a web-based inventory for discernment.

The Adult Faith Formation Team then invited congregation members to choose classes, small groups, outreach teams and service groups. Many signed up for groups in which they were already participating. However, many also signed up for four new small groups, five new classes, music and service opportunities.

The plan of the Adult Faith Formation Team is to offer opportunities in every area of the WHOLE model each "trimester", making three rounds of classes and small groups available each year. In addition, there will be all-church small group studies in Advent and Lent. The "WHOLE" process is based on a three-year cycle and is an intentional plan to consistently and clearly offer opportunities to grow in faith.

The goal is to offer choices that appeal to a variety of interests and styles and, yet, point all down a path toward growing as disciples of Christ.

Strategic Plan Makes Discipleship Growth Imperative

In this blog post, I offer the actions set out in the 2nd Goal of Brighton First's Strategic Plan, adopted September 13, 2016. For more information, refer to my previous blog posts. You will find a description of the process for developing the strategic plan and details for accomplishing the first goal.

Goal 2 –Create a system at Brighton First in which people of all ages have the opportunity to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Diagnosis: The non-churched and nominally churched are not given a compelling reason to follow Jesus Christ by most of the Christians they know. While a life of Christian discipleship can lead to clarified purpose, sustained peace and steadfast joy, those who are seeking need a starting point and a clear path. Even within the church, the path to growing in faith as a disciple of Jesus Christ can be elusive.

Guiding Policy: It is the responsibility of the church to meet people where they are on their faith journey with excellent, relevant spiritual growth opportunities that lead to growth as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Coherent Actions:

1.  Our Children’s Ministry grade level curriculum goals will be evaluated for effectiveness in making disciples of Jesus Christ. This includes standardizing curriculum outcomes for preschool through 5th grade and clarifying age/grade level benchmarks for spiritual growth through all ages. This will be accomplished by our Children’s Ministry Team and completed by May 2017.

2.  The Children’s Ministry Director (or a person assigned by the director) and the Preschool Director will review pre-school curriculum for intentional spiritual growth components by November 2016. Spiritual growth curriculum and practices used in First Steps Preschool will be reviewed by the Children’s Ministry Team and included in the curriculum guide produced by May 2017.

3.  Youth curriculum goals (for youth groups and classes) will be evaluated and developed to lead toward making disciples of Jesus Christ. Annual goals with with metrics for measuring outcomes will be included. The development of curriculum goals will be led by the Director of Youth Ministries with assistance of the Youth Council and in place by May 2017.

4.  The church will create a program for youth summer interns, giving youth an opportunity to experience working in ministry fields. This will be coordinated by the Director of Youth Ministries and in place by the summer of 2017.

5. The Adult Faith Formation Team will oversee the development, implementation and semi-annual evaluation (December and May) of an Intentional Faith Development Plan. The plan will be in place by October 2016.

6.  The church will commit to being a “Culture of Call”, developing programming, training, mission opportunities and recognition for all who express an interest in serving in professional ministry. This will be overseen by the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. The SPRC will submit its comprehensive “Culture of Call” plan to the Administrative Board by May 2017.

7. In worship, Brighton First will have no less than one witness per month from someone who has grown spiritually through the ministries of Brighton First and the grace of God. The age and gender of those who give witness will be diverse. The senior pastor will oversee this. This will be in place no later than January 2017.

8. Because disciples are formed and nurtured in prayer, Brighton First will increase participation in its prayer ministry.  Clergy, in partnership with the Prayer Team, will assess current prayer participation and develop and bring a proposal for prayer education and participation to the Administrative Board no later than January 2017 on specific actions and/or programs to accomplish this. Programming and practices that increase the prayer life of church members and the prayer ministry of the church will be in place no later than May 2017.

9. Brighton First will offer at least one support group (for example: grief group, caretaker group, divorce group) per year. The Adult Faith Formation Team, in consultation with clergy,  will seek to create support groups based on the needs/requests of community members. The support groups will be listed with other class and small group offerings.

10. A Congregational Care Team will be created by May 2017. The Team will consist of a minimum of five members. Team members will have the opportunity to grow as disciples as they expand the reach of spiritual care to congregation members and the community through one-on-one visits. A current model, such as Befrienders may be used or another model adopted. This will be lay led and overseen by the Senior Pastor.

11. Clergy, the Director of Discipleship, Children’s Ministries Director and Youth Ministries Director will coordinate curriculum annually. The Administrative Board will receive a curriculum report annually in May.

Strategic Plan Makes Discipleship Growth Imperative

In this blog post, I offer the actions set out in the 2nd Goal of Brighton First's Strategic Plan, adopted September 13, 2016. For more information, refer to my previous blog posts. You will find a description of the process for developing the strategic plan and details for accomplishing the first goal.

Goal 2 –Create a system at Brighton First in which people of all ages have the opportunity to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Diagnosis: The non-churched and nominally churched are not given a compelling reason to follow Jesus Christ by most of the Christians they know. While a life of Christian discipleship can lead to clarified purpose, sustained peace and steadfast joy, those who are seeking need a starting point and a clear path. Even within the church, the path to growing in faith as a disciple of Jesus Christ can be elusive.

Guiding Policy: It is the responsibility of the church to meet people where they are on their faith journey with excellent, relevant spiritual growth opportunities that lead to growth as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Coherent Actions:

1.  Our Children’s Ministry grade level curriculum goals will be evaluated for effectiveness in making disciples of Jesus Christ. This includes standardizing curriculum outcomes for preschool through 5th grade and clarifying age/grade level benchmarks for spiritual growth through all ages. This will be accomplished by our Children’s Ministry Team and completed by May 2017.

2.  The Children’s Ministry Director (or a person assigned by the director) and the Preschool Director will review pre-school curriculum for intentional spiritual growth components by November 2016. Spiritual growth curriculum and practices used in First Steps Preschool will be reviewed by the Children’s Ministry Team and included in the curriculum guide produced by May 2017.

3.  Youth curriculum goals (for youth groups and classes) will be evaluated and developed to lead toward making disciples of Jesus Christ. Annual goals with with metrics for measuring outcomes will be included. The development of curriculum goals will be led by the Director of Youth Ministries with assistance of the Youth Council and in place by May 2017.

4.  The church will create a program for youth summer interns, giving youth an opportunity to experience working in ministry fields. This will be coordinated by the Director of Youth Ministries and in place by the summer of 2017.

5. The Adult Faith Formation Team will oversee the development, implementation and semi-annual evaluation (December and May) of an Intentional Faith Development Plan. The plan will be in place by October 2016.

6.  The church will commit to being a “Culture of Call”, developing programming, training, mission opportunities and recognition for all who express an interest in serving in professional ministry. This will be overseen by the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. The SPRC will submit its comprehensive “Culture of Call” plan to the Administrative Board by May 2017.

7. In worship, Brighton First will have no less than one witness per month from someone who has grown spiritually through the ministries of Brighton First and the grace of God. The age and gender of those who give witness will be diverse. The senior pastor will oversee this. This will be in place no later than January 2017.

8. Because disciples are formed and nurtured in prayer, Brighton First will increase participation in its prayer ministry.  Clergy, in partnership with the Prayer Team, will assess current prayer participation and develop and bring a proposal for prayer education and participation to the Administrative Board no later than January 2017 on specific actions and/or programs to accomplish this. Programming and practices that increase the prayer life of church members and the prayer ministry of the church will be in place no later than May 2017.

9. Brighton First will offer at least one support group (for example: grief group, caretaker group, divorce group) per year. The Adult Faith Formation Team, in consultation with clergy,  will seek to create support groups based on the needs/requests of community members. The support groups will be listed with other class and small group offerings.

10. A Congregational Care Team will be created by May 2017. The Team will consist of a minimum of five members. Team members will have the opportunity to grow as disciples as they expand the reach of spiritual care to congregation members and the community through one-on-one visits. A current model, such as Befrienders may be used or another model adopted. This will be lay led and overseen by the Senior Pastor.

11. Clergy, the Director of Discipleship, Children’s Ministries Director and Youth Ministries Director will coordinate curriculum annually. The Administrative Board will receive a curriculum report annually in May.

Sermon-based Small Groups at Brighton First

In April 2016 I wrote the blog article 'Brighton First Aims to be a Sticky Church'". I reviewed the book Sticky Church by Larry Osborne. Osborne, the pastor of North Coast Church near San Diego, California writes that churches must find ways to help people to "stick" with a faith community or they will simply walk through the front door and leave quietly through the back door.

The Adult Faith Formation Team at Brighton First has taken this observation seriously and is introducing a small group ministry this fall. The two major goals of the small group ministry are to help people to grow, first, as disciples of Jesus Christ and, second, in relationship with one another. When people feel they are known and cared for by a church, they are more likely to "stick" in that church.

The ministry that will start with four small groups, using the North Coast Church model of "Sermon-Based Small Groups". The small groups will use sermon discussion guides to dig deeper into the issues raised by weekly sermons.

The small groups are scheduled to begin in October. If you are interested in learning more about the small group ministry and, perhaps, facilitating or hosting a small group yourself, contact Bob Fuchs.

You can learn more about the classes and small groups offered at Brighton First at our website.

Sermon-based Small Groups at Brighton First

In April 2016 I wrote the blog article 'Brighton First Aims to be a Sticky Church'". I reviewed the book Sticky Church by Larry Osborne. Osborne, the pastor of North Coast Church near San Diego, California writes that churches must find ways to help people to "stick" with a faith community or they will simply walk through the front door and leave quietly through the back door.

The Adult Faith Formation Team at Brighton First has taken this observation seriously and is introducing a small group ministry this fall. The two major goals of the small group ministry are to help people to grow, first, as disciples of Jesus Christ and, second, in relationship with one another. When people feel they are known and cared for by a church, they are more likely to "stick" in that church.

The ministry that will start with four small groups, using the North Coast Church model of "Sermon-Based Small Groups". The small groups will use sermon discussion guides to dig deeper into the issues raised by weekly sermons.

The small groups are scheduled to begin in October. If you are interested in learning more about the small group ministry and, perhaps, facilitating or hosting a small group yourself, contact Bob Fuchs.

You can learn more about the classes and small groups offered at Brighton First at our website.

Discipleship Team Building Strong Foundation

Brighton First has been in the practice of offering adult classes for decades. Many have grown deeper in faith and stronger in discipleship through intentional Bible study, as well as book studies and discussion groups. Those who have been part of classes have gained knowledge and community. I celebrate the hundreds of adults who have been changed by classes at Brighton First.

However, our Vital Church Initiative Consultation made us aware that we have opportunities for adult faith formation, we have neglected to be intentional in strengthening discipleship of those who attend Brighton First. Our classes have been helpful, but have been chosen, not with a specific goal in mind, but based on the interest of participants and the teachers.

The team working on Intentional Discipleship has been charged with creating a strategic disciple-strengthening plan for our church. Karen Wagg, chairperson for the team and Bob Fuchs, director of discipleship, are working with a committed group of people to ask basic questions and develop a program.

Karen Wagg and Bob Fuchs meet regularly
to review adult discipleship resources.

In most United Methodist Churches, the first question that is asked in this type of planning is "What classes will we offer in the fall?" That's the quick and easy way to plan out an adult faith formation curriculum. This Brighton First Discipleship Team has chosen a more challenging process. They are starting with the BIG questions. What is a disciple? How do people become disciples of Jesus Christ and grow in understanding of faithful living? What type of support do exploring and new believers need? What challenges do maturing Christians need? What will work best for a diverse group of people, spiritual mentors, bible study classes or small groups?

The group is studying and seeking agreement to these basic questions. Once they are clear about their purpose and goals, they will plan and train for intentional discipling that lives out the church's vision, opportunities for growing in the faith for all people.

If you are curious about adult faith formation or you have the spiritual gifts of teaching, wisdom or faith, contact Bob Fuchs or Karen Wagg.

Discipleship Team Building Strong Foundation

Brighton First has been in the practice of offering adult classes for decades. Many have grown deeper in faith and stronger in discipleship through intentional Bible study, as well as book studies and discussion groups. Those who have been part of classes have gained knowledge and community. I celebrate the hundreds of adults who have been changed by classes at Brighton First.

However, our Vital Church Initiative Consultation made us aware that we have opportunities for adult faith formation, we have neglected to be intentional in strengthening discipleship of those who attend Brighton First. Our classes have been helpful, but have been chosen, not with a specific goal in mind, but based on the interest of participants and the teachers.

The team working on Intentional Discipleship has been charged with creating a strategic disciple-strengthening plan for our church. Karen Wagg, chairperson for the team and Bob Fuchs, director of discipleship, are working with a committed group of people to ask basic questions and develop a program.

Karen Wagg and Bob Fuchs meet regularly
to review adult discipleship resources.

In most United Methodist Churches, the first question that is asked in this type of planning is "What classes will we offer in the fall?" That's the quick and easy way to plan out an adult faith formation curriculum. This Brighton First Discipleship Team has chosen a more challenging process. They are starting with the BIG questions. What is a disciple? How do people become disciples of Jesus Christ and grow in understanding of faithful living? What type of support do exploring and new believers need? What challenges do maturing Christians need? What will work best for a diverse group of people, spiritual mentors, bible study classes or small groups?

The group is studying and seeking agreement to these basic questions. Once they are clear about their purpose and goals, they will plan and train for intentional discipling that lives out the church's vision, opportunities for growing in the faith for all people.

If you are curious about adult faith formation or you have the spiritual gifts of teaching, wisdom or faith, contact Bob Fuchs or Karen Wagg.

Bob Fuchs, Director of Discipleship, Offers Faith Development Update

As part of Brighton First’s Vital Church Initiative commitment, the Intentional Faith Development Task Force has agreed to develop an intentional plan that will, with the help of God, make disciples for Jesus Christ. Bob Fuchs, Brighton First’s Director of Discipleship, offers an update of their work:

The Intentional Faith Development Task Force and the Adult Faith Formation Committee  held a joint meeting on March 22.  They came together to accelerate the progress Brighton First is making in addressing our Vital Church Initiative prescription to improve our actions in discipleship/intentional faith development. 

We are using Membership to Discipleship – Growing Mature Disciples Who Make Disciples, by Phil Maynard, as our guide.  The goal is to have a consistent plan and process to take an active role in growing disciples of Jesus Christ. 

The initial questions we need to answer are:

•        What does a disciple of Jesus Christ look like?
•      What do we need to do to guide people along the path of discipleship? 

We know making disciples is about more than Bible studies and small groups. Tools for developing strong disciples include mentoring and coaching, and meeting people where they are.  Discipleship is about relationships, between each other and with Jesus Christ.

We celebrate the progress our church has made in the area of hospitality and the many things we do well, i.e. women’s and men’s groups, and know we have much more to do. We also celebrate Karen Wagg and her willingness to serve as the leader of this combined team. Her passion and commitment are contagious.

The team will establish specific goals and metrics to measure the effectiveness of our process.   September 1, 2016 is our “launch” date and we will have the framework in place before then.   In the short term, there will be small group studies available, life groups that are meeting and opportunities to mentor. 

Please keep this team in your prayers throughout the spring and summer.  

Bob Fuchs, Director of Discipleship, Offers Faith Development Update

As part of Brighton First’s Vital Church Initiative commitment, the Intentional Faith Development Task Force has agreed to develop an intentional plan that will, with the help of God, make disciples for Jesus Christ. Bob Fuchs, Brighton First’s Director of Discipleship, offers an update of their work:

The Intentional Faith Development Task Force and the Adult Faith Formation Committee  held a joint meeting on March 22.  They came together to accelerate the progress Brighton First is making in addressing our Vital Church Initiative prescription to improve our actions in discipleship/intentional faith development. 

We are using Membership to Discipleship – Growing Mature Disciples Who Make Disciples, by Phil Maynard, as our guide.  The goal is to have a consistent plan and process to take an active role in growing disciples of Jesus Christ. 

The initial questions we need to answer are:

•        What does a disciple of Jesus Christ look like?
•      What do we need to do to guide people along the path of discipleship? 

We know making disciples is about more than Bible studies and small groups. Tools for developing strong disciples include mentoring and coaching, and meeting people where they are.  Discipleship is about relationships, between each other and with Jesus Christ.

We celebrate the progress our church has made in the area of hospitality and the many things we do well, i.e. women’s and men’s groups, and know we have much more to do. We also celebrate Karen Wagg and her willingness to serve as the leader of this combined team. Her passion and commitment are contagious.

The team will establish specific goals and metrics to measure the effectiveness of our process.   September 1, 2016 is our “launch” date and we will have the framework in place before then.   In the short term, there will be small group studies available, life groups that are meeting and opportunities to mentor. 

Please keep this team in your prayers throughout the spring and summer.