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 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.

Aiming to Be a Sticky Church

Larry Osborne, author of Sticky Church, tells the story of his early days as the pastor of North Coast Church near San Diego, California. It was a congregation of 150 when he started at the church and he had dreams of growing the church, but five years later the church was still at the same level of worship attendance. Osborne was frustrated and surprised. New people were attending and becoming regulars at the church. Why wasn't the church growing?

It was at this point that Osborne and his team realized that while the "front door" to the church was open and ready, the "back door" to the church was also wide open. People were attending regularly, then less regularly, then quietly walking away. He decided that if the church was going to grow, North Coast Church would have to become a "sticky church", a place where people come to find and new church home and stay, becoming committed disciples.

The turn around came when the church did one specific thing: they formed sermon-based small groups that met weekly in the homes of congregation members. Each week, small group leaders are given a discussion guide based on that week's sermon and the groups meet.

Osborne found that when people were connected in community, not only did people grow in faith, but the church flourished. In the early 80's the church started to grow and has gone from 150 to 7,000 worshipers each weekend. Osborne writes that this did not happen because of a great marketing campaign or perfect worship/preaching every Sunday
, but because the church is committed to having 80% of the people who regularly attend worship at North Coast Church participating in small groups.

The sermon-based small group's two major goals are to connect people to the Bible and to other Christians. Osborne writes, "While it's true that a Lone Ranger can learn a lot through self-study, Lone Rangers are not exempt from 'need to know' and 'need to grow' moments. Yet when they are faced with one, their isolation guarantees that the only thing they'll know is what they already know. As for wise counsel, a warm hug, or a swift kick in the rear, those are rather hard to self-administer. If we don't already have those kinds of relationship in place, it's usually too late to pull them together once a 'need to know' or 'need to grow' crisis hits with full force."

"Small groups change everything." Osborne writes about the many ways small groups can change a church. They dispel the myth that a person with theological training or being on site at a church are necessary for spiritual growth. Small groups encourage spiritual practices, increase "come and see" evangelism and improve a pastor's preaching.

Brighton First's Discipleship Team is working to introduce both study classes and small groups to the congregation in the fall. If you are curious and, perhaps, feeling led to be in a small group or to lead one, please contact Bob Fuchs or myself. This is an exciting time for our church as we continue to know, love and serve God together.

Aiming to Be a Sticky Church

Larry Osborne, author of Sticky Church, tells the story of his early days as the pastor of North Coast Church near San Diego, California. It was a congregation of 150 when he started at the church and he had dreams of growing the church, but five years later the church was still at the same level of worship attendance. Osborne was frustrated and surprised. New people were attending and becoming regulars at the church. Why wasn't the church growing?

It was at this point that Osborne and his team realized that while the "front door" to the church was open and ready, the "back door" to the church was also wide open. People were attending regularly, then less regularly, then quietly walking away. He decided that if the church was going to grow, North Coast Church would have to become a "sticky church", a place where people come to find and new church home and stay, becoming committed disciples.

The turn around came when the church did one specific thing: they formed sermon-based small groups that met weekly in the homes of congregation members. Each week, small group leaders are given a discussion guide based on that week's sermon and the groups meet.

Osborne found that when people were connected in community, not only did people grow in faith, but the church flourished. In the early 80's the church started to grow and has gone from 150 to 7,000 worshipers each weekend. Osborne writes that this did not happen because of a great marketing campaign or perfect worship/preaching every Sunday
, but because the church is committed to having 80% of the people who regularly attend worship at North Coast Church participating in small groups.

The sermon-based small group's two major goals are to connect people to the Bible and to other Christians. Osborne writes, "While it's true that a Lone Ranger can learn a lot through self-study, Lone Rangers are not exempt from 'need to know' and 'need to grow' moments. Yet when they are faced with one, their isolation guarantees that the only thing they'll know is what they already know. As for wise counsel, a warm hug, or a swift kick in the rear, those are rather hard to self-administer. If we don't already have those kinds of relationship in place, it's usually too late to pull them together once a 'need to know' or 'need to grow' crisis hits with full force."

"Small groups change everything." Osborne writes about the many ways small groups can change a church. They dispel the myth that a person with theological training or being on site at a church are necessary for spiritual growth. Small groups encourage spiritual practices, increase "come and see" evangelism and improve a pastor's preaching.

Brighton First's Discipleship Team is working to introduce both study classes and small groups to the congregation in the fall. If you are curious and, perhaps, feeling led to be in a small group or to lead one, please contact Bob Fuchs or myself. This is an exciting time for our church as we continue to know, love and serve God together.