Closing Challenge

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Thessalonians 2:19

Discipleship is a productive ministry, yet few Christian workers actually participate. Gary DeLashmutt, pastor at Xenos Christian Fellowship, closes the Summer Institute with a call to discipleship and discussion on what holds people back. While church structure occasionally hinders discipleship, it is far more often obstacles in our personal lives. We know, however, that God can overcome all of those obstacles in we're willing to let Him. When we choose to participate in the ministry of discipleship, many rich rewards follow, both in this life and the next.

The Process of Choosing Disciples

Howard Hendricks

Luke 6

Looking at Luke 6, Hendricks details the example we see from Jesus Christ and his own disciples as our model for discipling others. Prayer is especially important in this process - since we are selecting people who have already been selected by God.

Coaching and Overseeing Home Group Leaders

John Cleary

Luke 6

When overseeing small group leaders, you want to start with establishing: 1) who are the people, 2) what is their focus, and 3) what role can you play in their lives. The main goal in coaching leaders is for them to get their focus on the right things so they can withstand and navigate the difficulties of ministry with faith and perseverance.

Building Leaders Through Mentoring

Waylon Moore

Isaiah 60:22

Waylon Moore describes avenues of mentoring and how to incorporate them in practical ways. Mentoring is a deliberate relationship of trust and the spurring on of another believer. Following Jesus' example in his private ministry is spiritual work everyone can do. This involves intercession, witnessing, nurturing, and discipling. Jesus modeled these things often and well. Following Jesus' example is the way we can experience duplication in our discipleship.\r\n

Making Disciples in the Context of Christian Community

Gene Getz

Romans 15:5-6

Making disciples requires living in Christian community. Three key aspects of Christian community include: 1) basing it on of the Word of God; 2) having vital relationships with one another and with God; and 3) being involved in dynamic witnessing. These things can be done anywhere and are essential to live out New Testament Christianity. We will not mature in Christ or help others mature in Christ without living in community.\r\n

Woman to Woman: Discipleship Issues for Women

Patrice McCormac

2 Timothy 2:2

What is it like discipling women? In this workshop, McCormac shares her personal stories of failure and success that she has experienced in mentoring a large variety of different women throughout the years. Ultimately, helping others grow with Christ so they may help others is fulfilling and exciting in spite of the challenges. Practical suggestions for navigating the process of discipleship are detailed.

The Difference between Shepherding and Discipleship

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Corinthians 1:27

There are two types of relationship ministries we find in scripture. The first is shepherding and the second is discipleship. Shepherding includes helping people with their growth, having unconditional expectations, and is ongoing. Discipleship is similar to shepherding but it is selective and has conditional expectations. It is through shepherding that you find the people in your church who are true disciples. Some of the signs that someone is ready to be discipled include: a desire to grown and serve; an honesty about the moral areas in their life that God is trying to change; willingness to submit to God's leadership in their life; a desire to serve and love others; and they are already taking active steps of faith.

Qualities of an Effective Discipler

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 2:3-12

Jim Leffel unpacks 1 Thessalonians 2 on the qualities of an effective discipler. In order to be effective we must have an enduring motivation, a focus on grace, share both our own lives and God's truth, relate with purpose, and be willing to call upon others to act.

World View Model of Discipleship

Gene Getz

1 Thessalonians 2:3-12

Gene Getz explains his World View Model of Discipleship and how to help a church grow. He begins by explaining his succession plan and how others will step in to take over when he retires. He also explains four key functions of a growing church and defines fellowship segmentation. The emphasis is on understanding where people are at and seeking to get them involved in community. Gene concludes by encouraging people to learn to think about life through a biblical lens.\r\n